There are so many ways that our bodies are bombarded with pollutants every day. The air we breathe into our lungs and that is absorbed through our skin includes industrial air pollutants, automobile emissions, and household cleaning agents. The water we drink has trace chemicals in it from rain water, fertilizers and pesticides. And let's not forget to mention the chemicals we ingest on our foods. It's extremely difficult to combat the effects pollutants have on us...shall we live on a mountain top or in the middle of a rain forest? Instead, why not choose to increase your intake of antioxidants by growing and eating your own organic vegetables? In a study by Newcastle University in England, researchers found that "organic food has a higher nutritional value than ordinary produce" with "up to 40% more antioxidants in organic fruit and vegetables than in non-organic." Those antioxidants combat the effects of pollution, slowing aging and reducing risks of disease.
An effective and easy way to start an organic garden is by cutting out chemical fertilizers and replacing them with compost. Mix it into your soil as an enhancement and/or use it as a top mulch...it will provide nutrients for your plants and encourage earthworms to keep your soil healthy. I love our tumbling composter because it's so easy to use, keeps pests out because of it's tight seal, and keeps the heat in which helps the breakdown process work more quickly. You can see our full range of tumbling composters at www.BestComposters.com. You might also want to include some of our BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost to make the process really easy! You won't have to worry about getting the proper mix of nitrogen and carbon into your compost bin, or the odors that can be associated with an improper mix. 100% organic BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost will enhance the output of your compost bin in multiple ways, while keeping with your goal of going and growing organic.
Happy composting!
Showing posts with label gardens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gardens. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"Organic" Pesticides
The thing I noticed pretty quickly about gardening organically was the plant destroying pests: bugs, weeds and critters. I knew about beneficial insects, the ones that eat the plant destroyers, and how they could be purchased online, mail order, or sometimes from local nurseries. I also knew that hot peppers could be used in some fashion as well. And my organic farmer husband has long used a soap and water mixture to discourage infestations of insects. But an article in the weekend real estate guide from the Sunday, June 11th Denver Post went into glorious detail about organic pesticides, why they work and a recipe to make it. Also included were some tips for reducing the likelihood of infestations.
First, the recipe: 3 garlic bulbs, 12 hot chili peppers, 2 TBSP vegetable oil, 5 squirts liquid dish soap and 7 cups of water. Blend these together using an electric blender and then strain through muslin cloth, storing in a spray bottle. I made a batch, and have initially found it pretty effective. I also noticed that it smells bad, but dissipates quickly. I think the garlic also helps makes it fairly sticky on the plants and cuts off the air supply to most pests.
Next, to attract beneficial insects, we should keep our gardens dry and healthy. Wet plants are more susceptible to infestations and fungus. Keep your garden mulched (you can use organic compost...easy to do with a tumbling composter from BestComposters.com!)so as to prevent weed growth and retain moisture for the plant roots, then trim leaves so that they don't lay on the ground. Certain plants will attract beneficial insects, like carrots, celery, parsley, caraway, Queen Ann's Lace, tansy, yarrow, daisies, blackeyed susans, asters marigolds and goldenrod.
I haven't tried the last steps to protecting my garden yet in any quantity. I do have the first three vegies, but I'm interested in adding some of the flowers around them to see what impact they'll have. I surely wish I could get our Homeowner's Association to ok chickens. I'm told they are a powerful ally in the war against slugs (not to mention the delicious fresh eggs that they give), and I really need an ally for that war!
Happy Composting!
First, the recipe: 3 garlic bulbs, 12 hot chili peppers, 2 TBSP vegetable oil, 5 squirts liquid dish soap and 7 cups of water. Blend these together using an electric blender and then strain through muslin cloth, storing in a spray bottle. I made a batch, and have initially found it pretty effective. I also noticed that it smells bad, but dissipates quickly. I think the garlic also helps makes it fairly sticky on the plants and cuts off the air supply to most pests.
Next, to attract beneficial insects, we should keep our gardens dry and healthy. Wet plants are more susceptible to infestations and fungus. Keep your garden mulched (you can use organic compost...easy to do with a tumbling composter from BestComposters.com!)so as to prevent weed growth and retain moisture for the plant roots, then trim leaves so that they don't lay on the ground. Certain plants will attract beneficial insects, like carrots, celery, parsley, caraway, Queen Ann's Lace, tansy, yarrow, daisies, blackeyed susans, asters marigolds and goldenrod.
I haven't tried the last steps to protecting my garden yet in any quantity. I do have the first three vegies, but I'm interested in adding some of the flowers around them to see what impact they'll have. I surely wish I could get our Homeowner's Association to ok chickens. I'm told they are a powerful ally in the war against slugs (not to mention the delicious fresh eggs that they give), and I really need an ally for that war!
Happy Composting!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Compost for Roses
I've got a rose bush that I planted for the fragrance that it has. It's not blooming yet, but has numerous buds just about to spread their lovely scent throughout my garden. I read yesterday that this month is the time to feed roses with fertilizer OR mulch one inch thick with compost. Well, you know which I'll be doing! Our tumbling composter, along with BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost from www.BestComposters.com has made an abundant supply of rich organic compost, thank goodness. We've used it to revitalize older garden beds, plant new beds like the raised bed my husband built to my specs, and start the garbage can potatoes. Seems like there can never be too much compost ready for the gardens! So when it stops raining, out I go to feed that lovely rose bush with an inch of compost all the way around. Better plan to add more compost to that raised bed, as well. The straw/alfalfa mix has been decomposing and the vegetables in the bed are in need of more soil and compost to send those roots out into. Happy Composting!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Feel Good...Garden!
The news is rife with articles about gardening and I'm loving it! We have the Grow insert in our Denver Post weekly which overflows with information about plants and gardening, and there was the article about the woman who had survived WWII teaching school children about victory gardens, and then the school that dedicated a portion of their grounds for some third graders to grow a garden and learn about where food comes from. It's all the rage, I tell you! The reasons are varied, but one of the best reasons that gardening is popular is that it's just plain good for you.
Gardening provides physical exercise that helps prevent heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. It helps prevent osteoporosis if you're lifting water jugs, pushing a garden cart or turning compost.
