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 »
You know compost is good for the soil, but do you know why? Chances are you think it’s about nitrogen and nutrients. That’s correct – compost does slowly release nutrients. However, these nutrients often help in more indirect ways than you might think. One way compost does so is by helping soil structure via the
How Compost Improves Soil Structure Read More »
Until a couple of years ago, I didn’t even realise you could grow tomato plants from cuttings Then, at the local gardening club, one experienced gardener told me that he would always take cuttings off his tomato plants. As the old ones started to become less productive, he would replace them with new plants from
Overwintering Tomato Plants for Cuttings Read More »
One of the reasons many people are reluctant to compost is the concern about insect invasions, whether that is in a small kitchen compost bin or a larger outdoor bin. And as anyone who has ever had an outdoor picnic knows: where there is food, you will find ants. Ants come quickly to a food
How to Avoid Ants in Your Compost Bin 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 »
One of the primary excuses people give when it comes for not composting is the pesky pest known as the fruit fly. If you have ever experienced fruit flies in your kitchen, you know just how frustrating these tiny little insects can be. It is no wonder then that many people are opposed to kitchen
8 Easy Strategies to Keep Fruit Flies Away from Your Compost Bin Read More »
Have you ever bought live pot herbs from the store? Usually they look great, but after a week or two they start getting problems. First the plant droops, then the leaves turn yellow, and then the plant dies. I used to think that this was just because they were forced. But then I learnt that
How to Rejuvenate Supermarket Pot Herbs Read More »
My local council has a free compost scheme. The food and garden waste collected from households is turned into huge quantities of compost. A portion of this is taken to one collection point, and anyone can come and help themselves. When you arrive at the collection point, the compost is often still hot. Steam rises
5 Reasons to Let Your Compost Mature for Longer Read More »
Manure may smell, but as a source of fertility for your soil, it’s hard to beat. It’s also one of the best compost materials you can use. Despite that, there are problems with manure that you need to be aware of. You’ll also find that different animal manures have different properties, and need to be
Using Manure in Compost: How to Turn S**t Into Black Gold Read More »
If you think there’s only one or two types of composting, you might be in for a surprise. There’s actually dozens of ways you can turn organic waste into a soil amendment so valuable it’s called ‘black gold’. Each composting method has its pros and cons – and its fans and detractors! In reality, most
17 Composting Methods – Plus How to Choose the Best One For Your Garden and Your Needs Read More »