Nuturing your soil by adding organic matter is the number one foundation of gardening the organic way. Adding organic nutrients to the soil simulates what happens naturally. One of the best ways to provide organic nutrients to the soil is by adding mature compost.
This critical step to growing food organically by maintaining a supply of nutrients ready for your plants to take up as they need them is easy to do with a tumbling composter. Just add your organic kitchen scraps, yard refuse and BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost to your tumbling composter, give it a turn or two and plan where you'll be using the wonderful, rich compost that will result. Using organic compost, your plants will grow healthy and vigorously, which helps prevent attacks of pest and disease. You will also enjoy larger yields and quicker growing times.
Some of the other benefits from nurturing your soil with organic compost include:
1. It will improve the ability of your soil to retain moisture
2. Compost releases nutrients evenly and slowly
3. Your soil's microbiological activity will increase
4. Improved conditions and structure of your soil will mean a better environment for earthworms and healthy micro-organisms
5. It helps dispose of your organic waste
6. It reduces the loads on landfills
7. Composting will also reduce your water consumption
A tumbling composter will provide you with the above benefits and a continual supply of organic compost with which you can nurture your soil and plants. It's easy, healthful and cost effective, too. Stop by www.BestComposters.com and pick out a composter that will fit your budget and your gardening needs! Happy Composting!
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Sunday, September 12, 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, 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 145ยบ 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 145ยบ 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!
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!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Seedling Update Deux
This is week three of the trial - changing how we made the seedling pots from the suggested method on the video (see blog dated February 28th "Making Seedling Pots from Newspaper", and wanting to see if and how well they might hold up after being filled with potting soil (yes! Potting soil!) and compost.
We also want to test out using potting soil instead of a medium made specifically for starting seeds. In the Denver Post article, SEEDS in the Saturday, March 13, 2010 edition of Inside & Out, author Susan Clotfelter insists that seeds need to be started in 'soiless seed-starting medium' or they will experience 'seedling flop'. This is otherwise known as dampening off, which causes the seedlings to fail after sprouting due to fungus in the soil. We're going to try very low dose applications of BiOWiSH™ Aqua as an 100% natural, organic and safe anti-fungal to test whether that will prevent 'seedling flop' in our seeds started in potting soild and compost.
There are now four out of four lettuce seeds that have sprouted, and two of the four spinach seeds. The pots seem to be holding up just fine, and I was outside today in the glorious Colorado afternoon sun mixing in our home grown, 100% organic compost into our garden soil to prepare for planting. We're especially excited this year to see how utilizing BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost in our compost effects plant growth. I'd recommend that you check out BiOWiSH™ Technologies website and read about studies they've been doing on how their products can boost production! Anyway, I do want to complete the experiment with the pots a full six to eight weeks, though, so I'll save transplanting the seedlings until at least the first week of April...maybe longer, unless I can plan on covering up those baby plants when frost or late snow threatens. Meanwhile, we have seedlings started and seeds for outside ready to sow.
Happy Composting!
We also want to test out using potting soil instead of a medium made specifically for starting seeds. In the Denver Post article, SEEDS in the Saturday, March 13, 2010 edition of Inside & Out, author Susan Clotfelter insists that seeds need to be started in 'soiless seed-starting medium' or they will experience 'seedling flop'. This is otherwise known as dampening off, which causes the seedlings to fail after sprouting due to fungus in the soil. We're going to try very low dose applications of BiOWiSH™ Aqua as an 100% natural, organic and safe anti-fungal to test whether that will prevent 'seedling flop' in our seeds started in potting soild and compost.
There are now four out of four lettuce seeds that have sprouted, and two of the four spinach seeds. The pots seem to be holding up just fine, and I was outside today in the glorious Colorado afternoon sun mixing in our home grown, 100% organic compost into our garden soil to prepare for planting. We're especially excited this year to see how utilizing BiOWiSH™ Compost Boost in our compost effects plant growth. I'd recommend that you check out BiOWiSH™ Technologies website and read about studies they've been doing on how their products can boost production! Anyway, I do want to complete the experiment with the pots a full six to eight weeks, though, so I'll save transplanting the seedlings until at least the first week of April...maybe longer, unless I can plan on covering up those baby plants when frost or late snow threatens. Meanwhile, we have seedlings started and seeds for outside ready to sow.
Happy Composting!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
We Made Seedling Starter Pots from Newspaper
You may remember (that is, if there are actually, factually people out there reading this) reading my blog of Jan. 6th that included a link to a video about making starter pots out of newspaper. If you've tried this, you no doubt have made some adjustments to the procedure. We made our first pots last night, and here's how we changed the process:
1. I thought that using a whole sheet of newspaper was too much...too much newspaper, more difficult to fold into the glass, plus I hoped that using less might make it easier to break down in the soil so that we could just plant the seedling pot and all instead of removing it from the pot. I like to jostle the seedlings as little as possible! So I started with half a sheet of newspaper.
2. Then I was folding it into thirds (again, less newspaper on the sides, bottom) rather than half and then half again, so that I could have a little taller pot to start out with. I can also, then, have a little more length at the bottom so that I'm sure to completely cover the bottom and not have soil drop out.
3. I folded the top over a little, like 1/2 an inch or so, thinking that it will hold it all together a little better.
4. Finally, I used a jar to roll the newspaper up with because I don't have a straight sided drinking glass and didn't want to go buy one. I also used a slightly smaller jar to mash down into the pot to flatten the bottom better.
