Vermicompost, worm compost, worm tea, worm castings… whatever you call it, it’s good for the garden, and it’s super simple to make at home. Vermicompost, the by-product of worms breaking down your food waste, is a brilliant moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich source of nutrients for any garden plant, but it’s particularly useful in the vegetable garden. Most…
When it comes to understanding fertilizer, it can sometimes be difficult to grasp all of the complex nutrients, dilutions, and ratios needed to grow healthy pepper plants. We’re gardeners after all, not chemists. But don’t worry! Let this article be a starting point for understanding the ins and outs of fertilizer. I’ll go over everything…
Writing this on a below-freezing day seems appropriate. We’ve just avoided the first frost, lifted our tender perennials, and staked overwintering kale, sprouts, and broccoli. The beds are weeded, scrubbed down and, those that need it, are covered with fleece tunnels. Yet, with twelve more weeks of true winter, and plenty of cold spring nights…
One of the fun things about being a home gardener is getting to be creative with the tools and supplies we use in our gardens. Using recycled paper is a staple in my garden because it’s so versatile and provides many benefits to my plants. The best ways to use shredded paper in the garden…
Organic gardening is all about building quality soil. Sometimes, you can do that by just adding compost, but it takes time. I use gentle, general-purpose fertilizers starting with the seedling stage, as well as some manures and mineral supplements. As for bug sprays, steer clear of chemical pesticides and go the natural route – Neem…
Ever since I switched to growing tomato seedlings indoors, under grow lights, I’ve noticed something strange happen to my tomato seedlings: they’re often turning purple. This has happened to my tomato seedlings at various stages of their growth, and even though it didn’t have serious consequences, it made me want to investigate.