In the world of gardening, compost is the star of the show. This does not come as a surprise since compost is the most cost-efficient and eco-friendly fertilizer and pesticide rolled into one. Plus, it certainly helps that compost and its tea are very easy to make, requiring only your household trash, simple equipment and a little manual labor.
With the following tips on making these organic materials, you are sure to get the most benefits out of them!
Measure by Volume
One of the secrets of successful compost making is to measure all the ingredients by volume. This way, you can achieve just the right temperature since your mass is just at the right volume. Usually, one cubic yard is the right volume when making compost.
Maintain Dampness
You can tell if a compost pile is too wet or too dry by taking a handful of compost and squeezing it as hard as you possibly can. If you only get one or two drops out of it, then it is just right. Any more or less than that amount means that it is too wet or too dry, respectively. Obviously, if it is too dry, add more water and if it too wet, let it dry out.
Add as Necessary
Balance is also the key to the success of the compost pile. You can either add in small amounts either green materials like shredded newspapers and kitchen leftovers or brown materials like wood shavings and dried lawn clippings. Why small additions only? Well, because these do not significantly affect the ratio between green and brown materials, thus, making it possible to adjust as necessary without making too many mistakes.
Let It Cook
And when we say cook, we mean maintaining the right temperature. Keep in mind that almost as soon as the pile is made, it will heat up and the microorganisms will start breaking down the green and brown materials.
The ideal temperature should be between 135° F where the human and plant pathogens are killed and 160° F where the beneficial organisms are also killed.
You can use either a long-stemmed thermometer or a turkey thermometer. Just make sure that you take several (2-3 will be good) readings from at least 3 points in the pile and that you stick the thermometer into the center.
You should turn the pile when the temperature reaches 155° F, which will mix the cooler materials on the outside of the pile to its center as well as introduce oxygen into it. You will need to do the turning every other day for the first week so as to maintain the 135° to 155° F range.
You will know when it is ready when the center of the pile is cool to the touch, which should be in about 6-8 weeks. However, you should be alert to any bad smells coming from the pile since it is bad business for you and your garden.
Your compost should have an earthy but pleasant smell to it instead of rotting flesh. You may need to introduce more aeration or more materials into the mix.With well-matured compost, you are assured that your vegetables and other plants will grow in abundance, all other things like weather being favorable. Plus, you saved on the cost commercial fertilizers, too.
Whitney is an expert gardener that owns a greenhouse manufacturing company and writes articles for his own article directory called the Garden of Articles.
The Worm Factory® 360 composts with worms to allow you to turn your kitchen scraps, paper waste and cardboard into nutrient-rich soil for your plants. It can be used indoors or outdoors allowing year round, odor free production.
The EZ Composter will allow you to turn your scrap vegetables, grass clippings, and leaves into ready to use compost within just a couple of weeks. This composter allows you to easily turn and maintain an environment conducive to quickly breaking down the material that is contained in the barrel. The composting drum is created out of molded recycled polyethylene plastic which is positioned on the turning base and holds 12 cubic feet of material. This size drum is ideal for heat generation and quick material breakdown. In order to get the most out of your compost barrel, you need to turn the compost regularly. The large capacity compost drum rotates on a stable base providing quick and easy mixing. Just turn it about once a week to keep oxygen, nutrients, microorganisms and moisture evenly distributed throughout the developing batch. Glide posts on the base allows the composting drum to
RW40-BLK When drought sets in and rain is short, rain barrels can provide that precious water you need for your lawn and garden. The Rain Wizard 40 can provide up to 40 gallons of pure, unchlorinated water when municipalities declare periods of low water usage. During heavy rain falls, a typical roof can produce hundreds of gallons of water. By saving that water, you can reduce your average water usage by up to 40pct. With those kinds of savings, the Rain Wizard 40 can pay for itself in just a few seasons. The Rain Wizard 40 features an attractive faux oak barrel design so it naturally fits in with your landscape. And the wide variety of colors allows you to even further match your barrel to your home and yard without standing out. Its plastic screen mesh is newly designed to keep out bugs, animals, and debris while still being easy to remove for cleaning and maintenance and is gentle on skin. A front side overflow keeps water from flooding against your outside wall. The flat-back design is one of the most convenient features as it allows your barrel to sit right up against your home so you don't have to worry about purchasing excess downspout parts. Features: -40 Rain barrel in black. -Rain Wizard Collection. -40 gallon capacity, faux oak, rain barrel. -Made of UV resistant resin; will not fade for years. -Linkable to other barrels for increased capacity using separately sold linking kit. -Resistant to rust, mold, mildew, and rotting. -High quality brass spigot for hose hook-up and overflow spout. -Screen to keep out debris, insects, animals, and children. -Dimensions: 29'' H x 22'' W x 22'' D.
SoilSavers Compost Bin saves money by reducing landfill cost, hauling cost and curbside pickup and can recycle up to 30% of your household waste. It produces rich organic soil for healthier plants and gardens. Now you can do your part to not only help the environment, but also your family with the SoilSaver.
The use of carbon filters significantly reduces any smells while waiting to bring kitchen scraps to your outside composter. Filters should be replacement every 3 months for best results.
The brilliantly designed center pivoting composter produces up to 60 gallons of compost 4 times faster than any other. It mixes the compost simply by turning the composter on its centered pivoting stand. Accessible from either end too.
ATTENTION ALL ECO-LOVERS: Do You Want to Help The Environment And Save Money?
Contains select microbial species (bacteria and fungi) which accelerate the natural biodegration process of organic waste, even under a wide range of climactic conditions.