When you're working in the garden you're most likely relieving stress and getting lots of fresh air. There's a connection to nature, and a brain boost as you plan your garden and research tools and plants.
Then there's the obvious: if you grow it, you'll eat it. Fresh vegetables and fruits improve your physical wellbeing. You can control the use of pesticides and fertilizers. You will notice how much better the food tastes when it's picked and consumed the same day, and need we talk about using fresh herbs to enhance the flavors of your meals? Think about how much sugar and salt you can cut back on when fresh herbs are used instead.
So get out there and dig in. Garden with your kids, or the neighbors, and build relationships through gardening. Don't forget to add organic compost in your garden for healthier, more productive plants, and a healthier you. Happy Composting!
Gardening provides physical exercise that helps prevent heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. It helps prevent osteoporosis if you're lifting water jugs, pushing a garden cart or turning compost.
When you're working in the garden you're most likely relieving stress and getting lots of fresh air. There's a connection to nature, and a brain boost as you plan your garden and research tools and plants.
Then there's the obvious: if you grow it, you'll eat it. Fresh vegetables and fruits improve your physical wellbeing. You can control the use of pesticides and fertilizers. You will notice how much better the food tastes when it's picked and consumed the same day, and need we talk about using fresh herbs to enhance the flavors of your meals? Think about how much sugar and salt you can cut back on when fresh herbs are used instead.
So get out there and dig in. Garden with your kids, or the neighbors, and build relationships through gardening. Don't forget to add organic compost in your garden for healthier, more productive plants, and a healthier you. Happy Composting!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Perennials and Annual Soil Amendment
I just read an article in the Grow insert of the Denver Post, May 23, 2010 about the “Generous, forgiving, beautiful” nature of Salvia. It reminded me of the reason why I had planted one in my backyard garden: Salvia is (like me) exceedingly thrifty. One reason it is considered thrifty is that many varieties will reseed themselves, so while you may pay $12 or more for a potted Salvia plant, you can very well expect that it will triple next year and be able to transplant these plants to other areas of your garden. Word to the wise: have some empty places in your garden to accommodate the new Salvia plants, or give them to friends and neighbors to beautify their gardens!
Another reason Salvia supply their monies worth is that they do transplant readily. An easy dig up and relocation in many instances will provide you with sustained blooms from May through October. They come in a wide variety of colors, including purples, blues, pinks and reds. Salvia is also a hardy plant, so they typically thrive at elevations up to 8,500 feet above sea level, as well as being drought tolerant.
So, reading about Salvia’s many attributes reminded me that I have been remiss in amending the soil in my perennial beds. I know that it’s important to turn soil over and mix in compost. But the Newport Plum bushes along the back fence with perennials in between make it difficult to turn the soil over; I am reluctant to disturb the perennials’ roots for fear of disturbing the bloom. But this year is the year of organic compost! We have an abundance of 100% organic black gold, after composting all winter long with kitchen scraps, fall leaves, shredded newspaper and BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost. The latter’s organic enzymes kept the compost heap at a heated average of about 145º F degrees all winter, so all the composting materials were broken down just right. This Spring we have plenty of soil amendment to spread around, thank goodness, since we’ve added a raised vegetable bed and two garbage can potato planters to our otherwise sizable garden.
Therefore, before it gets too hot out in my South facing backyard, I’m heading out to (gently) turn the soil around my perennials, including that lovely Salvia, and add a generous amount of homegrown organic compost, worked in and as mulch, to feed those perennials and bushes that add so much enjoyment to my backyard experience. Happy Composting!
Another reason Salvia supply their monies worth is that they do transplant readily. An easy dig up and relocation in many instances will provide you with sustained blooms from May through October. They come in a wide variety of colors, including purples, blues, pinks and reds. Salvia is also a hardy plant, so they typically thrive at elevations up to 8,500 feet above sea level, as well as being drought tolerant.
So, reading about Salvia’s many attributes reminded me that I have been remiss in amending the soil in my perennial beds. I know that it’s important to turn soil over and mix in compost. But the Newport Plum bushes along the back fence with perennials in between make it difficult to turn the soil over; I am reluctant to disturb the perennials’ roots for fear of disturbing the bloom. But this year is the year of organic compost! We have an abundance of 100% organic black gold, after composting all winter long with kitchen scraps, fall leaves, shredded newspaper and BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost. The latter’s organic enzymes kept the compost heap at a heated average of about 145º F degrees all winter, so all the composting materials were broken down just right. This Spring we have plenty of soil amendment to spread around, thank goodness, since we’ve added a raised vegetable bed and two garbage can potato planters to our otherwise sizable garden.
Therefore, before it gets too hot out in my South facing backyard, I’m heading out to (gently) turn the soil around my perennials, including that lovely Salvia, and add a generous amount of homegrown organic compost, worked in and as mulch, to feed those perennials and bushes that add so much enjoyment to my backyard experience. Happy Composting!
Monday, May 10, 2010
How to Plant a Vegetable Garden If You Never Have Before
Growing your own vegetables has regained it's popularity, as evidenced by seed packets virtually flying off shelves at our local stores. This renewed interest is not without merit, since your own garden can significantly cut your grocery expenses, help you eat healthier, is a stress reliver, and the food is just plain yummy! So how does one get started?
First step is to plan where you're going to set up your garden. The best spot is one that gets good morning sunshine. Ideally, you'll also want a spot that will be somewhat protected from the elements and allows for good runoff of excess water.
Next step is preparing the soil. Check the soil for it's pH level, which ideally should be 6.5. Your local hardware/garden center will have usually have test kits available, and from there it is a simple matter of following the directions. Adding home grown compost will provide your vegetables with the best nutrients available, without chemicals to muck things up.
Now that you know your soil will provide the proper nutrients, it's time to get your hands dirty! This is the first lesson that my dad taught me about gardening. Every spring we'd take our shovels and turn the soil over, digging down to about 12 inches. This allowed for the removal of weeds at the same time, since their roots will be loosened from their grip on the soil.
