Compost Tea At Home

Photo credit: Gardening at Home

How To Make Compost Tea At Home

Posted by Acus Cimis

How to Make Compost Tea at Home – Gardening Tips at Home.>> Compost tea is already used as natural garden tonic since a long time ago. Compost tea can fertilize and improve the overall health of your garden crops. So in this article, I will share about compost tea recipe andhow to make compost tea at home.

How to Make Compost Tea

There are several compost tea recipes available around the world but basically there are two methods to make compost tea as follow:

1. Passive Compost Tea

Passive compost tea is the simplistic and most common used. To make compost tea using this method, just soak tea bags in water for a couple of weeks. The liquid is then used as fertilizer for plants.

2. Aerated Compost Tea 

Aerated compost tea is more costly and need more effort compared with passive compost tea. You will need some additional ingredients such as humic acid, kelp, and fish hydrolysate. Additional tool like air and/or water pumps is also required. However, making compost tea using aerated method give some advantages, it takes less brewing time so the fertilizer will be ready within a few days as opposed to weeks.

 

Read the full article: Gardening at Home

Tips on how to re-use compost in your containers

Photo credit: Vertical Veg

Salads are one of the easiest crops to grow in old compost – these are in a mix that is several years old.

How to re-use old compost – ten useful ingredients

by Mark Ridsdill Smith

Traditional gardening books often tell you to replace the compost or soil in your pots each year. But if you have more than just a few pots, emptying and refilling all your pots will be a time consuming, messy, difficult job. It will also be expensive. And it just seems a waste to throw it away.

So a question I’m commonly asked is: ‘is it possible to re-use the soil / compost in pots’?

The answer is most definitely YES. It will last for several seasons, at least (and perhaps even indefinitely).

Learning how to re-use it is really useful if you are growing in containers, so the aim of this post is to help you on your way.

What you need to know…

There is quite a lot of detail and information in this post. If it seems overwhelming, you only really need to remember three things:

 

 

Read the full article: Vertical Veg

You can compost too

Photo credit: Pixabay

Kitchen waste and grass clips in compost box (pallets)

Composting turns kitchen scraps into black gold

by Betsy Voorhies

EXCERPT

Building materials you can use can include discarded wooden pallets, horse fencing or chicken wire. Compost piles should be at least 3 feet high by 3 feet wide and 3 feet long in order to work efficiently. Composting requires three key activities: aeration, by turning the compost pile; moisture, and the proper carbon to nitrogen ratio. Attention to these elements will raise the temperature to around 130 degrees Fahrenheit to140 degrees Fahrenheit, and ensure rapid decomposition.

To begin, create a stockpile of leaf and grass clippings (mowing with a bag attachment is a great way to acquire these and keeps your yard debris out of the land fill). Your compost pile is a great place to recycle used potting soil from dead or transplanted potted plants. I keep my organic material in large nursery pots next to the compost bin.

To start your compost; begin with a 6” layer of dry organic material (the leaf/grass clippings and old soil). Next add a layer of green stuff such as vegetables, fruit scraps, banana peels, egg shells and even unbleached paper towels. After every layer, water the pile well and keep it moist for best results. If you have chickens, horses, cows or any herbivorous animal, their manure can also be added at this point.

Keeping a covered pail in your kitchen makes it easy to collect your kitchen scraps. Make sure, no meat, oil, cheese, dairy or anything that is not plant-based gets into the kitchen scrap pail. You can find wonderful pails at garden centers or online at gardening websites.

Fabulous “black gold” (NannyPro)

Reaad at :

http://www.nannypro.com/blog/10-rules-to-remember-about-composting/

10 Rules to Remember About Composting

by Ken

It seems everyone is concerned about the environment and trying to reduce their “carbon footprint”.  I hope this trend will continue and grow as a nationwide way to live and not turn into a fad.  Composting has been around for MANY years.  Composting is a great way to keep biodegradables out of the landfill and to reap the reward of some fabulous “black gold”.  That’s what master gardeners call compost and it’s great for improving your soil.  Plants love it.  Check out 10 Rules to Remember About Composting.

