Plants with large or quick-germinating seeds or that are difficult to transplant can be sown directly in the garden. Seeds sown directly into the garden may take longer to germinate than those planted indoors, but the resulting plants will be stronger. Start with a well-prepared bed that has been smoothly raked. The small furrows left … Read more
One of the most magical parts of gardening is starting plants from seed. To see a tiny, seemingly inert speck germinate and grow to a mature plant over the course of months or years is one of the most gratifying experiences in gardening. You can grow a much greater variety of plants or cultivars from … Read more
Planting ing, you is must the fun have part, some but plants. in order Many to do any gardeners plantconsider the trip to the local garden centre to choose their plants an important rite of spring. Others consider starting their own plants from seed one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. Both methods have … Read more
Worms, like every other living creature, have certain needs that must be met in order for them to remain healthy. • The best range of temperature for worm composting is 20-25° C (68-77° F). • Moisture is imperative for the worms in order for them to breathe through their skin, but too much moisture will … Read more
If you’re unable to compost outdoors for any reason, but particularly if you live in an apartment or condo, then worm composting is for you. It’s not as gross as it sounds, and it will allow you to compost all kitchen waste, rather than simply throwing it away. Worm composting, also known as vermicomposting, is … Read more
General Maintenance A good size for a compost pile is 1-1.2 m (3-4′) tall and wide. This size allows water and air to reach every part of the pile, and the pile will retain the heat necessary for breaking down the raw compost materials. Compost decomposes most quickly when there is a balance between dry … Read more
Dry, HighCarbon Materials Keep a supply of dry, high-carbon content materials, such as shredded leaves or chopped twigs and branches, near your compost bin to cover the fresh green layer. Some gardeners will collect leaves from their neighbours’ yards or pinch bags of leaves left for the garbage collectors to add to their leaf … Read more
Compost can be made in a pile, in a wooden box or in a purchased composter bin anytime, anywhere. It can be made above ground in boxes, barrels, piles, cages, garbage cans or mounded rows. It can be made below ground in pits, trenches and holes. It can also be made inside your house, on … Read more
Compost Basics Compost is used to add food web organisms to the soil and is also a food source for those organisms. When compost is made correctly, it will contain bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and often microarthropods. Compost can help add structure elements to,soil; it often contains substances such as clay, bits of wood and … Read more
Prepare your topsoil before you plant to avoid damaging roots later. Control any persistent weeds, remove rocks and other foreign matter, and consider adding a mulch over any exposed soil. Avoid working your topsoil in spring until it has thawed and dried out a bit. A handful of thawed soil should squeeze into a ball … Read more