Finally, chosing what vegetables to grow will be somewhat dependent on what region of the country you live in. For beginners, I recommend seeking out a reputable garden center and getting advise and seedlings from them. We grew some vegetables from seed this year, and while it's more cost efficient to grow your vegies from seeds, it is labor intensive. You must ensure the proper amounts of light and water, and the right medium to plant in. So, beginner, have your garden center helper guide you in chosing healthy seedlings that will thrive in your area.
With good compost, planning and initial investment of time and the cost of seedlings, your garden should provide you with luscious fresh and nutritious vegetables with very little maintenance. It's awesome being able to stroll out into the yard and pick from your garden what you want to eat that day!
Happy Composting!
First step is to plan where you're going to set up your garden. The best spot is one that gets good morning sunshine. Ideally, you'll also want a spot that will be somewhat protected from the elements and allows for good runoff of excess water.
Next step is preparing the soil. Check the soil for it's pH level, which ideally should be 6.5. Your local hardware/garden center will have usually have test kits available, and from there it is a simple matter of following the directions. Adding home grown compost will provide your vegetables with the best nutrients available, without chemicals to muck things up.
Now that you know your soil will provide the proper nutrients, it's time to get your hands dirty! This is the first lesson that my dad taught me about gardening. Every spring we'd take our shovels and turn the soil over, digging down to about 12 inches. This allowed for the removal of weeds at the same time, since their roots will be loosened from their grip on the soil.
Finally, chosing what vegetables to grow will be somewhat dependent on what region of the country you live in. For beginners, I recommend seeking out a reputable garden center and getting advise and seedlings from them. We grew some vegetables from seed this year, and while it's more cost efficient to grow your vegies from seeds, it is labor intensive. You must ensure the proper amounts of light and water, and the right medium to plant in. So, beginner, have your garden center helper guide you in chosing healthy seedlings that will thrive in your area.
With good compost, planning and initial investment of time and the cost of seedlings, your garden should provide you with luscious fresh and nutritious vegetables with very little maintenance. It's awesome being able to stroll out into the yard and pick from your garden what you want to eat that day!
Happy Composting!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Facts on Waste
You may be astounded, like I was, to find that approximately 3 thousand TONS of garbage are added to our landfills each year! The EPA further estimates that almost a ton of waste is generated by each person in the US each year, and that 70% of that can be recycled and composted. That's a heck of a lot of what could be wonderful soil amendment that's instead getting added to the landfill each year!
I know that it's easier to throw it out than to compost it, but the benefits, to me, far outweigh the drawbacks. After all, nobody wants a landfill in their neighborhood; the smell, pests, the eye sore, decreasing property values, etc. And most of us these days are fairly good at conserving our water resources, but don't realize that about 3 gallons of water is used each time we run the garbage disposal to grind up kitchen waste. Instead of building better bigger landfills and wasting precious water, we could be making our own compost that will provide our gardens and lawn with a valuable boost of natural fertilizer. We can also be sharing this activity with the next generation, spending time with the children in our lives and teaching them how to better care for our world and ourselves.
Composting can be accomplished many different ways. My grandparents had a pile next to their garden that they added to each day. I don't remember them every turning it, so it may have taken quite a while to break down. A three sided apparatus can be put together with almost any materials: cinderblocks, old pallets, cyclone fencing, almost anything that you can build with can be used to build an area for compost. It just needs to allow for air circulation and a surface to keep things together. This method is inexpensive, but you'll need to put your back and arms into it, turning it over with a pitchfork or a compost 'tiller'. You'll almost most likely be dealing with pests...the kind that like decomposing food. Ick! Finally there are bins commericially available that can be sealed up pretty tight to keep pests out, but there would still be the issue of having to manually turn it at least once a week.
Or you can splurge a little and get yourself and your family a tumbling composter. www.BestComposters.com has a selection of the finest tumbling composters available anywhere. An easy turn of a handle and you’re providing your compost with the aeration that it needs to keep all those wonderful organisms happy and heated up. You'll be helping reduce the amount of trash added to landfills, reducing the water consumption and waste, and making some great soil amendment that will help your garden and lawn prosper! Come on in and order yours today!
I know that it's easier to throw it out than to compost it, but the benefits, to me, far outweigh the drawbacks. After all, nobody wants a landfill in their neighborhood; the smell, pests, the eye sore, decreasing property values, etc. And most of us these days are fairly good at conserving our water resources, but don't realize that about 3 gallons of water is used each time we run the garbage disposal to grind up kitchen waste. Instead of building better bigger landfills and wasting precious water, we could be making our own compost that will provide our gardens and lawn with a valuable boost of natural fertilizer. We can also be sharing this activity with the next generation, spending time with the children in our lives and teaching them how to better care for our world and ourselves.
Composting can be accomplished many different ways. My grandparents had a pile next to their garden that they added to each day. I don't remember them every turning it, so it may have taken quite a while to break down. A three sided apparatus can be put together with almost any materials: cinderblocks, old pallets, cyclone fencing, almost anything that you can build with can be used to build an area for compost. It just needs to allow for air circulation and a surface to keep things together. This method is inexpensive, but you'll need to put your back and arms into it, turning it over with a pitchfork or a compost 'tiller'. You'll almost most likely be dealing with pests...the kind that like decomposing food. Ick! Finally there are bins commericially available that can be sealed up pretty tight to keep pests out, but there would still be the issue of having to manually turn it at least once a week.
Or you can splurge a little and get yourself and your family a tumbling composter. www.BestComposters.com has a selection of the finest tumbling composters available anywhere. An easy turn of a handle and you’re providing your compost with the aeration that it needs to keep all those wonderful organisms happy and heated up. You'll be helping reduce the amount of trash added to landfills, reducing the water consumption and waste, and making some great soil amendment that will help your garden and lawn prosper! Come on in and order yours today!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
More Garden to Love
I am awfully glad that we have used our tumbling composter all winter long, as well as a static compost heap to which we've added BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost. What this means is that we have a great supply of garden ready 100% organic compost! We really need all the compost we've made because we are adding to our garden. Out in front of my house will be a garden bed that'll be 4' x 3', and then a larger raised bed in back that'll be 12' x 4' and 16" deep. And I almost forgot the Garbage Can for Potatoes that we'll need to fill as well. So I'm sure that we will use all of our compost just getting those two gardens and garbage can filled with top soil and compost.
