Growing Healthy Soil
|
|
- Herbert Hill
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment Growing Healthy Soil BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUR LOCAL WATER PROVIDERS: Bryn-Mawr/Lakeridge/Skyway Water & Sewer Cedar River Water & Sewer City of Bellevue City of Bothell City of Duvall City of Edmonds City of Kirkland City of Mercer Island City of Redmond City of Tukwila Coal Creek Utility District Highline Water District King County Water District #20 King County Water District #45 King County Water District #49 King County Water District #85 King County Water District #90 King County Water District #119 King County Water District #125 Lake Forest Park Water District Northshore Utility District Olympic View Water & Sewer Seattle Public Utilities Shoreline Water District Soos Creek Water & Sewer District Woodinville Water District FEED THE SOIL The single most important thing you can do for a healthy garden is to feed the soil with compost and other organic amendments. These materials nourish plants and feed an intricate web of soil life that keeps the soil loose and fertile, and help fight plant pests and diseases. They also purify and store water so that it does not run off and pollute or damage streams and wildlife. The Dirt The mineral portion of the soil supports plants, supplies nutrients, and stores water. The size of soil particles affects how the soil does these jobs. Sand particles feel gritty and are large enough to see with the naked eye. Sand drains quickly, but does not store water or nutrients for plants. Clay and silt are sticky when wet, and dry into dense chunks or fine powder. They hold nutrients and water well, but drain poorly and clay is hard to dig. Loam is a mix of sand, silt and clay plus organic matter. Loamy soils are generally loose, well-drained, and are able to store moisture and nutrients for plants. See soil types on next page. Air and Water These essential elements transport nutrients to plants and carry away wastes. Together they make up about half of the volume of healthy soil. Compact or infertile soil may not have adequate pore space for air and water to move freely to plant roots. Organic Matter and Soil Life The Soil Food Web of dead plant parts plus the soil life that decompose them make up just a small part of the soil volume, but they are the glue that hold soil together. Soil life ranging from microscopic bacteria to earthworms need a steady supply of organic materials to keep the soil loose, moisture holding and well drained. This soil life keeps plants healthy by: - Supplying balanced nutrients - Fighting plant disease and pests - Storing fertilizers for gradual release, and preventing them from washing into streams SAVE ( ) PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER For TDD Assistance, call
2 - Storing water, reducing runoff and irrigation needs - Making clay soil better drained and easier to work - Trapping and breaking down pesticide residues and polluted runoff IT S EASY TO FEED THE SOIL! Growing healthy soil is as easy as adding compost and other organic amendments to the soil. Use the methods that work best for your garden, and read the rest of this fact sheet for details. Amend the soil throughout the planting area with compost before planting Mulch existing plantings with compost, leaves, grass clippings or woody mulches Use natural organic and slow-release fertilizers Think twice about using pesticides that may damage soil life AMEND THE SOIL BEFORE PLANTING The best way to improve the soil is to mix in plenty of compost or other organic matter before planting. Thoroughly mixing these materials deep into the soil gets the benefits down where the roots need water, air and nutrients. When: Mix in organic matter with existing soil before planting perennials, lawns, trees and shrubs; each time annual beds are replanted, and when dividing perennials or repotting container plants How: Use a shovel or digging fork to mix amendments into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. Amend large planting areas, not just small holes for each plant. See Choosing the Right Plant fact sheet for more details. Rototill large areas where digging is impractical. Soil Types Clay Sand Loam How Much Amount of compost recommended to amend each 100 square feet of planting area. Lawns Mix compost to 6" depth Gardens Mix compost to 10-12" depth Clay 1" of compost = 8 cu. feet (0.3 cu. yd.) 2" of compost = 16 cu. feet (0.6 cu. yd.) Sand 1-1/2" of compost = 13 cu. feet (0.5 cu. yd.) 4" of compost = 24 cu. feet (0.9. cu. yd.) What: Different types of organic amendments may provide special benefits for certain plants or soil types, as the chart on the next page describes. But any clean organic amendment will improve the soil. The best advice is to use what is cheap, plentiful and easy to get. HOW DO I KNOW IT IS GOOD COMPOST? Poor quality compost can make nutrients unavailable to plants as it finishes decomposing, encourage pests and introduce weeds. Good compost should have: Sweet, earthy smell Dark brown or black color No weed sprouts, mushrooms or other growths Fibrous texture (like peat); not gritty, woody, greasy or powdery No steamy or hot spots in piles
