Every fall, millions of bags of leaves and garden waste are hauled away to landfills. But to an organic gardener, it isn't trash at all. It's the foundation of living soil. Pound for pound, the leaves of most trees contain twice as many minerals as manure. Today, let’s look at how you can turn your fall leaves into rich, living gold for free.
Seeds are where every garden begins. For new gardeners, seed labels and terms can be confusing. Seeds fall into two main categories. Heirloom and Hybrid. Understanding the differences between heirloom and hybrid seeds plus related terms such open-pollinated and GMO plants is essential for gardeners seeking to make informed choices.
Peat moss is a common material used in gardening. It’s found in many mixes for seed starting and potted plants. Gardeners use it to improve their soil, start seeds, or fill raised beds. It is valued because it holds water well and improves soil structure. It prevents soil compaction and lowers pH which is good for acid loving plants like hydrangeas and blueberries.
Sounds great? However, there is a down side. Peat moss is not environmentally friendly for several reasons. The primary concern unsustainable harvesting and the environmental impact of peatlands, which are critical ecosystems.
Lets look at what peat moss is, how its harvested and some good replacements.
Forcing bulbs is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy spring flowers ahead of time. By simulating the conditions of winter, you can "trick" your bulbs into thinking it's time to bloom, allowing you to bring nature's beauty into your home while it’s still cold outside.
If you have grown fennel before you may know that their are two main types. Florence fennel or finocchio like this one make a bulb and is used as a vegetable. Regular fennel is an herb grown primarily for its leaves and seeds. It is also a great pollinating plant and medicinal herb.
Living in an apartment has taught me many new ways to grow vegetables and fruits indoors. I have discovered that gardening is not limited to a plot of soil.
For many people living in an urban apartment or condominium means they can’t garden in the traditional sense. When I left rural Kentucky for urban Wisconsin, I was very anxious that it meant the end of my ability to have food security. Not to mention that I just loved getting my hands dirty and playing in the dirt.
Buying supplemental lights for your plants can be confusing. They come in a variety of colors - the spectrum color not the decor color - and a variety of lighting bulbs.
This guide will walk you through what all those different terms mean and how to figure out what type of light you need for what you plan to grow.
Controlling humidity in the home is important for your plant’s health. High levels of humidity promote bacteria, molds, and mildew. Not enough humidity causes plants to dehydrate quickly and possibly suffer cell damage.
When I moved from Kentucky (Zone 6B) to Wisconsin (Zone 5A) last year I realized how important humidity was. Last winter the humidity in my apartment dropped from a summer average of 60% to a winter average of 16%.
We don’t always think about air circulation as being a critical component to raising vegetables and fruits indoors. When food plants are grown outdoors they are naturally exposed to wind and air currents. In addition, both plant leaves and roots need air moving around them.
Modern homes are built to eliminate drafts and control airflow so we are warm or cool according to the season. This does not necessarily mean there is good air circulation.
Sprouts are the supreme indoor gardening crop. They are fun and easy to grow. Sprouts contain high levels of nutrients and take up very little space.
There are several ways to grow sprouts from Mason jars to hemp bags to stacking trays. The method is often a personal choice and what works best for you.
Recently started indoor gardening as an apartment gardener?
You may be wondering about the different plants you can grow in your own cozy apartment. Well, why not grow some mini fruit trees that will not only enhance the aesthetic of your apartment but will also bear fruit - literally!
Here are my seven favorite fruit trees for apartment gardeners like us!
My latest indoor gardening adventure is growing mushrooms indoors. Mushrooms are quick and easy to grow indoors. They are a nutritious food that is high in selenium and potassium.
Way back in the day, I worked at an organic gourmet mushroom farm where we grew oyster and shitake mushrooms in bags of straw that hung in a greenhouse. Now I am just growing them on a smaller scale.
Moving into a new apartment can be a hectic tiring experience. I know because I recently moved from a rural farm to an urban apartment. There can be lots to think about including how to design your space.
Where to place your plants so they receive what they need is important. . Many people want to have gardens within their apartments for many different reasons, such as aesthetic quality, health benefits, and cooking ingredients.