Our tumbling composter made composting super easy with it's turn handle and sliding door for adding materials. I make sure that I cut up my kitchen scraps into one inch size pieces...the more sides that can start decomposing the faster the process will be. We add to our kitchen scraps the leaves that were gathered from last fall that we've stored, along with shredded cardboard, a handful of garden soil to add microorganisms and coffee that our local coffee shop has given to us. Giving the tumbler a turn every day or so keeps the air circulating and the microorganisms happy. We check to make sure that the moisture content inside the tumbler is ideal...a handful should feel like a squeezed out sponge...damp but not dripping.
Throughout the fall and winter, as we continued to add composting materials to our tumbler and static heap, I occasionally would wonder what we would do with all the compost that I knew we were making! It seemed like an enormous amount of materials. But as the BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost and microorganisms worked their magic, the materials turned into more compact, rich brown soil-like compost. And the compost itself isn't the only benefit: both my husband and I were pleased at the amount of water we were saving by not running the garbage disposal. We really saw a difference in our last water bill. But now that I think of all the garden that needs the rich nutrients that our compost will deliver, I'm doubly glad that we've made all that compost. I don't think we'll have any to spare for neighbors without composters or compost piles, but I have a feeling we'll have vegetables to share!
Happy Composting!
Our tumbling composter made composting super easy with it's turn handle and sliding door for adding materials. I make sure that I cut up my kitchen scraps into one inch size pieces...the more sides that can start decomposing the faster the process will be. We add to our kitchen scraps the leaves that were gathered from last fall that we've stored, along with shredded cardboard, a handful of garden soil to add microorganisms and coffee that our local coffee shop has given to us. Giving the tumbler a turn every day or so keeps the air circulating and the microorganisms happy. We check to make sure that the moisture content inside the tumbler is ideal...a handful should feel like a squeezed out sponge...damp but not dripping.
Throughout the fall and winter, as we continued to add composting materials to our tumbler and static heap, I occasionally would wonder what we would do with all the compost that I knew we were making! It seemed like an enormous amount of materials. But as the BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost and microorganisms worked their magic, the materials turned into more compact, rich brown soil-like compost. And the compost itself isn't the only benefit: both my husband and I were pleased at the amount of water we were saving by not running the garbage disposal. We really saw a difference in our last water bill. But now that I think of all the garden that needs the rich nutrients that our compost will deliver, I'm doubly glad that we've made all that compost. I don't think we'll have any to spare for neighbors without composters or compost piles, but I have a feeling we'll have vegetables to share!
Happy Composting!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Growing Potatoes in Containers
You may remember, or you may need to check back in the archives for a January blog of mine about growing potatoes in a garbage can. In that blog, I talked about how I loved the idea of growing my own potatoes without having to dedicate so much of my garden space to it. Growing potatoes in a garbage can solved the issue of space requirements, and also watering issues, since hubby is going to place the can under one of our hanging tomato plants that he's set up with a drip system! Clever, isn't he?
So I went out and got a new garbage can for my trash and am ready to drill air holes in the sides of the old garbage can (AFTER I clean it thorougly with BiOWiSH™ Bin Wash. That 100% organic cleaner will remove all the odors and odor causing bacteria from my old trash can so that I can start this grow with a nice clean can.) But then I read an article in my Friday, April 9, 2010 The Denver Post Grow insert called "Potato box yields scads of spuds" and it gave me pause. It seems that this fella, Greg Lutovsky, out of eastern Washington state has developed this 4 foot square spud box that can provide a really impressive yield of potatoes! Mr. Lutovsky lists five steps to succes in this process:
1. Select late-season potatoes. My hubby says this is vitally important because short-season potato varieties produce a limited amount of potatoes and then the plant dies off.
2. Plant in multiple layers; like lasagna, put in a layer of soil, a layer potatoes and additional side panels as the vines grow a foot above the soil level, making sure to leave at least 2/3 of the vine above the new layer of soil.
3. Wind a soaker hose through each successive layer of soil and taters so all layers of roots get even moisture.
4. Provide the potatoes with a medium of loose soil, like compost mixed with potting soil.
5. Don't overfertilize! He recommends a 5-10-10 fertilizer instead of a standard plant food. I think I'll stick to my organic compost that I make in our tumbling composter that our website offers, so that the potato plants will be continuously nourished by the compost.
This all sounds like simple, sound advice. And frankly, harvesting the vegies sounds like a walk in the park! The only trouble is that we'd already planned on a garden addition this spring, adding a raised garden in our backyard so that: a) we have more space to grow vegies and b) we have less lawn to mow (!). This addition will entail a trip to the hardware store for wood, funds for the wood, time planning out where exactly to put it in our yard and how to build it, laying down newspaper over the grass to keep it from growing into the planter and filling it with compost and soil. This is a large enough investment of time and money to have me putting the Potato Box on hold until next year. So if you're interested in growing your own potatoes with a limited amount of space and effort harvesting, and you like woodcrafting, Google "Build a Potato Box" or check out the diagram available on lifehacker.com.
So I went out and got a new garbage can for my trash and am ready to drill air holes in the sides of the old garbage can (AFTER I clean it thorougly with BiOWiSH™ Bin Wash. That 100% organic cleaner will remove all the odors and odor causing bacteria from my old trash can so that I can start this grow with a nice clean can.) But then I read an article in my Friday, April 9, 2010 The Denver Post Grow insert called "Potato box yields scads of spuds" and it gave me pause. It seems that this fella, Greg Lutovsky, out of eastern Washington state has developed this 4 foot square spud box that can provide a really impressive yield of potatoes! Mr. Lutovsky lists five steps to succes in this process:
1. Select late-season potatoes. My hubby says this is vitally important because short-season potato varieties produce a limited amount of potatoes and then the plant dies off.
2. Plant in multiple layers; like lasagna, put in a layer of soil, a layer potatoes and additional side panels as the vines grow a foot above the soil level, making sure to leave at least 2/3 of the vine above the new layer of soil.
