By Sonya Welter

I grew up composting, so when I rented apartments, it was always kind of heart-breaking to have to throw away perfectly good garbage because my landlord wouldn’t let me start a compost pile in the backyard.

Renting unfortunately means living by somebody else’s rules, and even landlords who are in favor of flower gardens or pots of tomatoes on the back steps may still nix composting, since they think it might smell bad, look untidy or attract pests.

You may be able to sweet talk your landlord into a traditional compost bin if you can convince him or her that you will maintain it religiously, but if not, there are still a few composting options for renters.

Compost Tumblers

If your landlord won’t approve an open compost bin or loose pile, he or she may be amendable to Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

You may have been throwing away one of the best sources for mulches and composts.

During the fall and winter, many yards become filled with fallen leaves.

Most people rake them up, put them in garbage bags, and throw them away.

However, this is an excellent free source of garden nutrients that also keeps more waste out of the landfills.

All you need to do is prepare a leaf mulch. Simply create a pile of leaves that is 2″ thick, set your lawn mower on high, and make a few passes to make sure the leaves are chopped well enough. Don’t do this when the leaves are very wet, and don’t pile them too thick.

If you want to add nutrients to your lawn, you can Read the rest of this entry »

By Cindy Naas

It’s nearly that time of the year, much as I hate to say it.

It’s time to start thinking about putting the garden to bed for the winter.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as the days get colder. By using some of these ideas, your soil or planters will be in great shape for planting next spring.

1. Mulch - Yes, even in a vegetable garden, winter mulching is a good idea. Giving the soil a good covering of manure or compost will add needed nutrients to the soil and will also prevent some weeds from taking over the space. Spread manure or compost about 2 inches deep.

2. Compost - if you have the room, starting a small compost pile directly on the earth will do great things for your soil. Allowing a compost pile to Read the rest of this entry »

By Cinday Naas

What did you feed your tomatoes today?

How about your corn? Did you remember to give your rhododendron a nice cup of tea?

There are things you eat and drink every day which are really good for using in your garden.

Here are some tips to feed your garden as well as perhaps reducing the amount of trash you throw away, too.

• Eggshells: These are good for enriching the soil near tomatoes. Crush them by hand, or whirl them in a blender with a little water, and pour over the soil under the tomato plants. The extra calcium will help to keep the soil rich for years to come.

• Coffee grounds and tea leaves - acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons and azaleas love to be treated to coffee or tea occasionally. I spread Read the rest of this entry »
  
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By Vanessa Richins

Hopefully the thought of worms under your sink doesn’t make you cringe.

One of the easiest ways for an urban gardener to compost is with a worm compost bin under the kitchen sink.

It can also be kept in the basement or cellar. Since it is indoors, worm compost can be made at any time of the year, regardless of cold and snow outside. The optimum temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can still work down to about 40 degrees if necessary.

Worm composting - properly known as vermiculture - is a way you can get compost faster than traditional composting. You can use regular earthworms and redworms, though Read the rest of this entry »