3 WHICH SOIL AMENDMENT TO USE? Amendment Choice Pros and Cons Best all-purpose materials Composted Yard Debris, Recycled. Easy to buy. Balanced nutrients. Yard trimmings can Biosolids or Barnyard Manure be composted at home. Leaves (composted or fresh) Rich in nutrients. Free. Usually few weed seeds. Fresh Barnyard Manure Especially good for sandy soil, annuals and non-woody perennials. Nutrient rich, but may contain weeds or harmful salts. Best if composted or mixed into soil weeks before planting. Other materials Aged Bark or Sawdust Peat Moss Coconut Coir Topsoil Mixes Improves drainage in clay soils. Good for trees and shrubs. Fresh materials must be composted until dark, or they can tie up nutrients and inhibit plant growth. Improves moisture and nutrient storage in sandy soils. Does not support soil life. Production may destroy rare peat bog plants. Improves moisture and nutrient storage in sandy soils. Does not support soil life. Renewable product from coconut palms. Good for raised beds on top of compacted or poorly drained soil. Often contain poor fill soil or weeds. Best to use mixes containing only compost and clean sand. MULCH ESTABLISHED PLANTINGS: Mulching with organic materials like compost and bark makes everything you do in the garden easier. A thick layer of mulch inhibits weed germination. It also makes weeds easier to pull. It keeps the soil loose so water is easily absorbed, and reduces evaporation so you can water less. Mulch also prevents soil erosion that can choke streams and fish with sediment. Earthworms and other soil creatures gradually break down mulch and mix it into the soil to nourish plants. When: Apply annually or as needed. Mulch in early summer to conserve moisture, prevent weed seeds from sprouting and feed plants. Mulch in fall to protect soil from erosion, smother weeds and hold warmth. Where: Mulch entire annual and perennial planting beds and the surface of containers. Cover entire tree and shrub planting beds, or make mulch rings at least 3' wide around each plant in lawns. How: Remove weeds and grasses before spreading mulches. Keep mulch a few inches away from stems, crowns and trunks to prevent rots and pest damage. Use porous weed barriers to smother aggressive weeds. How Much: Screened compost, leaves, medium or fine ground bark, sawdust: 1/2' to 2" Coarse shredded bark, wood chips or tree trimmings: 2 to 4" deep Grass clippings: 1/2' to 1" Note: One cubic foot of mulch will cover a 12-square foot area one-inch deep. One cubic yard will cover a 324-square foot area one-inch deep or 108-square foot area three inches deep.
4 What: The best mulch for each garden area depends on the plants and what is readily available. The best mulches for shrubs and trees are coarse woody materials that protect the soil for a year or longer, and slowly release nutrients for steady growth. Annuals and perennials benefit from mulches like compost, fresh manure or grass clippings which feed plants quicker and can be mixed into the soil without tying up nutrients. Fall leaves are a good all-purpose mulch. They can be composted or run over with a lawn mower for a finer texture. WHICH MULCH TO USE? Mulch Choice Annuals/Perennials/Fruits and Roses Composted Yard Debris, Bark, Barnyard Manure or Biosolids Fresh Barnyard Manure, Leaves and Grass Clippings Other Shrubs and Trees Fresh Bark Sawdust / Wood Shavings Wood Chip / Shredded Prunings Weed Barriers Cardboard or newspapers layered under other mulch materials Woven Fabric Weed Barrier Pros and Cons Neat appearance. Use good quality compost free of weeds. Free or inexpensive. May spread weed seeds or disease. May be unattractive. Tidy appearance. Readily available. May inhibit growth of some plants. May be unnatural looking. May be unattractive. Best if aged. Natural look. Free and readily available. May spread weed seeds or disease. May be unattractive Decomposes to feed soil. Aggressive weeds may grow through it. Long lasting. May get tangled in weeding hoes. FERTILIZE MODERATELY WITH NATURAL ORGANIC AND SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZERS Proper fertilizing grows healthy, easy-to-maintain plants. Too much fertilizer can produce excess growth that is easily damaged by pests, wind, frost and drought. Many of the nutrients in quick release fertilizers are likely to wash off or through the soil to pollute lakes, streams and groundwater. Most established trees and shrubs do not need regular fertilization. Mulching can provide all their nutrient needs in most cases. Even heavy feeders like roses, annuals and flowering perennials get adequate nutrients though yearly compost applications. What: Natural organic and slow release fertilizers gradually release nutrients as plants need them, so less is washed away to pollute surface waters. Natural fertilizers include rock phosphate and other minerals, plant products such as alfalfa meal, and animal byproducts like bone or fish meal. Most nutrients in natural fertilizers must be digested by bacteria before they dissolve in water and plants can use them. They are slowly released when warm soil stimulates the bacteria, and when actively growing plants need them. Synthetic fertilizers like urea and ammonium sulfate quickly dissolve in water. They wash through the soil with rain or irrigation if not immediately used by plants or absorbed by organic matter. Slow release fertilizers such as sulfurcoated urea become available as outer coatings are dissolved by moisture and soil bacteria that are most active when plants are actively growing. Though natural and slow release fertilizers can cost more; they may be a better value - and safer - since more nutrients actually feed the plants, instead of washing into streams or groundwater. Look for the words natural organic or slow release on the fertilizer bag.
