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Vol. 3, Num. 27, July 10, 2008 (Read It Online) This week we have advice from Ellen Brown as well as an article about What To Do With Finished Compost. We would love to see pictures of what you are growing. Feel free to submit them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml Thanks for reading, Susan
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By Wanda from Climax, NC
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Rate It: I don't think these hummingbirds can be classified as my pets but I didn't know where else to put them! We feed up to 40 hummers all through the day at my house. I have 3 feeders and most of the time they sit shoulder to shoulder. I make 12 cups of food for them daily and they use it all! We're working on having them light on our fingers! By Judi from Elgin, OR
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What To Do With Finished Compost
The recipe for making compost is simple. Start with some greens, add in as many browns, toss in a handful of dirt, and moisten with water. Stir occasionally and let cook for a few months to a few years, depending on the temperature of the pile. So, how do you know when your compost is finished? And what, exactly, should you do with it when it's done? Read on to find out. Recognizing the Finished Product It's easy to tell when your compost is finished. Look for these 3 signs.
The Infamous "Jar" Test The "Jar" test is useful if you have any remaining doubts about whether or not your compost is finished. Scoop some compost into a jar and add some water until it's moist. (Empty plastic containers with lids or freezer bags work just as well.) Seal the jar tightly and leave it alone for a week. After a week, open the jar and check for odors (brace yourself!). Does it smell sweet and earthy or sour and stinky? If your compost needs more time, you'll know. Serving Up Finished Compost in the Garden
Screen It It's helpful to sift finished compost using a _ to 1/8 inch screen before using it. This separates out any coarse, woody debris that may not yet be fully decomposed, which could steal valuable nitrogen and oxygen from your plants when added to your soil. One way to do this is to build a simple wooden frame covered in screen. Construct it to fit over the top of your wheelbarrow or garden cart to catch the debris as you shovel it out of your pile. You could also construct a second compost enclosure near your active pile, for the sole purpose of holding finished compost. Condition Your Soil Compost will improve the structure and texture of any soil, and releases valuable organic nutrients slowly over time. Add it to sandy soils to increase the soil's ability to retain moisture and nutrients. Add it to clay soils to improve drainage and air penetration. No matter what type of soil you have, compost will improve the disease resistance of your plants. That's because some of the organisms that break down organic material into compost produce natural antibiotics that discourage the growth of soil-borne fungal diseases. Finished compost also has an almost neutral pH, so adding it to soil can help balance pH problems. To condition your soil with compost, spread 2-4 inches over the soil and turn it in with a shovel to a depth of 6 inches. Mulch With It Nature is the ultimate composter. One only has to look under a tree or walk through a forest to see composting in action. Year after year, layers of vegetative debris accumulate on the ground, protecting roots, suppressing weeds and regulating the moisture and temperature levels of the soil. To use compost as mulch, top dress garden plants and shrubs by spreading 2-3 inches of compost around the base. Make Potting Soil Compost makes an excellent potting soil that can be used for growing plants, transplanting, and starting seeds. To make potting soil with your compost, mix finely screened compost with 1 part coarse sand, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part perlite. Rejuvenate Your Lawn Another area to use compost is on your lawn. It releases nutrients that stimulate root growth, prevent erosion, and attract worms, beneficial insects and microorganisms to the soil. After aerating your lawn in the spring or fall, apply 1/8 to 1/4 inch fine compost and a rake it in. Have a Tea Party A great way to provide liquid fertilizer for plants is to brew compost tea. Fill a burlap sack or an old pillowcase with finished compost and tie the end closed. Place in a tub, or 5-gallon bucket filled with water and let it soak for a few days. Use the nutrient-rich "tea" on houseplants, seedlings, or in the garden. Store it for up to 3 months in a covered container.
