Most brands of multi-purpose compost sell material that has as much as 70 to 100% peat. This fact is quite alarming considering that even small amounts of peat lay long-lasting environmental effects on the environment. Unless the packaging specifically mentions “peat-free”, expect your compost package to have high volumes of peat in it. Why should …
Weeds are the worst uninvited guests in the garden. They’ll spring up just about anywhere they get a chance, vegetable garden being one of them. It’s not surprising to see them peeking out from cracks in driveways. Though you’ll find yourself weeding during the major part of your gardening time, it may seem like they’re …
You’re looking at your garden wondering how it turned into such a mess. After all, you grew vegetables in it just last season. Weeds have taken over and you don’t know what to do? There are no chances for a vegetable garden now unless you get rid of the weeds. Weeds are every gardener’s worst …
Mulches bring a host of benefits for the plants. They lower evaporation to retain water for the roots, keep the soil cool in summers, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches also improve the soil structure, drainage and nutrient levels as the organic material decomposes and seeps into the soil layers. Continue reading, and you’ll learn how …
Soil is the key factor in deciding your garden’s fate. The right soil will promote a healthy, thriving garden that brings loads of delicious harvests, while poor soil can have the opposite effect. Another thing to keep in mind is the soil preference of different plants. The right soil for one species might not be …
Clay soil is the last thing a gardener wants in their yard. Without a doubt, it’s very hard to grow anything in clay soil, especially if you don’t want to amend it. In its raw form, clay soil is heavy, compacted, and prevents water and nutrients from moving between the soil layers. The result is …
Will pumpkins grow in clay soil is a question I am asked frequently because my vegetable garden is all clay soil. Each year I grow pumpkins and each year I try and grow them even bigger than the year before! This versatile veg is great in pies, soup, or stuffed. Pumpkin is a traditional favorite …
While herbs grow well in poor soil, hard clay isn’t the best choice for most varieties. This is because though herbs will grow well even if the soil is deficient in ingredients, good drainage is important. Clay soil doesn’t drain well and retains water for a long time. Rosemary, in particular, dies easily with “wet …
When shopping for plants, you’ll often come across the term “growing zone,” or “planting zone,” or “hardiness zone.” What do they mean, and what does it have to do with selecting plants for your yard? As it turns out, it has everything to do with your gardening success! When preparing a garden and picking new …
A thriving blueberry bush starts with good soil. What is the best soil for growing blueberries? Unless you start with the optimal conditions, you can’t expect a healthy bush, loaded with berries, in the next few years. Continue reading, and you’ll learn all about the soil requirements of your blueberry bush and tips on preparing …