5 FERTILIZER TIPS Lawns Annual Gardens Trees and shrubs Best Fertilizer: Fertilizer with 3 parts Balanced fertilizer (5-5-5, When plants are stunted or nitrogen, 1 part , etc), or soil test show other signs of need, phosphorous, 2 parts recommendation or as indicated by soil tests potassium. (6-2-4, , etc). Lime Lime When: September, if once a year; May At planting, and mid-season When growth starts in spring, and September if twice a year and mid- summer How: Fertilizer spreader Mix into soil below transplants Scratch into soil below outer and seeds, or in shallow bands edge of branch growth, and along rows of plants. cover with mulch. How Much: 1 lb. nitrogen per / Follow label or soil test Follow label or soil test 1000 square feet. recommendation recommendation How Much: Fertilizing should ideally be based on observed plant needs or soil tests. If you would like to have your soil tested, call WSU King County Cooperative Extension at (206) for a list of soil testing labs and sampling instructions. To reduce nutrient runoff if using soluble fertilizers, consider applying half the suggested amount, twice as often as recommended. For information about composting at home, or about compost bin discounts call: For Seattle residents, (206) For King County residents outside Seattle, (206) Additional Resources Let It Rot: The Gardener s Guide to Composting, by Stu Campbell, Storey Books, The Mulch Book: A Complete Guide for Gardeners, by Stu Campbell and Donna Moore (Editor), Storey Books, Worms Eat My Garbage, by Mary Applehof, Flowerfield Press, Start With the Soil : The Organic Gardener s Guide to Improving Soil for Higher Yields, More Beautiful Flowers, and a Healthy, Easy-Care Garden, by Grace Gershuny, Rodale Press, 1997.
COMPOST A USER'S GUIDE TO. The Beauty of Your Lawn & Garden Blossoms from the Soil
A USER'S GUIDE TO COMPOST The Beauty of Your Lawn & Garden Blossoms from the Soil Revised 2009 Compost adds organic material and nutrients to the soil, increases water-holding capacity and biological activity,
More informationSoil Composting. Composting Containers:
Composting When I gardened at the farm with my mother and then again in my own yard, every few years we rototilled in piles of old manure (compost). This added fiber and nutrients. If you don t have access
More informationGetting the Most out of Your Strawberry Soil Test Report. General Information
gardening.cornell.edu Getting the Most out of Your Strawberry Soil Test Report 1. Be certain your soil ph is in the optimal range. 2. Add a nitrogen (N) source at the recommended rate and time. 3. Add
More informationAdding Materials. Speeding up the Compost Process
Composting Problems If your compost pile is smelly and wet, chances are it has an overabundance of anaerobic microbes. They are doing a great job of breaking down the organic material, but at the same
More informationSoil Health and Fertilizer. Pam Brown, Extension Agent Emeritus, Gardening Coach
Soil Health and Fertilizer Pam Brown, Extension Agent Emeritus, Gardening Coach pamperedgardeners@gmail.com www.pamperedgardeners.com What is Soil : Weathered rock, formed from a slow and sequential set
More informationBuilding Healthy Soils. Mary Hagedorn
Building Healthy Soils Mary Hagedorn Please Silence Cell Phone Thank you! Our Vision: A healthier world through environmental stewardship. Our Mission: To support the University of Maryland Extension
More informationstep 4 Soil Prep & Planting
step 4 Soil Prep & Planting The Dirt On Colorado Soil Good soil is the basis of any successful water-wise landscape but here in Colorado, most of it is sandy or full of clay. Luckily you can whip your
More informationMaking the Most of the Soil You ve Got. Mary Hagedorn
Making the Most of the Soil You ve Got Mary Hagedorn College of Agriculture and Natural Resources 2 Topics Soils of Maryland & Montgomery County Soil Basics (origin, texture, profile) Learning what kind
More informationSoils and plant nutrients
Soils and plant nutrients Soils and soil texture Soil texture triangle Plant nutrients Major nutrients Secondary nutrients Minor nutrients Exchange Capacity (CEC) Soil ph Soils Consists of a series of
More informationManaging your soil. Cultivation. Beds. Digging tips GS4
GS4 Managing your soil A fertile one with both a good structure and a good supply of plant foods. When managing your soil, hold both these objectives in mind. Aim to protect and maintain what you have,
More informationFERTILIZERS AND GRASS CYCLING
