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4 Common Compost Problems and How to Fix Them

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Despite the fact that compost problems are inevitable, the good thing is that most of them can be easily fixed. Below are 4 Common Compost Problems and How to Fix Them.

Wet, soggy or slimy compost


There is nothing that can be worst as cold, slimy compost. A slimy compost is caused by three factors; excessive moisture, poor aeration and insufficient nitrogen material in the pile. A compost which has been overburdened by materials that wads down when wet-spoiled hay, grass clippings and a heap of uncut tree leaves can become so dense in a manner that makes the pile center to lack air. When such a heap is left uncovered for a long period of rainy season, without it being turned to allow air penetrate to the center, you will end up with a soggy lump.

The microorganisms responsible for the cooking of compost are known as Aerobic bacteria. These microorganisms cannot live under such poor oxygen supplied environment. Instead, you welcome anaerobic bacteria since they do not require air to survive. Your microbe will eventually compost, but will take a period longer than aerobic bacteria.

Soggy compost is easy to fix. If wet weather is one part of the problem, then place a loose fitting lid over the pile. In addition, turn the pile over while fluffing it thoroughly. If you have some nitrogen rich ingredients and fibrous ingredients such as saw dust add them into the pile to help in getting things cook. Your pile will heat within few days after which you should keep it cooking by overturning it every 7-14 days.

Dry and dusty compost

If you live in the West, chances are that you experience dry and dusty weather conditions from time to time. This is most common from the month of May to October when summer rains are practically nonexistent. Regardless of the material you pile up, stack does not get sufficient moisture for bacterial life support necessary for speeding the composting process. However, if you have dry and dusty compost, you just need to water It; that is a problem fully solved.

The rule of the thumb here is; your compost components should always feel as wet as a soggy sponge. You can place an oscillating sprinkler on top of the dry compost and run it for 30 minutes, so as to moisten the materials. Sometimes, you need to turn your pile and water layers before attending your daily chores.

Unwelcome visitors on the compost

If your compost is attracting unwanted visitors such as mice, rats, ants and flies, you probably might have added some food craps such as meat or fish bones. To prevent unwanted visitors from your compost ensure that the lid is secure and that there are no gaps left. Also ensure that you pout food scraps in the middle and cover them. Mixing the compost thoroughly will also discourage ants and mice from coming to your compost.

Smelly compost

Smelly compost is caused by too wet materials which do not allow oxygen to decompose properly. To prevent foul odor, add carbon rich brown material (such as dry leaves or hay) or add garden lime. Rotating the pile once per week will allow air to get into the middle and hence prevent the formation of a foul odor.

These are some of the common problems you will most likely face. Understanding how to solve each of the problems will help you have an easier time in preparing your compost.

This article has been written by Charles who loves to cover gardening tips. You can have a look at his site where he talks about Indoor Water Walls and Sunrise Springs wall fountain.







6 Natural Alternatives to Lawn and Garden Chemicals

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In the recent years, potential hazards associated with lawn and garden chemicals have been on a steady rise. With extensive scientific studies it has been proved that several pesticides and chemicals used in lawns and gardens are tracked into our home and can be found in carpets, on tables or other surfaces. Many municipalities have banned certain chemicals to bring an end to the dangers caused by their use.

Why Natural Alternatives?

Many lawn and garden chemicals not only pollute water and environment but are also hazardous for children and pets. Since the internal organs of the children are in the developmental stage, it is difficult for them to detoxify toxins. The pesticides used commonly in our homes consists of several carcinogens, some chemicals could even cause birth defects, damage to liver, kidney and disrupt the endocrine system.

Refuse Lawn and Garden Chemicals

This is the high time to prevent your family and environment free from harmful chemicals by adopting natural and safer alternatives to these chemicals. Here is the list of six natural alternatives to lawn and garden chemicals.

1. Lawn Care: The first and foremost step is to know about your garden. Have your soil tested and determine its pH and nutrient needs. Accordingly, choose the right grass; mow it to the right height and water wisely. This will keep your lawn free from weeds and healthy.

2. Companion Planting: It is a planting in which different crops are planted in proximity so that they could help each other in pollination, nutrient uptake and pest control. When a certain crop is planted in a garden for a long time it becomes a permanent target of a particular pest. This could be avoided by growing certain plants which repel a variety of pests. These plants include asters, marigold, garlic, petunias etc. This method hence cuts down the use several lawn chemicals.

3. Composting: This method effectively reduces the dependence on fertilizers. It provides free soil amendment as it increases the soil’s ability to hold water and nutrients. It also protects the plants by providing mulch (a protective covering of organic matter to prevent evaporation of moisture, growth of weeds etc.).