3. Wind a soaker hose through each successive layer of soil and taters so all layers of roots get even moisture.
4. Provide the potatoes with a medium of loose soil, like compost mixed with potting soil.
5. Don't overfertilize! He recommends a 5-10-10 fertilizer instead of a standard plant food. I think I'll stick to my organic compost that I make in our tumbling composter that our website offers, so that the potato plants will be continuously nourished by the compost.
This all sounds like simple, sound advice. And frankly, harvesting the vegies sounds like a walk in the park! The only trouble is that we'd already planned on a garden addition this spring, adding a raised garden in our backyard so that: a) we have more space to grow vegies and b) we have less lawn to mow (!). This addition will entail a trip to the hardware store for wood, funds for the wood, time planning out where exactly to put it in our yard and how to build it, laying down newspaper over the grass to keep it from growing into the planter and filling it with compost and soil. This is a large enough investment of time and money to have me putting the Potato Box on hold until next year. So if you're interested in growing your own potatoes with a limited amount of space and effort harvesting, and you like woodcrafting, Google "Build a Potato Box" or check out the diagram available on lifehacker.com.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Getting Started
Gardening is a lesson in self-sufficiency that can begin in early childhood. I had always helped my dad with the Spring planting in our backyard garden. Even though it wasn't extensive, the care of plants helped me understand about nurturing. Dad taught me that if you are careful when the new life begins, and provide the necessary elements of water, sun and nutrient soil your efforts will pay off in beautiful blossoms all summer long. We also grew rhubarb, which I was in charge of harvesting by the time I had lost my first baby tooth. Mother would remove the leaves, wash it, and cut it into one inch pieces. I helped. Then she'd boil it for what seemed like hours until it had the consistency of a watery applesauce. Then the frozen chunk of strawberries would enter the pot, to be boiled down to reduce the liquid. When the sauce had thickened, it would come off the stovetop and I would be in charge of adding the sugar and mixing it in. Of course this also meant that I was the taste tester! Seems like we always had a container of rhubarb sauce in our refrigerator in the summer.
When my folks moved from their single family home to a townhome, my dad sorely missed his garden. He found out that there were plots available at a community garden in our area. He got himself a plot and began his experiment with growing vegetables seriously. I was at college by then and didn't help with the soil preparation or planting. I don't remember if he had seeds that he started inside, or store bought plants. But I do remember that he loved to spend time in his garden, watching over and nurturing the plants, visiting with fellow gardeners, and then harvesting the bounty. Neighbors all around benefited from his garden, since he'd planted way more than he and mom could consume. Mom was never that domestic, so there wasn't a thought given to preserving the crops. Just like his folks had, he and mom enjoyed gathering their fresh picked vegies and cooking them up the same day!
Community gardens are a great opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts, learn new techniques and get your gardening fix. The produce you grow can feed your family, and if you're not into preserving the excess, it often can be donated to local food banks to provide for those in need. Get some kids involved in your gardening. Help them learn about the soil, the elements required for growing plants, nurturing, how eating right can make you feel better, and different waysto care for others.
Happy Composting!
When my folks moved from their single family home to a townhome, my dad sorely missed his garden. He found out that there were plots available at a community garden in our area. He got himself a plot and began his experiment with growing vegetables seriously. I was at college by then and didn't help with the soil preparation or planting. I don't remember if he had seeds that he started inside, or store bought plants. But I do remember that he loved to spend time in his garden, watching over and nurturing the plants, visiting with fellow gardeners, and then harvesting the bounty. Neighbors all around benefited from his garden, since he'd planted way more than he and mom could consume. Mom was never that domestic, so there wasn't a thought given to preserving the crops. Just like his folks had, he and mom enjoyed gathering their fresh picked vegies and cooking them up the same day!
Community gardens are a great opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts, learn new techniques and get your gardening fix. The produce you grow can feed your family, and if you're not into preserving the excess, it often can be donated to local food banks to provide for those in need. Get some kids involved in your gardening. Help them learn about the soil, the elements required for growing plants, nurturing, how eating right can make you feel better, and different waysto care for others.
Happy Composting!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Experimenting in the Garden World
Here it is, the last day of March, and my seedlings experiment has been very successful! The newspaper 'pots' have held up without any degradation or structural problems, and the seedlings themselves are just so darn cute! I'm particularly fond of the lettuces. Raise your hand if you've ever purchased and eaten baby greens. That's kind of how I feel about the baby lettuces...yummy looking! The spinach are hanging in there as well, and I think that both are ready for regular dosing of BiOWiSH™ to determine what difference it will make on the growth of the plants. I've got five seedlings, so I'll start dosing two (one lettuce and one spinach) and leave the other three plants as my test group. I'll keep you posted on the changes and differences I see. I'll even post pictures!
It's always tempting at this time of year to jump the gun and start full scale planting outside. The weather here along the front range of the Rockies has been spectacular this week. Ok, ok, so we had a little snow last Wednesday. But this last weekend and up until today have been picturesque, so I've been thinking more and more about getting out into the garden. Last weekend I started digging a new area in front of the house along side the driveway. I plan a 3 x 3 foot garden there for zucchini. A neighbor had a front yard planting last year that I always thought so attractive when I'd drive by, that I decided to utilize some of that 'dead' space next to my drive for food! It's unconditioned soil, so I'm going to be adding in a good amount of 100% organic, home grown compost...I'll try to hold out until at least April 16th! Goodness knows we get our share of late frosts and spring snows.
Speaking of adding garden space, I've got a question for you woodworking hobbyists out there. I was planning an addition of a raised bed, maybe 4 or 5 x 3 foot in diameter and two to three feet tall. My husband fantasizes about using recycled plastic boards and specially designed and manufactured corner pieces to hold the walled sides together...to the tune of about $200-$400!! Me, I'm more of a "let's see what we have lying around in our garage that we can put together for our purposes" kinda gal. I know that compromise is important, so in that spirit of compromise, any of you have some ideas about how to put together a low cost, functioning raised garden? A free Six (6) month supply of BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost to the best designer of a low cost raised bed garden!
Happy Composting!