1. Layer your compost bin with dry and fresh ingredients: The best way to start a compost pile is to make yourself a bin either with wood or chicken wire.  Layering fresh grass clippings and dried leaves is a great start.
2. Remember to turn your compost pile: As the ingredients in your compost pile start to biodegrade they will start to get hot.  To avoid your compost pile rotting and stinking you need to turn the pile to aerate it.  This addition of air into the pile will speed up the decomposition.

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Do you know how to compost ? (Ecosensorium)

Read at :

http://www.ecosensorium.org/2011/03/what-is-composting-how-is-it-beneficial.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ecosensorium+%28ECOSENSORIUM.ORG%29

What is composting? How is it beneficial??

Introduction
The natural or artificial process of digestion to decompose the organic matter or the organic waste and to kill pathogens is called as composting. -In fact, composting is the process of decay or decomposition of organic biodegradable wastes through the activities of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi and worms. The organic wastes used for composting may be food leftovers, plant materials (crop residues and garden refuses), excretory matter, wood fibres, paper etc.

The process of composting may either be brought about in the presence of oxygen (the aerobic composting) or in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic composting). In nature, the process of decay occurs through the process of biodegradation of different organic matter. It occurs on the floor of forests and in swamps. The process of decomposition or biodegradation of leaf-litter on the floor of forests occurs in the presence of air; hence it is of aerobic type. On contrary, the process of biodegradation of organic matter in swamps occurs in the absence of air; hence it is of anaerobic type.

The composting of wastes by man is done according to a well-planned programme. Through this programme biodegradable organic wastes are converted into manure (the compost) which is very useful for crops. Thus, compost or the manure may also be defined as a partially decomposed organic matter used in gardening to improve soil and enhance plant-growth, is called as compost (or manure).

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VERMICOMPOST : nutrient-rich fertilizer from manure (Science Daily / Am. Soc. Hort. Sci.)

Read at :

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210153701.htm

Vermicompost from Pig Manure Grows Healthy Hibiscus

ScienceDaily (Dec. 17, 2009) — Vermicomposting, the practice of using earthworms to turn waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, can be an economical, organic waste management practice. During vermicomposting, earthworms and microorganisms stabilize organic waste in an aerobic, moist environment. The resulting product, called vermicompost (VC), or worm castings, provides commercial and amateur growers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional substrate additives for producing many varieties of container-grown plants. A research team recently experimented with pine bark amended with vermicompost derived from pig manure to see if this organic alternative can produce healthy hibiscus.

Composting made easy (Fine Gardening)

Interested in this subject ?  Please have a look at a video :

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/videos/easy-methods-for-best-compost.aspx?nterms=74866

Human Hair Combined With Compost Is Good Fertilizer For Plants (Science Daily)

Read at : Science Daily

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081229104704.htm

Human Hair Combined With Compost Is Good Fertilizer For Plants

ScienceDaily (Dec. 31, 2008) — Agricultural crop production relies on composted waste materials and byproducts, such as animal manure, municipal solid waste composts, and sewage sludge, as a necessary nutrient source. Studies have shown that human hair, a readily available waste generated from barbershops and hair salons, combined with additional compost, is an additional nutrient source for crops.

Although human hair has become commercially available to crop producers in the past couple years, it has not been proven to be an exclusive source of nutrients in greenhouse container production.

The big top ten organic gardening tips (Google / Beautiful Home and Garden)

Read at : Google Alert – gardening

http://beautifulhomegarden.blogspot.com/2008/09/big-top-ten-organic-gardening-tips.html

The big top ten organic gardening tips

By using only organic gardening supplies, your gardening tasks will be easier and more enjoyable.• Compost, an all natural soil amendment is made through the use of composters. Composters break down organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps to make a 100% organic, all natural soil additive. Composters come in varying shapes, sizes and designs. Research composters and choose one that meets your needs. Making your own natural compost is a great alternative to other organic gardening supplies you would ordinarily have to buy, and it’s free!

