Have you ever wondered whether you should remove mulch before adding compost to your garden beds? For best results, remove mulch from garden beds first, then evenly distribute the compost directly atop the soil before covering everything with a layer of mulch. Doing so will provide maximum nutrients to your garden plants while ensuring ongoing…
Unwanted bugs like aphids, fire ants, spider mites, squash bugs, and whiteflies can make a home in compost, overwintering during the cold months and proliferating come spring. Soapy water and diatomaceous earth can be used sparingly to stop these bugs and keep them from spreading. Over the years, I’ve seen lots of bugs in my…
When I was a young, relatively inexperienced gardener, I purchased all of my seedlings from local garden centers and home improvement stores. That was fine at first, but after a few years of doing that, I thought I’d give seed-starting a try since that’d save me lots of money over time. I made a lot…
Whether you’ve just started gardening or you’ve been growing plants for years, the more you understand the significance of both compost and fertilizer, the better your plants will benefit from each. It’s not enough to haphazardly try both throughout the year. For best results, you’ve got to know the when, where, and how of using…
Many years ago, I used to toss most things in the trash, but once I started composting, I loved watching my kitchen scraps and garden waste turn into nutrient-rich compost. I wasn’t just reducing the amount of waste my family sent to the landfill. I was also replenishing my soil each year, converting garbage into…
Ever find yourself peeling carrots or chopping up vegetables and wondering, “Can I just dig a hole in my garden and toss these scraps in?” If so, you’re not alone. Kitchen scraps and all other compostable items can be composted directly in the soil. This method, called “direct composting” or “trench composting,” involves digging a…
I love making my own compost since it’s a cheap, easy way to create nutrient-rich soil amendments for my garden. When I first started gardening, though, I wasn’t sure how to add it to my garden beds. Should I layer the compost atop the beds or mix it directly into the soil? For immediate improvement,…
Worms play a crucial role in the composting process, transforming organic waste into rich, fertile soil. When I transplant seedlings into my garden or remove old plants, I enjoy seeing little earthworms crawling around. They’re a sign that my soil is a happy place for them to live and work. Fortunately, I’ve never had to…
A few years back, I left my compost pile as is when winter weather arrived—no cover, no protection, nothing. As things got frigid outside, sleet began to fall, and soon my compost was under a blanket—not of warm, insulating straw, but of cold, freezing ice. Overnight, the compost pile turned into a frigid, ice-covered mass,…
Turning yard waste and kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil amendments is one of the easiest ways to improve your garden. And sometimes, when my compost pile appears a bit dry, I’ll add water to ensure things stay moist, which speeds up the composting process. But what about leftover soapy water, specifically the water you’ve got…