It's always tempting at this time of year to jump the gun and start full scale planting outside. The weather here along the front range of the Rockies has been spectacular this week. Ok, ok, so we had a little snow last Wednesday. But this last weekend and up until today have been picturesque, so I've been thinking more and more about getting out into the garden. Last weekend I started digging a new area in front of the house along side the driveway. I plan a 3 x 3 foot garden there for zucchini. A neighbor had a front yard planting last year that I always thought so attractive when I'd drive by, that I decided to utilize some of that 'dead' space next to my drive for food! It's unconditioned soil, so I'm going to be adding in a good amount of 100% organic, home grown compost...I'll try to hold out until at least April 16th! Goodness knows we get our share of late frosts and spring snows.
Speaking of adding garden space, I've got a question for you woodworking hobbyists out there. I was planning an addition of a raised bed, maybe 4 or 5 x 3 foot in diameter and two to three feet tall. My husband fantasizes about using recycled plastic boards and specially designed and manufactured corner pieces to hold the walled sides together...to the tune of about $200-$400!! Me, I'm more of a "let's see what we have lying around in our garage that we can put together for our purposes" kinda gal. I know that compromise is important, so in that spirit of compromise, any of you have some ideas about how to put together a low cost, functioning raised garden? A free Six (6) month supply of BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost to the best designer of a low cost raised bed garden!
Happy Composting!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Seedling Update, etc.
Our seeds went into my newspaper seedling pots on Monday, March 1st and have been in my kitchen garden window. As of today, Wednesday, March 10th, there are two seedlings sprouting out of the eight pots. Both are lettuces…no spinach sprouts yet. Hubby is worried. I’m more of an optimist, but will note that the first three nights the pots spent in the window, which does get cold at night. Not a whole lot of insulation between the floor of the window and the outside. In fact, I’ve insulated between the pots and the floor of the window to keep the temperature more even, and am taking the pots out of the window at night. Since we keep our house at a brisk 62 degrees at night, hubby recommended that they go in the oven overnight, which I thought was a good idea. So into the oven they go, at night (of course it’s off!) Will keep you posted as to progress. I’m ready, this weekend, to start my impatients.
I also wanted to comment on an article I read in March/April AARP magazine (oops, just gave away a hint as to my age!) The article is called “It Is Easy Being Green”, and talked about a global group of eco-minded organizations called Earth Day Network. This network is trying to encourage people worldwide to one billion Earth Day “acts of green” on April 22nd this year; something as simple as picking up litter to organizing cleanup crews for a polluted river. I’m going to see if hubby wants to participate by donating BiOWiSH-Aqua™ to the local Parks and Recreation Department. Since it is a completely organic and ecologically harmless method of maintaining proper pond chemistry, and since it would be FREE, I think they will be very interested!
I also wanted to comment on an article I read in March/April AARP magazine (oops, just gave away a hint as to my age!) The article is called “It Is Easy Being Green”, and talked about a global group of eco-minded organizations called Earth Day Network. This network is trying to encourage people worldwide to one billion Earth Day “acts of green” on April 22nd this year; something as simple as picking up litter to organizing cleanup crews for a polluted river. I’m going to see if hubby wants to participate by donating BiOWiSH-Aqua™ to the local Parks and Recreation Department. Since it is a completely organic and ecologically harmless method of maintaining proper pond chemistry, and since it would be FREE, I think they will be very interested!You can register your green act online at billionactsofgreen.net. The article also referenced a link for new tool kits that offer simple tips on going green. The link is createthegood.org/diy-toolkits.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Chickens in Urban Gardens
When I was young we used to get fresh eggs and bushels of apples right off the trees from a small farm in Ontario, Canada. I remember they always tasted so fabulous, and now that I'm grown, and I know how long produce can sit on shelves in storage areas or on trucks or railcars, I know exactly why the food straight from the farmer's doorstep tasted so much better. It made complete sense to me, then, when I read an article about a movement that's been formed here in Denver, Colorado to make getting and keeping a permit for livestock a whole lot easier. The article, called "Fowl lovers unite to streamline Denver chicken laws" by Joel Warner was in The Denver Post on Monday, Mar. 16 2009.
Right now it seems to be a somewhat expensive and time consuming process to get and keep a permit. But personally, I'm all for people being more responsible for their own consumption, so anything that makes that process easier is okay by me. I mean, look at the benefits:
· It's fast acting
· It's cost effective
· It's operative at low dosage rates
· It works in a wide range of operative conditions
· It has a long residual effective period
· It's all natural anti-microbial action – sanitizes as it works
· 100% organic
· and it's harmless to humans and the environment
Maybe I need to share the above with the Denver Community Planning and Development spokesman Julius Zsako. He expects a city council discussion "sometime in the near future".
I think the City Council needs to know about BiOWiSH-Odor™ so they can be relieved of worries on the point of odor issues. Just sayin'. By the way, the article in The Denver Post also expected the proposed changes to-
Right now it seems to be a somewhat expensive and time consuming process to get and keep a permit. But personally, I'm all for people being more responsible for their own consumption, so anything that makes that process easier is okay by me. I mean, look at the benefits:
- You know what you're eating, what's gone into it and what hasn't
- It's fresher
- Growing your own reduces transportation and storage costs and expenses
- It tastes better when you've worked for it
- A sense of accomplishment
- It should be less expensive
· It's fast acting
· It's cost effective
· It's operative at low dosage rates
· It works in a wide range of operative conditions
· It has a long residual effective period
· It's all natural anti-microbial action – sanitizes as it works
· 100% organic
· and it's harmless to humans and the environment
Maybe I need to share the above with the Denver Community Planning and Development spokesman Julius Zsako. He expects a city council discussion "sometime in the near future".
I think the City Council needs to know about BiOWiSH-Odor™ so they can be relieved of worries on the point of odor issues. Just sayin'. By the way, the article in The Denver Post also expected the proposed changes to-
"go through without much of a feathered fight. After all, the city council
voted last November to allow residents to keep beehives in their backyards
and officials seem to be similarly convivial to this proposal.
"I'm for anything that makes the process easier, as long as it's effective,"
says Denver Animal Care and Control's Kelley."
