Organic Gardening
Are Cheap Chemical Fertilizers Really Cheap? -- There is a lot of discussion these days about the merits of organic fertilizers. The benefits of natural fertilizers such as manures and compost has been known for years. However, it's been a costly proposition to produce and distribute organic fertilizers. Chemical based fertilizers are known to be cost-effective and can accurately supply plants with the proper balance of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash (NPK). With much attention to application methods and proper crop rotation, they can be very effective.
Tips for Successful Grasscycling -- Many people treat their lawns like a "crop:" they (over) water and (over) fertilize their lawns to encourage excessive growth. The "harvested crop" (grass clippings) is then bagged and disposed. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing practices result in more moderate turf growth, yet still produce a healthy, green lawn. Grasscycling can be practiced on any healthy lawn as long as the following turf management guidelines are followed.
Organic Farming Affects the Environment -- Organic farming is a big-picture exercise. It’s not only targeted at this season’s results, but considers future generations. In the long run it makes better economic sense as well. But its main goal is to contribute to a healthier world.
Composting Process -- Compost contains both carbon and nitrogen sources, which can be simplified as browns for carbon (e.g., leaves, straw, woody materials) and greens for nitrogen (e.g., grass and food scraps). Adequate sources of carbon and nitrogen are important for microorganism growth and energy. The ideal ratio is 30 parts brown to 1 part green. Odor and other problems can occur if the ratio or any of the factors discussed below are not in the correct balance.
Composting: What to Put in the Mix -- Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials, such as leaves, grass, and food scraps, by microorganisms. The result of this decomposition process is compost, a crumbly, earthy-smelling, soil-like material. Yard trimmings and food scraps make up about 25 percent of the waste U.S. households generate, so composting can greatly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators.
What Does Compost Do? -- Improved soil structure creates passageways in the soil for air and water. In heavy clay soils, the addition of compost enhances the physical make-up of soil which improves soil structure, porosity and bulk density to create a better environment for plant growth.
Home Composting -- Composting, nature's own way of recycling, is the controlled decomposition of organic material such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and vegetable food waste. Compost is the soil amendment product that results from proper composting. Whether it's done on site, at the point of waste generation or in a large-scale, centralized facility, composting helps to keep the high volume of organic material out of landfills and turns it into a useful product.
Elements of a Good Compost Pile -- With these principles in mind, you can convert your organic wastes into resources by turning your spoils to soil.
How to Make a Compost Pile -- There are as many different ways to make compost as there are people who do it. The following guidelines will get you started, but soon your own experience will help you tailor a method that best fits your needs.
Hot or Cold Composting -- Many materials can be added to a compost pile, including leaves, grass clippings, straw, woody brush, vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, livestock manure, sawdust, and shredded paper. Do not use diseased plants, meat scraps that may attract animals, and dog or cat manure which can carry disease. Composting can be as simple or as involved as you would like, and depends on how much yard waste you have, how fast you want results, and the effort you are willing to invest.
Vermicomposting -- Vermicomposting uses worms to compost. This takes up very little space and can be done year-round in a basement or garage. It is an excellent way to dispose of kitchen wastes.