4. Biocontrol: It is a method to control weeds and pests in your garden. Select the plants which can attract the insects and animals that destroy the weeds and bugs in your garden. You can purchase beneficial insects such as ladybugs, ground beetles and praying mantis which eat the harmful insects. Loose them in your garden. Certain plants such as garlic, petunias, chives etc. also repel aphids.

5. Aerate and Dethatch your garden: It is very important to aerate the soil in order to reduce the dependence on fertilizers. Remove the plugs of soil by using aerating machine. Dethatching involves removing the woody parts of the grass on the surface of lawn. For this dethatching rake could be employed. These methods will keep your lawn healthy in a greener way.

6. Hot water: Hot water could be effectively used for weed control. Pour the boiling water directly on the weeds. This will stop the growth of the weeds. Pull out the weeds from the surface and then pour boiling water where the weeds were in order to destroy the roots completely. Hot water could also be employed for killing pests. Pour hot water on the ant nests to destroy them completely.

The Bottom Line
In addition to the above methods, there are certain chemicals which are non-toxic and can effectively be used as an alternative to lawn and garden chemicals. These include hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, epsom salt etc. Certain natural and organic chemicals are also available in the market if you don’t want to make your own garden chemicals; for example: bone meal and blood meal.

Going for natural alternatives is worth it as it will not only make your lawn and gardens healthy and free from toxic and hazardous chemicals but is also safe for your family and environment

Paul is a freelance writer that loves to share tips when it comes to gardening. You can have a look at his site where you will be able to buy wall fountains as well as large wall water fountains.

Diatomaceous Earth-Nature’s Supreme Pesticide

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When it comes to bugs and pesticides, more and more people are looking for natural products that are safer for their health as well as the environment. One of the biggest natural pesticides that is becoming more and more popular is diatomaceous earth.

What is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a natural rock that is extremely soft. Because of its soft density, it can easily be broken down into a white powder. When the powder is broken down, it has a very abrasive feel.

What is it used for?

There are many uses for diatomaceous earth. It is used in many plastics, toothpastes, cat litter and even in dynamite. It’s also extremely heat-resistant, which makes it very popular for use as a thermal insulator. Today, it is also an extremely popular form of pesticide.

How does diatomaceous earth work as a pesticide?

Diatomaceous earth is extremely useful as an absorbent. The powder of the diatomaceous earth is used to remove the water and other liquids from the body of the insects, forcing them to die of dehydration.

They also have an effect on insects with exoskeletons, such as fleas and bedbugs. Due to their abrasive nature, the powder gets in between the skeleton of these bugs and cuts them up. Every time the insect moves, the particles in the diatomaceous earth act like tiny razor blades and cut the insect until it eventually dies.

Why should I use diatomaceous earth?

The main reason that you should use this product is because it’s natural, so it will not have any lingering effects on the environment. Plus, since it’s a natural product, nobody is using additional resources in order to create or manufacture it.

Another reason to use diatomaceous earth is because it’s safe for mammals. Humans and other mammals can digest and touch the product without experiencing any harm. This means that you can easily apply this to your garden and not have to worry about ingesting it with your food. Many farmers add this to their crops to keep bugs off of their grains and other foods. Plus, since it won’t affect mammals, you don’t have to worry about it having a negative effect on your household pets. If they were to consume the product, they will not suffer any health conditions.

Many farmers have also claimed that diatomaceous earth can help cure their animals of worms in a natural way. The diatomaceous earth will cause the worms to die, but it will not hurt the mammal that the worms are inside. Farmers also use the product to keep fleas away from their farm animals.

Are there any downsides?

The only complaint that some people have with diatomaceous earth is that it’s not a bait, meaning that you cannot simply put a pile of it around your home and expect the bugs to be attracted to it. Instead, the bugs have to come across it on their own, meaning that it may take a little bit for the product to work. If you want to cure your infestation of bugs immediately, you may want to choose something else, but if you’re okay with waiting for the product to kick in, then diatomaceous earth is a great choice.

Miranda Smith writes for Rose, Rose is a great option for those needing Chicago commercial exterminators services.

Protect Your Flower Garden With These Safe and Organic Methods

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If you want your flower garden to flourish and blossom beautifully, then you have to protect it against pests. Garden pests are the biggest enemies of flower gardens. Not only do they destroy the flowers, but some of them even eat through the roots and stems, killing the whole plant and destroying the beautiful look of your garden.

To avoid this, you can make use of pest control products that can keep pests away from the plants. However, there are some dangers to using commercial pest control products though, and more often than not, they do more damage than good not only to the flowers but to the environment as well. For this reason, here are some safe and organic pest control methods for your flowering plants.

Pest Prevention Tips

If you don’t want pests in your flower garden, then you have to prevent infestation in the first place. One of the reasons why pests invade your garden is because the garden’s not healthy. There are too many weeds; the grass is long; the shrubberies are unkempt; there are puddles of stagnant water; and there are garbage and dead leaves everywhere. An unhealthy and unkempt garden is an invitation for pests to stay.