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Rate It: What Vegetables Grow Well in Western Tennessee? Question: What grows very well in western TN? I'm thinking vegetables. Mostly sandy soil with some going toward clay. It rains a lot here. Hardiness Zone: 6b LJS from Lexington, TN Answer: LJS, I know I sound like a broken record, but before planting anything at all I would start with a soil test. Once you find out the soils pH and what (if any) nutrients are lacking, you can work to amend the soil. One the one hand, the loose particles in sandy soil makes it easy to work with. One the other hand, sandy soil allows nutrients to drain away much too rapidly. This is especially true in areas like yours that receive plenty of rain. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beets, and radishes tend grow well in sandy soil as long as you supply them with adequate nutrients. Clay-based soils, on the other hand, prevent water from draining away so they are more likely to waterlog your root veggies. Clay soil also tends to be more fertile. This type of soil is better suited to growing the hungrier vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. Both types of soil can be improved greatly with regular additions of organic matter (well-rotted manure, compost, or leaf mold). These amendments will condition the soil, improve water retention and drainage, and add valuable organic nutrients. Another option is to build raised beds. This allows you to increase the amount you grow using less space. You can also increase the variety of vegetables you grow because you only have to focus on improving the soil (or bringing in new soil) for those targeted areas. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78080429.tip.html
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Rate It: Companion Plant Ideas With Tomatoes Question: I planted two Early Girl tomato plants in a large raised bed. I have room for something else but I know from experience not just anything will grow with tomatoes. Any suggestions? Hardiness Zone: 8b Judy from Yelm, WA Answer: Judy, Here are some good companions to plant in and around tomatoes: Asparagus, carrots, celery, cucumber, nasturtium, limas, onion, parsley, and pepper. Here are some plants considered friends of tomatoes-plants that enhance their growth and flavor:
Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75617615.tip.html
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Rate It: What Will Grow Under Walnut Trees? Question: What vegetables and flowers will survive under the drip line of walnut trees? Hardiness Zone: 3a Lorraine from Lone Rock, WI Answer: Lorraine, The only vegetables immune to juglone (the toxic substance produced by walnut trees) are squash, melons, beans, carrots, corn, and black raspberries. Some veggies are very susceptible to the effects of juglone (e.g. tomatoes, peppers, potatoes), so for that reason, I recommend composting any debris from your trees (leaves, twigs, husks, and wood chips) before adding it to the garden. This give the juglone time to break down into non-toxic components, and minimizes the risk of injuring highly susceptible plants. Here is a list of ornamental landscape plants hardy to your zone that should do well under walnut trees:
Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38951202.tip.html
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Rate It: What Will Grow Under Pine Trees? Question: I would like to know what will and what will not grow under the drip line of pine trees. Hardiness Zone: 3a Lorraine from Lone Rock, WI Answer: Hi Lorraine, The biggest obstacle to overcome when planting under pine trees is the fact that whatever grows underneath them has to compete with them for sun, water and nutrients. The pH of the soil underneath them is a second concern. Start with a soil test. These are cheap and easy to do (your extension agent can give you details), and will give you accurate feedback on the nutrient content and pH of the soil. At the very least, get a cheap tester kit from a garden center and test the pH. Pine trees continuously drop their needles. Over time, decaying needles create an acidic environment in the underlying soil. In nature, this is the trees way of deterring the competition. Pretty good, huh? Most ornamentals prefer soil with a pH that is only slightly acidic (6.0 to 7.0). If the pH of your soil tests more acidic than this, amending the soil with lime may allow you to grow a greater variety of plant. Certain broadleaf evergreens, like Rhododendrons and Azaleas, prefer acidic soil and should live quite happily under your pines. Hostas and impatiens do well, too. Sun-loving plants dont generally do well under pines (very tall White or Red pines can being the exception). Removing lower branches to open up the light is a tricky business and not recommended, because they wont ever grow back again if you make a mistake. The best choices for plants are going to be those that prefer shade to partial shade. Large tree roots are experts at finding and hoarding water. To that end, woodland natives are a great option in terms of drought tolerance. They provide beautiful color and interest, as well as provide food and shelter for local wildlife and insects. They are also well-adapted to growing among large surface roots. Native plant nurseries in your area can assist you with selecting the right native plants for your site. Here are some other plants you might try:
Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54068596.tip.html
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Rate It: You can use a paper coffee filter to put in a flower pot to cover the hole, before putting the soil in. It keeps the soil from running out when being watered. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38243910.tip.html
