GARDENING TIPS
| COMPOSTING Composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden. Start a pile of grass clippings,leaves,and kitchen scraps(excluding meat by-products).It works best in alternating layers of "green" and "brown" material, 4-6 inches each. You can include any disease free plant material. Smaller pieces decompose faster, so if you can shred the ingredients they will become the rich black loam you are seeking sooner. I use a 3-bin system-one for material already decomposed and ready to use, one for material still decomposing, and one for adding new stuff.I fashioned mine from pallets, which are usually readily obtainable. They provide needed aeration and are about the right size --be sure to include a pallet on the bottom as well. Your pile should be kept slightly moist, not soggy, and it helps to turn it every few weeks .It can take 9-18 months to become rich compost depending on how active your pile is.I mix it into my planting beds at the beginning of each growing season. It not only will provide needed micro-nutrients , but also improves soil drainage/texture. You are doing what Mother Nature does naturally --your gardens will love it ! SOIL TESTING Soil fertility fluctuates throughout the growing season each year. The quantity and availability of mineral nutrients are altered by the addition of fertilizers, manure, compost, mulch, and lime or sulfur, in addition to leaching. Furthermore, a large quantity of mineral nutrients are removed from soils as a result of plant growth and development, and the harvesting of crops. A soil test will determine the current fertility status. It also provides the necessary information needed to maintain the optimum fertility year after year. The University of Connecticut will perform a soil test for about $10. |
HOUSEPLANTS
-Watering is a problem for many--most often overwatering.Most plants should
not be watered until the soil feels dry to the touch about 1/2 inch below the
surface.
-Watering is a problem for many--most often overwatering.Most plants should
not be watered until the soil feels dry to the touch about 1/2 inch below the
surface.
-Plants need less water in the winter.
-I always water until water comes out the bottom of the pot. This way you
are sure the entire root system is getting watered. I'll pass along a little trick.
For pots with saucers attached, I sit them in another plastic saucer (available
at most garden centers).This way if I get some overflow I won't damage any
furniture .I also will use saucer-less pots and place them on top of
upside-down clay pot saucers inside slightly larger plastic ones.In this fashion
the plant won't sit in standing water, which can severely damage or kill some
plants. The picture below may make this clearer.
-Fertilizing house plants with a balanced water soluble product is a must.
Some plants,like African violets, have different nutrient requirements and you
should use a product geared for them.I do not fertilize most plants from
Nov-March.
More tips will be here in the future-please check back periodically.
-I always water until water comes out the bottom of the pot. This way you
are sure the entire root system is getting watered. I'll pass along a little trick.
For pots with saucers attached, I sit them in another plastic saucer (available
at most garden centers).This way if I get some overflow I won't damage any
furniture .I also will use saucer-less pots and place them on top of
upside-down clay pot saucers inside slightly larger plastic ones.In this fashion
the plant won't sit in standing water, which can severely damage or kill some
plants. The picture below may make this clearer.
-Fertilizing house plants with a balanced water soluble product is a must.
Some plants,like African violets, have different nutrient requirements and you
should use a product geared for them.I do not fertilize most plants from
Nov-March.
More tips will be here in the future-please check back periodically.