FERTILIZERS AND GRASS CYCLING THREE MAIN POINTS: 1. Know why, how much, and what kind of fertilizer to apply. 2. Fast release, high nitrogen fertilizers have the potential to cause plant problems and water
More informationSoil & Fertilizer. Pam Brown, Extension Agent Emeritus, Gardening Coach
Soil & Fertilizer Pam Brown, Extension Agent Emeritus, Gardening Coach pamperedgardeners@gmail.com www.pamperedgardeners.com What do Plants Need? Temperature Water Nutrients Air Soil Soil Amendments Fertilizer
More informationSoil Characteristics. Soil Science 101
Craig R. Miller Parks & Open Space Manager www.cpnmd.org Soil Characteristics There are several ways to describe soil. Understanding the characteristics of soil helps the gardener amend soil. Urban soil
More informationAssessing and Amending Your Garden Soil Craig Cogger, Soil Scientist Emeritus Washington State University Puyallup
Assessing and Amending Your Garden Soil Craig Cogger, Soil Scientist Emeritus Washington State University Puyallup The soil is the great connector of our lives, the source and destination of all. - Wendell
More informationBASIC ORGANIC GARDENING Soil, Irrigation and Garden Management
BASIC ORGANIC GARDENING Soil, Irrigation and Garden Management Welcome Co Sponsored By Community Garden Planters Danville, KY First Christian Church Danville, KY 2 Class Logistics Switched tonight and
More informationMaster Gardener Recommended Horticulture Best Management Practices
Master Gardener Recommended Horticulture Best Management Practices Practices that should always be recommended: Group plants with similar needs (water, fertilizer, sun ) for easier maintenance Fertilize
More informationKEEPING PLANTS HEALTHY
KEEPING PLANTS HEALTHY The Right Plant In The Right Place MICROCLIMATE Geographic Location Elevation Topography Exposure LIGHT Exposure: Full Sun South Facing At least 8 hours per day Full Shade North
More informationby Robert Skip Richter County Extension Agent Horticulture Harris County Texas AgriLife Extension Service
by Robert Skip Richter County Extension Agent Horticulture Harris County Texas AgriLife Extension Service Composting is fun! It's also easy. Let's learn about how we make compost and how we use it to grow
More informationOrganic Recycling. What is Garbage? What is Compost?
Organic Recycling Y What is Garbage? What is Compost? What are the Benefits of Compost? Helps garden & house plants by improving the fertility and health of your soil. Benefits the environment by recovering
More informationMarine Advisory. 100% Recycled / 20% Post-Consumer
100% Recycled / 20% Post-Consumer Marine Advisory This brochure is funded through the Clean Water for Armand Bayou Project, a joint project of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and Texas Sea Grant
More informationHOME COMPOSTING WORKSHOP
HOME COMPOSTING WORKSHOP By Amy Goldsmith & Jenny Vickers Clean Water Action May 14, 2014 What is composting? It s dinner for your house plants, flowers and vegetable garden! Composting is the natural
More informationCompost Workshop A. Post
COMPOSTING WORKSHOP Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles Right Plant, Right Place Water Efficiently Fertilize Appropriately Mulch Attract Wildlife Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Recycle Yard Waste Reduce
More informationChapter 6: Putting Compost to Use
Chapter 6: Putting Compost to Use Composters experience many benefits in the early stages of composting from the satisfaction of diverting numerous materials from the waste stream to the excitement of
More informationSmall Scale Composting. Sejal Lanterman Cooperative Extension Educator
Small Scale Composting Sejal Lanterman Cooperative Extension Educator TOPICS WE WILL EXPLORE Compost defined Importance of Composting Compost Rate Feedstocks Undesirable Feedstocks Manure & Food Safety
More informationCompost Bins: A How-To Guide. to a Healthy Yard. Grow a Greener Saskatoon. Other Considerations. Troubleshooting
Other Considerations Troubleshooting Particle size. Bacteria work faster if their food is in smaller pieces. Take time to break up items as you add them. Woody materials will only compost well if they
More informationThe Natural Lawn & Garden. Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment. Smart. Watering. Iris germanica Gracchus
The Natural Lawn & Garden Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment Smart Watering Iris germanica Gracchus Smart Watering is as Easy as 1, 2, 3 Smart Watering means more than just lower water bills.
More informationWhat is Xeriscape? Why Xeriscape?