To prevent pest infestation, you have to maintain a clean garden. Pull out weeds and make sure they are not invading the space of your flowering plants. It’ll be better too if you leave the soil around the flowering plants clear of any grass or weeds.

If there are weak plants near the healthier flowering plants, you also need to pull them out. These plants may have already been infected with pests, and you don’t want it attracting more and infecting the neighboring healthy plants. Of note though; be sure to dispose of them properly and see to it that you keep the debris away from your flower garden.

It’s also recommended that you remove debris and garbage in the garden. Keeping the flower garden free of dead leaves, twigs, cut grass, garbage, etc. will minimize insect habitat and prevent pest infestation.

Pest Control Tips

If there are pests in the garden, you can minimize their population by making use of seaweed mulch. Seaweed mulch contains important trace elements that can keep the soil healthy and the plants strong. Some of these include iron as well as calcium. There’s also zinc as well as sulfur and magnesium. By making your flowering plants healthy, they can withstand diseases better. Of note; seaweed mulch can also keep pests like slugs away.

Another way to get rid of pests is to make your own homemade sprays. They are organic and non-toxic, so they’re both safe for the plants, the environment, and humans. One such homemade spray that can get rid of earwigs and slugs is the pepper sauce spray. You only need to mix about a couple of teaspoons of cayenne pepper, a quart of water, and about a few Ivory soap drops. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and spray directly onto the infected plants.

If the garden has a severe pest infestation, a call to your local pest control company will be a very good help.

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Jennifer Daleo writes for RovePestControlReviews.com. Keeping a garden healthy is easy, but if there’s severe pest infestation, then the services of a professional pest control provider will be very beneficial to you.

Bringing The Romance Of Fresh-Grown Herbs Home

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Gardens of herbs filling the air with their sweet and pungent aroma are the stuff of romance for both dreamers and poets. But the beautiful and useful herb garden isn’t limited to the grounds of a creative few; anyone who loves the taste of fresh basil in their spaghetti sauce or the soothing smell of lavender in the bedroom can bring the benefits of fresh herbs into their own homes. With a few suggestions to help them on their way, the most novice gardener can incorporate their favorite herbs into their everyday lifestyle.

Research Some Favorite Herbs

There are some great herbs that get chosen, grow beautifully and the gardener regrets them ever since. Take mint, for example. It smells beautifully and will attract bees. It grows well. And then rapidly overtakes everything else which is planted in the area. People who are new to herbs should find out which herbs like the sun, which herbs will experience a flavor change when planted next to other herbs, and which will take over the garden. A bit of research can save the new gardener from many frustrating hours of labor. Research the herbs of most interest to see if the herbs will be appropriate for the situation.

Choosing a Spot for the Garden

One of the beauties of an herb garden is that one can be confined to a window ledge or spread over acres of rolling landscape. While most of us don’t have the responsibility that comes with the ownership of herbal acreage, most of us do have room somewhere to insert a little plant of delicious aroma.

Potted herbs can be placed on window sills, in front of sunny windows, on a porch or patio or sprinkled around the edges of a yard. A vegetable or flower garden can be interspersed with planted herbs or one plot of land can be specifically designated as an herb garden. The important point is to plant sun-loving herbs in a sunny spot and place those herbs in the shade which don’t want as much sunshine. Once an area has been identified that is available for the herbs, watch it to see how much sunlight is available and then choose the herbs that will grow there.

Choose Herbs for Their Specific Purposes

There are some wonderful reasons that people choose to plant herbs in or around their homes. Many recipes are deliciously enhanced by the flavor of fresh herbs and there is a substantial amount of satisfaction in cooking from a personal garden. Many people grow and harvest herbs for medicinal and health purposes. Other may choose herbs for the aromas they give to the environment, for their aromatic use throughout the home or in potpourri. Other people may simply choose the herbs for their visual appeal. Following are some examples of the types of herbs that may be used in each situation.

Culinary use: basil, oregano, dill, mint, thyme, parsley, marjoram, chives

Medicinal purposes: lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, rosehips, aloe

Aromatic characteristics: mint, rosemary, lavender, lovage, sage, sweet marjoram

Decorative qualities: basil, chives, lavender, sage, chamomile, borage

Create the Herb Garden

After having researched the particular herbs to be chosen, learned their uses and planting preferences, and preparing the chosen site for planting, it will be time to purchase the herbs and establish the garden. One final reminder is to avoid getting too many herbs at once. Allow some time to become comfortable with a few herbs before branching out into many different herbs.

The romance and beauty of an herb garden may be within the grasp of just about everyone who wishes for one.

Lawrence Reaves writes for The Growers Exchange, a gardening company offering potted plants, herb plants and all sorts of gardening accessories.  Take a look at the high quality products they offer, here.

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