Articles, guides and tutorials on how to use compost to maximum effect, whether it’s improving your grass, growing better veg or preventing disease.
At work last year, one of my colleagues decided to grow a tonne of chili plants. He promised to distribute some of these chilis amongst the rest of us. I’d requested Jalapenos, as this breed was missing from my own collection this year. When they came, the chili plants were poor specimens indeed. Each one […]
The Magic Of Worm Castings (And How to Use Them) Read More »
I sometimes buy compost in serious bulk. Last year, for example, a friend and I went halves on a pallet load of compost, which we got at cost price from a retailer who owed us a favor. That’s 36 bags of 50-liter John Innes compost, which is a lot of compost. I didn’t use it
How Long Does Compost Last? (Plus How To Make It Last Longer) Read More »
Some people rave about mushroom compost – and wax lyrical about its impact on their soil and plants. It’s true that mushroom compost can be good for your soil – but there are caveats. Ultimately, the impact of this compost depends on different factors. These include soil, the plants you are growing, and the quantity
Mushroom Compost: The Bad, The Good and The Beautiful Read More »
Walk into a garden center, and you’ll likely be greeted by a dizzying array of compost options. With so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for your needs. This guide simplifies the process by breaking down 12 common types of compost,
Types of Compost (Plus How to Choose the Right One) Read More »
Both gardening and composting are full of controversy. Compost tea is no different. You’ll find experts and scientists that believe compost tea makes no difference to plants – and could even be harmful. You’ll also find other experts that are convinced it can prevent disease and introduce beneficial microbes to your soil. Let’s take a
Compost Tea: What is it, how to use it and does it work? Read More »
After months or even years, your homemade compost is ready. It’s matured, darkened and gained a fresh earthy smell. Now it’s time to use it – and what a lot of uses there are for it! In fact, the many uses of compost all around the garden mean that even the keenest of gardeners usually
How to Use Compost For Maximum Effect Read More »
Have you ever bought live pot herbs from the store? Usually they look great, but after a week or two they start to die. I used to think that this was because they were forced. But then I read that supermarkets have to sterilise the soil before they place plants next to food. This lead
How to Rejuvenate Supermarket Pot Herbs With Compost Read More »
“The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt There was a time when scientists thought agriculture was simple. You added fertilisers, plants used the fertilisers to grow. But the more we study the soil, and the environment, the more we learn about the interconnection between soil, plants and food It’s a fascinating,
23 Benefits of Compost Backed by Science Read More »
There’s plenty of interest in organic compost – and plenty of shops selling it. But in my research for this article, I’ve found plenty of pitfalls too. The very definition of organic compost is questionable, and not all organic compost is good for the environment. Some gardeners assume that organic compost is also peat-free –
Organic Compost: Black Gold or Commercial Hype? Read More »