What is Xeriscape? Communities have been faced with increased demands on existing water supplies. Consequently, there is a greater focus on water conservation, not just in times of drought, but in anticipation
More informationUnit 4 Landscape Installation
Unit 4 Landscape Installation Chapter 8 (lawns) slp 4.1 Soil Amendments I. Soil conditioners change the physical AND chemical properties of a soil A. Physical 1. Aggregate same size particles into clumps
More informationBackyard Composting The Basics. Mimi Cooper Centre Region Council of Governments
Backyard Composting The Basics Mimi Cooper Centre Region Council of Governments What is Composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called
More informationXERISCAPE The conservation of water and energy through creative landscape.
The conservation of water and energy through creative landscape. Almost every summer North Texas has been plagued with drought like conditions. This and a growing population has increased the demand of
More informationLIFETIME COMPOST TUMBLER HOW TO INSTRUCTIONS
LIFETIME COMPOST TUMBLER HOW TO INSTRUCTIONS Copy LIFETIME COMPOST TUMBLER COMPOSTING - ACCELERATING NATURE S PROCESS In nature, such as grasslands or forests, plants die or shed their foliage which returns
More informationSchoolyard Composting
Schoolyard Composting Brochure description: Do you ever wonder why leaves don t just pile up under the trees? Have you seen that green scum in the lakes and ponds? Did you know that the green scum (called
More informationA Guide for Backyard Composting
COMPOSTING MADE EASY A Guide for Backyard Composting Composting is an easy, natural, inexpensive way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich food for your garden or lawn. There are many
More informationNatural Yard Care. steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live!
Natural Yard Care steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live! Why go natural? Our yards are our outdoor homes: fun, beautiful, and great spaces for relaxing. But in taking care of
More informationIt s Recycling. Naturally
It s Recycling Naturally What is composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Grass clippings Food scraps Compost Leaves Composting
More informationNatural Yard Care. steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live!
Natural Yard Care steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live! Why go natural? Our yards are our outdoor homes: fun, beautiful, and great spaces for relaxing. But in taking care of
More informationCompost Happens. Pam Brown, Garden Coach Pampered Gardeners, LLC pamperedgardeners.com
Compost Happens Pam Brown, Garden Coach Pampered Gardeners, LLC pamperedgardeners.com What is: Compost? The partially decomposed remains of plants and other organic materials. Composting? The controlled
More informationGUIDE TO COMPOSTING SAMPLE
GUIDE TO COMPOSTING WHAT IS COMPOSTING? Composting is nature s way of recycling organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil. When you compost in your backyard, you re speeding up this process and making
More informationLoam: About 40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay. Mixture of pore sizes to balance water retention and aeration. Considered the best soil for growing crops.
Soil Characteristics Soil is formed from a combination of two Primary sources: Weathering of Parent Rock ( ) = material introduced by plants, animals, and decomposers Minor sources: Nutrients incorporated
More informationDon't Bag It - Leaf Management Plan
Don't Bag It - Leaf Management Plan During the year, at least 20 percent of the solid waste generated comes from grass clippings, tree leaves and other landscape wastes. Bagging these materials and placing
More informationBASICS OF SOIL FERTILITY FOR URBAN (AND NON-URBAN) GROWERS. Erin Silva and Anne Pfeiffer UW-Madison PLANTS NEED
BASICS OF SOIL FERTILITY FOR URBAN (AND NON-URBAN) GROWERS Erin Silva and Anne Pfeiffer UW-Madison PLANTS NEED 1 SOILS: MORE THAN JUST DIRT Growing media for plants Support Provide air and water to plants
More informationGreen Lawns. Promoting environmental stewardship
Green Lawns Promoting environmental stewardship Gardening is America s most popular outdoor activity. We enjoy seeing things grow and improving our home environment. Working in the yard is also good exercise
More informationLawn and Yard Care Choices
SYSTEM (n) Interacting and interdependent parts that form a whole. Whether you choose an exceptional lawn, low input lawn, conversion of lawn, or a combination of types Lawn and Yard Care Choices Thank
More informationSoils 101: A practical approach. Kevin Marini UCCE Placer/Nevada Counties
Soils 101: A practical approach Kevin Marini UCCE Placer/Nevada Counties Soils 101: agenda Soil Basics Soil Fertility (how plants and soil interact) Soil Food Web Fertilizers/Amendments Soils 101: a Quote
More informationBackyard Composting. Cynthia Bergman Extension Horticulture Educator Yankton County
Backyard Composting Cynthia Bergman Extension Horticulture Educator Yankton County What is composting? Composting is simply speeding up the process of decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms
More informationSoil Health: Composting, and the Benefits of Intercropping and Cover Crops
Soil Health: Composting, and the Benefits of Intercropping and Cover Crops Andy Waltke, M.S. Creighton University Common Soil Seed Library Lecture Series What is soil? Biotic = living component Bacteria
More informationNatural Yard Care. Five steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live.