5. Into the soil that we fill each pot with, we'll be mixing in our home made compost so that we really give our seeds a great medium to start in. I'm also planning on using a very low dose of BiOWiSH-Aqua™ on a control group of seedlings once they sprout to see what difference it will make on their rate of growth and production. The BiOWiSH Technologies folks have done a study on hydroponically grown lettuce and BiOWiSH-Aqua™ with great results.
6. I know they recommended, in the video, removing the pot before planting. Hubby says the pots will break down "in no time". I'm alittle worried about stunting the growth by making it more difficult for the roots to spread out into the garden soil. I'm thinking that putting slits into the newspaper every 1/2 inch or so will reduce the effort that the roots have to go through to break out of their pots. We may have a control group for this, as well.
We're ready with our pots, and the trays that they'll set in. Hubby is online right now ordering our seeds. I'm even going to start my impatients from seed. I never have before, but he has, so I'm willing to give it the college try. I figure I'll save about $50 on the impatients alone. I hope it works, because my front yard, raised bed for impatients next to my porch are a highlight of my summer!
We have a garden window in our kitchen made for plants. It has traditionally housed only succulents and cacti, because it faces south and I have had a challenge keeping greenery watered enough. With hubby's help and extra care, we've added a potted oregano plant that has been doing just fine. Into this window, we'll be putting 4 trays of starter pots (28 pots in each tray). Another 4 trays (containing the same number of pots) will go under a grow light in the garage. Wish us luck. I have my mouth all set for those vegies!
Happy Composting!
1. I thought that using a whole sheet of newspaper was too much...too much newspaper, more difficult to fold into the glass, plus I hoped that using less might make it easier to break down in the soil so that we could just plant the seedling pot and all instead of removing it from the pot. I like to jostle the seedlings as little as possible! So I started with half a sheet of newspaper.
2. Then I was folding it into thirds (again, less newspaper on the sides, bottom) rather than half and then half again, so that I could have a little taller pot to start out with. I can also, then, have a little more length at the bottom so that I'm sure to completely cover the bottom and not have soil drop out.
3. I folded the top over a little, like 1/2 an inch or so, thinking that it will hold it all together a little better.
4. Finally, I used a jar to roll the newspaper up with because I don't have a straight sided drinking glass and didn't want to go buy one. I also used a slightly smaller jar to mash down into the pot to flatten the bottom better.
5. Into the soil that we fill each pot with, we'll be mixing in our home made compost so that we really give our seeds a great medium to start in. I'm also planning on using a very low dose of BiOWiSH-Aqua™ on a control group of seedlings once they sprout to see what difference it will make on their rate of growth and production. The BiOWiSH Technologies folks have done a study on hydroponically grown lettuce and BiOWiSH-Aqua™ with great results.
6. I know they recommended, in the video, removing the pot before planting. Hubby says the pots will break down "in no time". I'm alittle worried about stunting the growth by making it more difficult for the roots to spread out into the garden soil. I'm thinking that putting slits into the newspaper every 1/2 inch or so will reduce the effort that the roots have to go through to break out of their pots. We may have a control group for this, as well.
We're ready with our pots, and the trays that they'll set in. Hubby is online right now ordering our seeds. I'm even going to start my impatients from seed. I never have before, but he has, so I'm willing to give it the college try. I figure I'll save about $50 on the impatients alone. I hope it works, because my front yard, raised bed for impatients next to my porch are a highlight of my summer!
We have a garden window in our kitchen made for plants. It has traditionally housed only succulents and cacti, because it faces south and I have had a challenge keeping greenery watered enough. With hubby's help and extra care, we've added a potted oregano plant that has been doing just fine. Into this window, we'll be putting 4 trays of starter pots (28 pots in each tray). Another 4 trays (containing the same number of pots) will go under a grow light in the garage. Wish us luck. I have my mouth all set for those vegies!
Happy Composting!
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.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pond & Fountain Deux
When first using BiOWiSH Pond & Tank Conditioner to clean out the algae in your backyard pond, fountain, or indoor fish tanks, you'll be amazed at the way it cleans out the goo!
The first application will bring the biology of the water back to life. This can cause short-term darkening of the water as the bottom sludge gains buoyancy. This is all part of the accelerated decomposition process. Over the course of 1-2 weeks, you'll see the water becoming progressively clearer, as blue green algal growth is removed and sludge or waste accumulation is eliminated.
This product is completely safe to use around, and even beneficial to humans, animals and plants. BiOWiSH Pond & Tank Conditioner is used in many, many commercial applications where it is directly applied to animal's drinking water, aquaculture production water, crops, hydroponics waters and general water treatment. The product is 100% organic and non-toxic. You can check out a video of this treatment by clicking this YouTube link.
In this age of global warming and with the concerns we all share for our Mother Earth, you won't find another effective natural way to clean your water features like BiOWiSH Pond & Tank Conditioner. This is the positive and beneficial choice to make!
The first application will bring the biology of the water back to life. This can cause short-term darkening of the water as the bottom sludge gains buoyancy. This is all part of the accelerated decomposition process. Over the course of 1-2 weeks, you'll see the water becoming progressively clearer, as blue green algal growth is removed and sludge or waste accumulation is eliminated.
This product is completely safe to use around, and even beneficial to humans, animals and plants. BiOWiSH Pond & Tank Conditioner is used in many, many commercial applications where it is directly applied to animal's drinking water, aquaculture production water, crops, hydroponics waters and general water treatment. The product is 100% organic and non-toxic. You can check out a video of this treatment by clicking this YouTube link.
In this age of global warming and with the concerns we all share for our Mother Earth, you won't find another effective natural way to clean your water features like BiOWiSH Pond & Tank Conditioner. This is the positive and beneficial choice to make!
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