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Rate It: Growing Vegetables in Hanging Baskets Question: I was just about to plant some flowers in a hanging basket I have when I remembered that I have several leftover starter plants that are zucchini, summer squash, lemon cukes, and pickling cukes. I got a crazy idea that if you can put those plants in the ground and trellis them upward, why couldn't you start with them in a basket and have them hang over the edge downward. I realize that once there are veggies on the vines, I might have to sling the veggies in some sort of way. Has anyone ever tried any of these in a hanging basket? If so, do you have any advice for me? Thanks. Tina from Ashland, OR Answer: Tina, Many veggies can be grown in hanging baskets. Some people like to refer to this as "minigardening". The best candidates are vegetables with compact or sprawling growth habits like squash, mini peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, runner or pole beans, peas, and cucumbers. Mini, compact, or dwarf varieties tend to work best because the fruits are smaller (and lighter) and less apt to grow too heavy for the plant. You can certainly use up your "full-sized" seeds; just expect to see diminished returns in fruit size and overall production. Strawberries, assorted greens, and a variety of herbs can also be grown successfully in hanging baskets. Alone or mixed in with a few edible flowers (like nasturtiums), a hanging basket full of cascading vegetables is both colorful and practical. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Good luck! Ellen
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I am looking for tips about transplanting orchids. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85841852.tip.html
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Rate It: I have beautiful hanging baskets of (mainly) petunias on my northeast facing porch. They are beginning to look rather ragged now (almost mid July). I faithfully water, use liquid fertilizer each week and have even added some high quality potting soil to the baskets. I believe I once read something about cutting back petunias around this time. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17855550.tip.html
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Rate It: I bought some weeping cherry trees and a dog wood trees from a different area last spring online. I lost some of them as they were very small saplings. The ones that are living now are in my veranda and get limited sunlight. I have an automatic watering system. Both the dog wood and the weeping cherry trees have a lot of leaves but they are turning brown at the ends. Am I watering too much or still too little? Please help. I can send photos if you need them. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59124844.tip.html
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Rate It: I have planted cucumbers and they have beautiful blooms but have yielded no vegetables I planted them in a planter with miracle-gro potting soil. They have adequate sunshine and water. I suspect a soil deficiency but really am not sure. Anyone with advice to correct this problem would be very much appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54996937.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anybody know why my Irises didn't bloom very much this year? I had lots of foliage but very few blooms. We've only lived here a year and I can't remember what they did last year but this year I watched. I'm dividing them now (right or wrong?) so maybe they were crowded? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22585926.tip.html
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Rate It: I am trying to find the mixture for a homemade mosquito spray that my neighbor used on us when we were younger. It smelled great and I'm almost positive it had vanilla in it, does anyone know what I'm talking about? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf115181.tip.html
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Rate It: I need a good old home remedy for wasps. (The removing of them.) Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45835579.tip.html
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Rate It: I have clover that got in my garden, when I planted some iris bulbs. Now it is every where. Any clue on how to get rid of it with out killing my iris or other plants? I've dug it out several times and it just gets thicker. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88941914.tip.html
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Rate It: We have large red ants and mounds all over our property, and all through our vegetable garden. Does anyone know a good way to totally get rid of them? We want them out of our garden for good, and obviously we need something that will not harm the plants, vegetables or us when we eat them. Can someone help please? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58261732.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for ideas on how to clean moss and mold off an outdoor paved area. They are clay and every winter they get mossy. It is a back-breaking job to scrub them clean. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86526671.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a lot of lavender in my garden, it is absolutely beautiful! I am looking for ways to use it. My mother used to use Lavender to scent drawers - but I am not sure the best way to use it. Can anybody please help? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88591489.tip.html
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