Natural Yard Care Five steps to make your piece of the planet a healthier place to live. Washington Department of Ecology, publication no. 08-07-064, revised 12/9/2008. Why go natural? Our yards are our
More informationSoil Ag Mag - Vocabulary - Matching
Name Today s ate Soil g Mag - Vocabulary - Matching irections: Match the word with the correct definition. 1. lay Soil 2. Erosion 3. Humus 4. Nutrients 5. Parent Material 6. Sandy Soil 7. Silt 8. Subsoil
More informationUnit D: Fruit and Vegetable Crop Production. Lesson 1: Planning and Preparing a Vegetable Garden Site
Unit D: Fruit and Vegetable Crop Production Lesson 1: Planning and Preparing a Vegetable Garden Site 1 Terms Adequate sunlight Climate Compost Cool-season vegetables Cover crop Crop rotation Fertile soil
More informationSoil. The Foundation of the Garden
Soil The Foundation of the Garden Soil Type ph Soil Tests Soil Compaction and Drainage Soil Improvement Macro and Micro Nutrients Macro and Micro Organisms Soil Particles Sand Silt Clay Soil Type Mostly
More informationDefinitions in Handbook
HORT325: Soils & Fertilizers Soil Composition Soil Texture/Structure & Water Capacity Soil ph & Nutrient Availability Fertilizers Soil Testing Definitions in Handbook Soil Structure Soil Porosity Pore
More informationComposting Made Simple
Composting Made Simple WHAT IS COMPOSTING? Composting is the natural decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance called compost, that is excellent
More informationLandscaping for. Water Quality. Composting Basics. Homeowners & Stormwater Public Workshop March 18, 2017 John Hubbs, Fellow MGs
Landscaping for Water Quality Composting Basics Homeowners & Stormwater Public Workshop March 18, 2017 John Hubbs, Fellow MGs What is Compost? Decomposed organic matter Grass clippings Food scraps Used
More informationSoil is the Key (Chapter 3)
Soil is the Key (Chapter 3) Soils 101 Soil profile Soil sources, texture, chemistry, physical properties Soil Amendments Identifying your soil Soil Testing Fertilizers Soil Profile Vertical distribution
More informationSoil & Garden Preparation. Presented by Missouri Valley Master Gardeners
Soil & Garden Preparation Presented by Missouri Valley Master Gardeners Healthy Yankton Community Gardens Located on City Limit Road Sites available March 14, 2016 Avera Pavilion Cost $20 Contact HealthyYankton@gmail.com
More informationSecondary Consumer (Carnivore or Omnivore)
Chapter 8 - Water and Soil Conservation Benefits of Living Organisms for Water and Soil 1. plants break fall of rain and reduce damage to the soil 2. plant materials on the soil provide a rain absorbing
More informationLet s Compost! Village of Weston, May 13, 2017
Let s Compost! Village of Weston, May 13, 2017 Speaker: Karin Sieg But first things first! Keep composting in perspective; it s one of many management tools Try to avoid/reduce materials you generate Landscape
More informationHow to Fertilize Smart
Fertilize Appropriately How to Fertilize Smart At the most basic level, fertilizers feed plants, helping them to grow better. Did you know that you can choose fertilizers that can direct your plants growth
More informationHome Composting Part 2 The Nuts and Bolts of Composting
Home Composting Part 2 The Nuts and Bolts of Composting JOHN PORTER AG & N ATURAL RES O U RCES AG EN T WVU K AN AWH A CO U N TY EX TEN S IO N S ERVICE What do you need to make compost? Decomposers Your
More informationCMG GardenNotes #711 Vegetable Gardens: Soil Management and Fertilization
CMG GardenNotes #711 Vegetable Gardens: Soil Management and Fertilization Outline: Soil amendment or fertilizer, page 1 Soil amendments, page 2 How organic amendments improve the soil, page 2 Application,
More informationYour Logo Here. Recycle with us today! Grow with us tomorrow! Kevin Anderson
Your Logo Here Recycle with us today! Grow with us tomorrow! Kevin Anderson www.missouriorganic.com 816-483-0908 A Problem???? 2 What Happens to Soils and Soil Functions as We Turn Forests into Cities?
