As a gardener, you likely end up with a surplus of tomato plants at the end of each growing season. While some choose to throw them in the trash, composting tomato plants is a great way to recycle nutrients and improve your soil health. However, there are some important factors to consider before tossing old … Read more
Mushroom compost is a dream ingredient for gardeners This dark, rich, organic material is the perfect soil amendment to help plants thrive But mushroom compost can be expensive to purchase in bags from garden centers. Luckily, there are ways to source free mushroom compost right in your local community. This guide will share tips on … Read more
Blood meal is an organic fertilizer made from dried, ground animal blood usually from cattle. It’s high in nitrogen making it a useful addition to garden soil in the spring to boost plant growth. But some gardeners have concerns about whether the strong smell of blood meal might attract unwanted critters and pets to the … Read more
Is Compost Acidic or Alkaline? Understanding Compost pH Gardeners know that monitoring soil pH is crucial for healthy plants But what about the pH of compost? Is compost acidic or alkaline? The reality is that compost pH is dynamic and goes through changes during the composting process Understanding the factors that affect compost pH can … Read more
Water-soluble fertilizers provide rapid nourishment that dissolves quickly in water, making them ideal for container plants, seedlings, and vegetables that need frequent feedings. While you can find both synthetic and organic options, organic water-soluble fertilizers offer an environmentally-friendly way to give your plants an extra boost without harsh chemicals When selecting the best organic water-soluble … Read more
Magnesium (Mg) is an important element for plant growth, but Minnesota doesn’t put much emphasis on using it in fertilizer programs. This lack of attention is understandable for most of the state; most Minnesota soils have enough magnesium to meet crop needs when they are managed correctly. If Mg is limited in the diet, animals … Read more
If you like coffee and want to get rid of your used coffee grounds in an eco-friendly way, our detailed guide has what you need. We’ll give you expert tips and techniques for getting rid of coffee grounds, including options for reusable filters. Say goodbye to wasteful habits and hello to sustainable and environmentally-friendly coffee … Read more
Stone fruits are so-called because they have a pit/stone that acts as a protective shell for their seeds. It is common to throw these pits away after eating them; they are not meant to be eaten plain. But did you know that there are many clever ways to reuse them? For example, you can use … Read more
As gardeners and farmers, we’re always looking for ways to naturally boost soil health and fertility. Two of the most readily available organic fertilizers are horse manure and cow manure. But which is better for your garden or fields – horse poop or cow dung? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of using each. … Read more
It’s beautiful how compost can turn organic matter that wouldn’t do anything else into plant food and garden soil improver. Almost any organic material, unless diseased or radioactive, can be added to the compost pile. There are a few restrictions, though, and even those may just need to be properly treated before being added … Read more