I'd be curious to know just how many people in Denver would really be interested and inclined to have chickens in their urban gardens. I wonder if anybody has studied that? I know I'd like to have some chickens in my garden. They don’t have to take up much room, and oh, for fresh eggs once again!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Calling Out for Recipes
I’ve been here blogging for 53 days and, so far, I have no fans. Does that mean that no body even reads these? I’m thinking maybe not, maybe it doesn’t mean that because last night I was reading a blog written by a woman who quit her 9 to 5 job and moved to a small farm in northern Michigan. I guess I didn’t have to become a fan to read her blog. So maybe there are folks out there who read this. If so, and you have a recipe to share, I hope you’ll let me know. I must say that I’d be thrilled to get ANY recipe, but I am particularly calling out for recipes that will include fresh veggies that I plan to grow in my garden. Even more particularly, but not exclusively, recipes for GREENS.
The reason I bring this up now, when it's still only mid-February and there's still snow on the ground is that I was at Home Depot yesterday perusing the seed packets. Red Swiss Chard caught my eye, partly because the leaves remind me of beet greens, which I love, love, love! But I’ve never cooked Swiss chard before. (Call me backward, if you must!) In my defense, since I’m probably the only one who will put up defense, I know it’s healthy as all get out. Heck, back in the day, I used to juice chard leaves with carrots and apple, sometimes with wheat grass thrown in for added enzyme, free radical kickin’ punch. Few things in life beat the antioxidant rush of freshly juiced veggies! Especially those grown organically, eh?
So I know I can use chard leaves in a juicer, but I would have to redesign my garden for that program big time. Plus, the seed packet of interest indicated that, at least in this variety, the stalks were prized as much as the leaves. What to do with the stalks? For the leaves, I like to steam them until they wilt, then give them a nice, ice cold bath. Chop them up and sauté them in a little olive oil with chopped onion and garlic, add a little salt and pepper and a tsp of bacon drippings for flavor. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend together and it’s ready to eat! Yum!
If you’re out there, reading but not becoming a fan, and would like to share a recipe or two for healthy (I know I forgot to specify healthy before) vegetables, please feel free! I’d love to hear from you!
The reason I bring this up now, when it's still only mid-February and there's still snow on the ground is that I was at Home Depot yesterday perusing the seed packets. Red Swiss Chard caught my eye, partly because the leaves remind me of beet greens, which I love, love, love! But I’ve never cooked Swiss chard before. (Call me backward, if you must!) In my defense, since I’m probably the only one who will put up defense, I know it’s healthy as all get out. Heck, back in the day, I used to juice chard leaves with carrots and apple, sometimes with wheat grass thrown in for added enzyme, free radical kickin’ punch. Few things in life beat the antioxidant rush of freshly juiced veggies! Especially those grown organically, eh?
So I know I can use chard leaves in a juicer, but I would have to redesign my garden for that program big time. Plus, the seed packet of interest indicated that, at least in this variety, the stalks were prized as much as the leaves. What to do with the stalks? For the leaves, I like to steam them until they wilt, then give them a nice, ice cold bath. Chop them up and sauté them in a little olive oil with chopped onion and garlic, add a little salt and pepper and a tsp of bacon drippings for flavor. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend together and it’s ready to eat! Yum!
If you’re out there, reading but not becoming a fan, and would like to share a recipe or two for healthy (I know I forgot to specify healthy before) vegetables, please feel free! I’d love to hear from you!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
How to Build a Backyard Pond
We all know how relaxing it is to listen to the trickle of water, to watch fish swim lazily in an aquarium or pond. Backyard ponds also have the benefit of taking up space that might otherwise be taken up by lawn, and lawns are notorious water users. As we all move to more sustainable living, backyard ponds have increased in popularity. They provide habitat and reduce water usage in a yard.
However, there is the big headache that ponds come with - blue algae. It can quickly suck all the enjoyment out of having a backyard pond when you find yourself researching algae removal products, finding a supplier, mixing and adding, and adding some more. Well, I have five very important words for you...BiOWiSH™ Pond and Tank Conditioner. This is the most powerful Microbial Enzyme technology available anywhere, and it will rapidly remove organic contaminants from your water. These contaminants are converted to their final elements, which are off-gassed as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. In the process your water is kept clean, free of nutrients and algae and in good chemical balance just as nature intended. You'll want to order a packet along with the backyard pond building materials you'll be using so that you're all set to go. Then follow the easy steps below for a lovely water feature of your own.
How to Build a Backyard Pond Courtesy of Sutherlands Lumber
Step 1 - Locate
To determine the location of your new pond, keep in mind the layout of your yard and the type of plants that you wish to use. Place a preformed pond liner in the predetermined location, stand inside it and outline the shape on the ground with a shovel. If you will be using the sheet-style of pond liner, use a garden hose to outline the shape you’ve chosen.
Step 2 - Excavate
Dig a hole just a little larger and deeper than the pond.
Step 3 - Backfill
Bed the hole with a layer of compacted sand, place the preformed plastic pond or sheet liner in and level it. Using loose dirt or sand, fill in around it. Stop when perimeter is half full.
Step 4 - Fill With Water
Alternately fill the pond with water and backfill perimeter with dirt or loose sand a little at a time so that both the pond and the hole are completely filled and these steps are finished concurrently. If you are using chlorinated water, wait 24 to 48 hours before placing plants or fish into the pond. Place stones or paving bricks naturally around the perimeter to cover the edge.
Step 5 - Now Enjoy!
By installing two or more ponds adjoining each other, you can create a small water park or borders for a bridge. Washed, decorative stones may be placed on the bottom of the pond. Dirt and sediment that fall in will be less noticeable. Sutherlands also carry water runs to make installing a custom waterfall easy. Aquatic lighting will enhance your pond at night.
Some flowers that do well in the moist soil around your pond are Marigolds, Irises, Forget-me-nots and mint. This last you might want to consider planting in containers as they are famous for spreading! Choices of plants for in the pond are numerous, including a prolific variety of lilies. Some plants are restricted in certain states, so be sure to check before ordering.
Fish are a nice addition to your pond, but beware of critters that eat them! You may want to go with inexpensive, hardy goldfish rather than expensive koi. You’ll be less concerned that way if you look out a window one day, wondering where your fish are going, and you see a heron standing next to your pond with a fish in it’s beak. There are decoy herons available online that may discourage live herons from eating your fish, as they are very territorial birds.