More informationOUTDOOR COMPOSTING GUIDE
OUTDOOR COMPOSTING GUIDE How To Start Composting Outdoors in New York City nyc.gov/compostproject Follow @NYCzerowaste on social media What is composting? Composting is the process of creating the ideal
More informationEstablish plants outdoors
Establish plants outdoors Note: This section is in two parts Prepare ground for establishing plants CONTENTS Part 1 Page Number Preparing the area...2 Soils and growing media...3-4 Clearing the site...5
More informationIts Recycling. Naturally
Its Recycling Naturally What is composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Grass clippings Food scraps Compost Leaves Composting
More informationOnce you've created your ideal outdoor space and chosen the perfect soil and grass for the area, how are you to keep it looking its best?
Type of Guide: Lawn maintenance Once you've created your ideal outdoor space and chosen the perfect soil and grass for the area, how are you to keep it looking its best? Follow these simple steps and keep
More informationThe following general requirements will be met for all planter box installations:
Greenville County Technical Specification for: WQ-25 PLANTER BOX 1.0 Planter Box 1.1 Description Planter boxes are designed to capture and temporarily store stormwater runoff. Planter Boxes are intended
More informationHealthy Watershed Practices
Healthy Watershed Practices Summit County Soil and Water Conservation District Mission Statement: To provide local leadership and technical assistance for innovative programs to conserve soil, improve
More informationSoil Characteristics. Soil Science 101
Craig R. Miller Parks & Open Space Manager www.cpnmd.org Soil Characteristics There are several ways to describe soil. Understanding the characteristics of soil helps the gardener amend soil. Urban soil
More informationComposting at Home. Getting Started. Location
Composting at Home Getting Started Location Select a site for your compost pile that will provide you with ample room to move and work around it. Choose a shady, protected area, because wind and direct
More informationSolutions Library Solution 1: Preserve and Restore Soils
Solutions Library Solution 1: Preserve and Restore Soils "Soil is so complex. There are layers on top of layers on top of layers. It s absolutely incredible to think about how much is going on right below
More informationSoil Resources. Soil Horizons
Soil Resources Soil Uppermost layer of earth s crust that supports plants, animals and microbes Soil Forming Factors Parent Material Time Climate Organisms Topography Soil Composition Mineral Particles
More informationWaste Wise Queensland
WasteWise Queensland What s in this booklet Turning your rubbish into fertilizer 2 How do I compost? 4 What should I put in my compost? 8 What should I leave out of my compost? 9 How does composting work?
More informationLesson 1: Recognizing the Characteristics of Soils and the Soil Requirements for Fruit and Nut Crops
Lesson 1: Recognizing the Characteristics of Soils and the Soil Requirements for Fruit and Nut Crops 1 Mineral matter Organic matter Pore spaces Tilth Hygroscopic water Soil aeration 22 I. Soil is a layer
More informationYard Waste Recycling
Slide 1 Yard Waste Recycling And Composting Yard Waste Recycling and Composting Slide 2 Why recycle yard waste? Yard waste makes up between 10 and 15 percent of all waste going to landfills. Doesn t break
More informationComposting Yard and Food Waste
The Natural Lawn & Garden Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment Composting Yard and Food Waste at Home Composting at Home: Good for your garden and the environment Composting yard waste and kitchen
More informationUnit 5: Soil - Stages of Soil formation
Biology Form 3 Page 68 Ms. R. Buttigieg Unit 5: Soil - Stages of Soil formation Soil is the layer of material covering parts of the land, the home of many organisms and the area from which land plants
More informationLiving Soil, Lovely Garden!