• Rain Barrels collect water from your roof and store it until needed. Rain water is softer and chemical free. Rain Barrels are great for keeping your plants healthy and saving water. Many rain barrels are made from reused food drums and recycled plastic, keeping with the commitment to sustainable living. You can collect approximately 675 gallons of rain off your roof from a single rain storm. Stored rain water supplies much needed moisture to your gardens during extreme dry spells where rationing is necessary.

• All Natural and organic fertilizers supplies much needed nutrients to plantings. Natural and organic fertilizers generally have a slow release so nutrients last over time. Natural and organic fertilizers such as liquefied worm poop and tea from composters, are among the top natural and organic fertilizers and an essential ingredient to your organic gardening supplies.

• Push reel mowers are a great way to be eco friendly! Push reel mowers use no gas or electric, only your own energy. Push reel mowers are lightweight, easy to use and gives your lawn that golf course look. Owning a push reel mower is an important part of organic gardening.

• Grow native plants. Native plants require less water. They are also naturally more insect and disease resistant than other plants. Healthy, lush gardens made from indigenous plants also make a natural home for birds.

• Container gardening is good for planting your favorite flowers and vegetables when space is limited! Use large containers such as steel buckets and wooden barrels for creative container gardening. Container gardens do not require a lot of organic material due to being enclosed. Many gardening containers such as green pots are all natural, made from all natural elements such as rice hulls and coconut fiber.

• Using only natural and organic gardening supplies such as Insecticidal Soap, Horticultural Oil or Organic Disease Control will keep your garden healthy, naturally. Organic gardening supplies leave no hazardous residue and break down naturally into the soil. Natural predators such as bats, praying mantis and ladybugs are great organic insect controls. Bat boxes are effective for keeping bats nearby and supplies shelter through the harsh winter months. Enjoying and benefiting from organic gardening is dependent upon the use of the highest quality organic gardening supplies.

• Mulch your flowerbeds and vegetable garden to retain moisture around plants. Mulch supplies your plants with much needed moisture throughout hot, sunny days. Mulching also keeps weeds away. Apply all natural worm poop fertilizer around plantings when mulching. Your organic garden will love you for it. • Create a bird habitat by placing bird houses, birdbaths and bird feeders in your yard. Birds are fun to watch and will control the insect population in a natural way. Pick a quiet section of your yard to keep a variety of birding supplies to attract birds of your choice. Bird food such as sunflower hearts and suet are great treats. • Whether you are working on your lawn, flowerbed or vegetable garden, have fun. Remember, all natural supplies will make organic gardening easier and more enjoyable. The following is a list of recommended all natural and organic gardening supplies: composter, rain barrels, organic fertilizers, push reel mower, natural gardening containers, birding supplies, natural homemade compost, These are the best equipment, tools and supplies for keeping your plants, turf and environment healthy.

Happy Gardening!

This article may be reproduced and/or distributed. This article was written by Mark & Vera Pappas, Co-owners of http://www.greennationgardens.com/?Click=23GreenNationGardens.com, suppliers of unique and eco-friendly garden supplies.

Improve Organic Gardening Using Composting (Google / Beautiful Home and Gardening)

Read at : Google Alert – gardening

http://beautifulhomegarden.blogspot.com/2008/04/improve-organic-gardening-using.html

Improve Organic Gardening Using Composting

Building up sustainable soil for organic gardening starts right after the garden soil testing has been completed. The testing of the soil helps to identify the additional fertilizers and conditioners that can be added. When attempting to garden organically, testing, maintaining and improving the soil is a constant process and one that is well worth the effort, according to those who advocate organic farming and gardening. Creating sustainable soil for gardening organically means that you have to be able to replenish the topsoil of the garden. One of the best substances to have for keeping the soil rich and healthy enough for an organic garden is a good supply of compost. In addition to compost, it is good to have enzymes, earthworms, and beneficial microbes available to add into the soil mixture as well.