However, there is the big headache that ponds come with - blue algae. It can quickly suck all the enjoyment out of having a backyard pond when you find yourself researching algae removal products, finding a supplier, mixing and adding, and adding some more. Well, I have five very important words for you...BiOWiSH™ Pond and Tank Conditioner. This is the most powerful Microbial Enzyme technology available anywhere, and it will rapidly remove organic contaminants from your water. These contaminants are converted to their final elements, which are off-gassed as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. In the process your water is kept clean, free of nutrients and algae and in good chemical balance just as nature intended. You'll want to order a packet along with the backyard pond building materials you'll be using so that you're all set to go. Then follow the easy steps below for a lovely water feature of your own.
How to Build a Backyard Pond Courtesy of Sutherlands Lumber
Step 1 - Locate
To determine the location of your new pond, keep in mind the layout of your yard and the type of plants that you wish to use. Place a preformed pond liner in the predetermined location, stand inside it and outline the shape on the ground with a shovel. If you will be using the sheet-style of pond liner, use a garden hose to outline the shape you’ve chosen.
Step 2 - Excavate
Dig a hole just a little larger and deeper than the pond.
Step 3 - Backfill
Bed the hole with a layer of compacted sand, place the preformed plastic pond or sheet liner in and level it. Using loose dirt or sand, fill in around it. Stop when perimeter is half full.
Step 4 - Fill With Water
Alternately fill the pond with water and backfill perimeter with dirt or loose sand a little at a time so that both the pond and the hole are completely filled and these steps are finished concurrently. If you are using chlorinated water, wait 24 to 48 hours before placing plants or fish into the pond. Place stones or paving bricks naturally around the perimeter to cover the edge.
Step 5 - Now Enjoy!
By installing two or more ponds adjoining each other, you can create a small water park or borders for a bridge. Washed, decorative stones may be placed on the bottom of the pond. Dirt and sediment that fall in will be less noticeable. Sutherlands also carry water runs to make installing a custom waterfall easy. Aquatic lighting will enhance your pond at night.
Some flowers that do well in the moist soil around your pond are Marigolds, Irises, Forget-me-nots and mint. This last you might want to consider planting in containers as they are famous for spreading! Choices of plants for in the pond are numerous, including a prolific variety of lilies. Some plants are restricted in certain states, so be sure to check before ordering.
Fish are a nice addition to your pond, but beware of critters that eat them! You may want to go with inexpensive, hardy goldfish rather than expensive koi. You’ll be less concerned that way if you look out a window one day, wondering where your fish are going, and you see a heron standing next to your pond with a fish in it’s beak. There are decoy herons available online that may discourage live herons from eating your fish, as they are very territorial birds.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Have You Heard About Green Roofs?
There was a program, I think on The Discovery Channel (should've written it down, but didn't think of it at the time - obviously!) about two months ago about the concept of greening up roof tops. Some countries in Europe even mandate new buildings have green roofs! This program was filmed in an urban setting, with lots of apartment and office buildings that had flat, tar paper roofs at one time. Many of these roofs had been turned into gardens at the edge of the sky, with a variety of plantlife from mosses to wildflowers, and almost anything in between. The program made some very strong points in favor of this type of gardening because of it's impact on the environment:
Rain is absorbed into and by the plantlife and medium, to be released slowly through evaporation (an additional cooling factor). This reduces the chances of flooding in heaving rain. Additionally, the photosynthesis of the plant life removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere! Imagine if green roofs were required in the U.S.! What an impact it could make on our carbon footprint!
Green roofs also provide insulation to the room(s) below them, keeping it/them cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold. Clearly the insulating nature of green roofs will reduce energy consumption and thereby save on the costs of heating and cooling.
So now I bet, if you have any flat surfaces exposed to the outdoors, whether roof, deck, shed or outbuilding, you're probably thinking that having one of your own is a good idea! If you like the idea of having a green roof and have a large area to work on, you'll want to enlist the help of a structural engineer, and/or a company that makes living roofs. Smaller areas can most likely be tackled on your own. You'll need to keep in mind the structural frame of your roof before deciding on the type of green roof for you. You don't want a lot of heavy garden up there if your roof won't support it!
With that in mind, you should know that there are basically two types of green roofs:
- reducing temperature of the city
- weather protection for the roof
- reducing energy costs
- potential flood reduction
- providing habitat for wildlife - birds, butterflies and bugs
- cleaner air
- providing food
Rain is absorbed into and by the plantlife and medium, to be released slowly through evaporation (an additional cooling factor). This reduces the chances of flooding in heaving rain. Additionally, the photosynthesis of the plant life removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere! Imagine if green roofs were required in the U.S.! What an impact it could make on our carbon footprint!
Green roofs also provide insulation to the room(s) below them, keeping it/them cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold. Clearly the insulating nature of green roofs will reduce energy consumption and thereby save on the costs of heating and cooling.
So now I bet, if you have any flat surfaces exposed to the outdoors, whether roof, deck, shed or outbuilding, you're probably thinking that having one of your own is a good idea! If you like the idea of having a green roof and have a large area to work on, you'll want to enlist the help of a structural engineer, and/or a company that makes living roofs. Smaller areas can most likely be tackled on your own. You'll need to keep in mind the structural frame of your roof before deciding on the type of green roof for you. You don't want a lot of heavy garden up there if your roof won't support it!
With that in mind, you should know that there are basically two types of green roofs:
- A shallowly planted roof (for smaller areas)
- A more deeply planted roof (for larger areas)
Shallowly planted roofs can be planted with lichens, mosses, small alpines, grasses. For deeper planting areas, you might consider wildflowers and some shallow rooted vegetables (or potted, like those fab garbage can potatoes!!) Biodiversity is the idea, to provide more available habitat for the fauna.
Plant in early spring or early fall or you may find that hot weather may defeat your efforts. Use high quality 100% organic compost to provide a perfect blend of nutrients to your plants. Choose the right mix of plants (with suggestions from your friendly neighborhood nursery or college horticulture organization) and your garden will be low maintenance, requiring just a little weeding and deadheading to keep your garden looking great!
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