Living Soil, Lovely Garden! Organic, soil-focused gardening for healthy plants and efficient water use With Connie Kuramoto, Gardens on the Go www.gardensonthego.net Source: npic.orst.edu Source: greenbeanconnection.wordpress.com
More informationComposting: the rotten truth
Composting: the rotten truth Composting Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter) through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost or Humus. Invertebrates (insects
More informationBackyard Composting Guide
Backyard Composting Guide Help grow your garden and your business. Composting is nature s way of recycling organic waste by breaking material down naturally, mimicking the earth s natural processes. By
More informationGood Practice Guide: Composting for SME s
Good Practice Guide: Composting for SME s Introduction to Composting Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living
More informationFrom Garbage to Gold. Turning Organic Material Remains into a Valuable Resource. Amy Cabaniss, PhD URI Outreach Center
From Garbage to Gold Turning Organic Material Remains into a Valuable Resource Amy Cabaniss, PhD URI Outreach Center Compost - What is it? a mixture of decayed plants and other organic matter used by gardeners
More informationCLAY, SANDY AND PEAT SOILS, AND SOIL ORGANIC MATTER
CLAY, SANDY AND PEAT SOILS, AND SOIL ORGANIC MATTER Background Most normal soils ( mineral soils ) consist of tiny particles of rock that have been broken into small pieces by such things as wind, water,
More informationComposting 101. Charlotte Glen Horticulture Agent, NC Cooperative Extension Chatham County Center
Composting 101 Charlotte Glen Horticulture Agent, NC Cooperative Extension Chatham County Center Review these slides and learn more: http://go.ncsu.edu/compost-resources Why Compost? Recycle organic materials
More informationEC Building a Bluegrass Lawn
University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Historical Materials from University of Nebraska- Lincoln Extension Extension 1965 EC65-1212 Building a Bluegrass Lawn Clark
More informationBackyard Composting. Granville Garden Club 7/11/2018
Backyard Composting Granville Garden Club 7/11/2018 Compost vs Mulch Compost is full of nutrients that we want to get down in the soil to feed the plants through their roots. Mulch is the layer of organic
More informationGetting Started with Your Vegetable Garden
The Basics Getting Started with Your Vegetable Garden Nathan Gerber Advanced Master Gardener USU Extension Thanksgiving Point A little About Vegetables Choosing the Right Location Planning your Garden
More informationRecommended Resources: The following resources may be useful in teaching
Unit B: Establishing a Fruit Garden Lesson 1: Recognize the Characteristics of Soils and the Soil Requirements for Fruit and Nut Crops Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result
More informationCompost Applications to Sports Fields
www.stma.org Compost Applications to Compost is a product resulting from controlled biological decomposition of organic material that has been sanitized through the generation of heat and stabilized to
More informationSoil And Soil Improvement
Soil And Soil Improvement Soil Composition Chart Water 25% Minerals 45% Air 25% Organic Matter 5% 1. Soil Formation: Texture Soil particles can be divided into three main sizes A. Sand B. Silt C.Clay 1.
More informationComposting 101 Pay Dirt
Composting 101 Pay Dirt Composting means the controlled decomposition (decay) of organic material such as yard trimmings, kitchen scraps, wood shavings, cardboard, and paper. Why Compost? Compost allows
More informationSunlight. Chlorophyll
Plant Nutrition & Soil Fertility Richard Smith Vegetable Crop and Weed Science Farm Advisor University of California Cooperative Extension Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties Plant Nutrition 1.
More informationLife of a Lawn. Fact Sheet
Life of a Lawn Fact Sheet Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health Canada, 2008 All rights reserved. No part of this information (publication or product) may be reproduced
More informationGet composting today and produce free plant fertiliser from your own kitchen and garden waste!
David Domoney s COMPLETE GUIDE Compost TO Compost is nutrient-rich material that can transform your soil and give plants a dramatic boost. It is created from decomposed organic matter, with help from bacteria,
More information2014 O.G.S. Harvest Conference Back Yard Composting Made Easy. Mark Langner MAYTime Composting Burnsville, NC
2014 O.G.S. Harvest Conference - - - - - - Back Yard Composting Made Easy Mark Langner MAYTime Composting Burnsville, NC MAYTime Composting Mark Langner Life-Long Long Gardener and Bad Composter. In 1999
More informationRecommended Resources: The following resources may be useful in teaching this
Unit D: Fruit and Vegetable Crop Production Lesson 1: Planning and Preparing a Vegetable Garden Site Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following
More informationFertilizing Your Lawn for Healthy Plants and Clean Water
We all want a home landscape that is attractive but did you know that some of our common landscape management practices can cause pollution? The improper use of lawn fertilizers has the potential to harm
More informationSoil Texture = %Sand, Silt & Clay in a soil.
Soils Soil Texture = %Sand, Silt & Clay in a soil. Soil texture is the single most important physical property of the soil. Knowing the soil texture alone will provide information about: 1) water flow
More informationSOUTH CAROLINA HANDBOOK. Down-to-Earth Tips, Guidance and Information on How to Go Green in Your Backyard
SOUTH CAROLINA HANDBOOK Down-to-Earth Tips, Guidance and Information on How to Go Green in Your Backyard Compost Food Web Typical Composting Bins Ground Beetle (Carabid) 3rd Level Consumers Centipedes
More informationBackyard Composting CRAIG G. COGGER & DAN M. SULLIVAN
Backyard Composting CRAIG G. COGGER & DAN M. SULLIVAN Backyard Composting Craig G. Cogger and Dan M. Sullivan Gardeners have long made and used compost because of the way it improves garden soil. Today,
More informationWisconsin Soil Health Scorecard
Wisconsin Soil Health card Soil Ecosystem Crop Production Soil Health Environmental Protection Animal & Human Health The Wisconsin Soil Health card was developed by the Wisconsin Soil Health Program, Department
More information