Earthmaker 3 - stage Compost Bin turns trash into treasure! Dumping yard refuse and food scraps in the trash not only wastes landfill space, it's a waste of money too! Don't believe me? Well, think about how much you spend on lawncare services or products every year. Sending organic waste to the dump means you're literally throwing out valuable nutrients you COULD be using to keep your yard and garden beautiful while also keeping money in your pocket. In fact, studies show that almost half of each trash bag you produce could be made into compost. So, why waste money AND pollute the air by having your waste transported elsewhere? The Earthmaker is a great way to go green AND save green! So how does it work? Simple. Earthmaker's patented three-stage process uses traditional three-bin composting, but stacked vertically so gravity does the hard work! A continuous cycle process keeps new material away from older material. Food and garden waste can be added at any time. Mature mulch or compost can be removed when convenient. And the push-pull tool makes it easy to mix and move material through the process without straining your back with heavy lifting and turning. It's basically like having 3 compost bins in one unit! More: 123 gallon capacity; Once the unit is working, Earthmaker can produce up to 10 gallons of compost each month; Swiveling lid keeps animals out; Made of durable polypropylene; Material aerates as it falls down the chambers, decomposing rather than rotting; Reduces smells, flies and greenhouse gases; Easy assembly! Clicks together with no tools; Measures 47 x 30" w., weighs 36 lbs. Compost the easy way and order your Earthmaker today! Earthmaker 3-stage Compost Bin
The Compost Tea Brewing Manual
EZCJR-BLK The Compost Wizard Jr. holds 7 cubic feet of compost and sits on a wheeled base. The handles provide excellent grip to make turning even easier compared to other models and crank versions. The 12'' twist off lid keeps your compost safely closed off but is easy to remove and even doubles as an extra turning point. The ends feature aeration holes which provide much needed airflow for the compost batch with the option of drilling more for those who live in areas with low air currents. The wheeled base allows owners to turn the bin effortlessly and can easily be separated to allow the compost bin to roll freely from place to place. The low profile ensures that it stays out of sight and won't be blown over in high winds like other compost tumblers. The resin material used to mold the compost bin is 100pct recycled and the rich dark color absorbs the sun's heat keeping your compost at a nice hot temperature (100-150 degrees F). Features: -Jr. compost tumbler in black. -Compost Wizard Collection. -7 cubic foot capacity. -Fully assembled - low maintenance. -Wheeled base. -Large 12'' twist lid. -Safe for pets and children. -Black color for heat absorption. -Makes compost in as little as two weeks. -Dimensions: 23.5'' H x 30'' W x 22'' D.
ALG81002 Color: Terra Cotta Pictured in Terra Cotta Features: -Agua rain water collection and storage system. -Available in terracotta and dark brown color. -50 gallon capacity. -Made of a roto molded plastic. -Withstand extreme temperature and will not chip, crack or fade. -Unique planter design. -Corrosion proof screen guard. -Hook for hanging garden hose and a four foot garden hose with shut-off nozzle. -Dimensions: 33'' H x 23'' W x 23'' D.
In these days of generalized eco-awareness, it is easy to forget that a few short years ago, home gardeners were among the worst environmental offenders, cheerfully poisoning anything that annoyed them with whatever dreadful chemical that came to hand, unconscious of the long-term effects on fauna and flora, water and soil. Now, thank goodness, many gardeners know that their mandate is to heal the bit of earth in their charge. Composting our home and garden wastes is one of the simplest and most beneficial things we can do, both to cut down the quantity of wastes we produce, and to restore health to the soil we garden upon I can think of no better guide to the principles and techniques of composting than Steve Solomon. Whether you live in an urban condo or farm many acres, you will find in these pages practical, complete and accessible information that serves your needs, served up with the warmth and gentle humor that characterizes everything Steve does. 
The Grip-EZ Compost Pail is a stainless steel compost pail with a santoprene, comfort grip handle and knob. Attracively store your kitchen scraps in the Grip-EZ compost container until you have time to transfer them to your garden composter . The stainless steel compost pail can hold up to one gallon of food scraps and the tight fitting lid holds a charcoal filter for odor-free use.
You may be content to watch the seasons change in your own backyard, but if your yard isn't putting on quite the show, Steve Nix, About's Guide to Forestry, has a list of the 10 Best Places to See Fall Color in North American Forests as well as field guides and photo galleries to help you identify the trees that really dazzle.
Low-cost, easy solution to yard waste. Adjustable bin holds over 14 bushels of composting ingredients. Easy to assemble and maintain. Made of rugged lightweight plastic. Due to the number of air holes, composting process takes place quickly. Retains heat and moisture for faster decomposing. Adjustable to over 3' in diameter and 36" tall.
Too Many Weeds Come into the Garden with New Plants.Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2007) licensed to About.com, Inc.
While gardeners in zones 8 and above can grow dahlias, cannas, caladiums and their tender cousins year round, northern gardeners will need to dig and store these plants to overwinter them. And since the first frosts are beginning to hit, the task can't be put off much longer. It's not one of gardening's more pleasant jobs, but the payoff is worth the effort. While there are no absolute rules for overwintering tender bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers, here are some guidelines and safeguards to make your efforts more successful. Better still, here's a video to show you how.
Start making your own compost by collecting and using your organic Kitchen scraps. As much as 30% 0f household waste can be composted and should not be sent into a landfill -composting is the answer - and using the Kitchen Compost Collector is the most practical way to collect all your organic waste.
Growing Brussels SproutsPhoto Provided by Debbie Schiel / stock.xchng.Brussels Sprouts are a long season crop that actually tastes better when hit with a slight frost. So although they are a late harvest, they are a relatively long one. Because of their fondness for cool weather, Brussels Sprouts are a fall crop in warmer climates. As with broccoli, warm weather and long days will cause the “sprouts” to open and be unsuitable for eating. 
CMP-05 Features: -Horizontal. -Made from recycled plastic. -Seven cubic feet capacity. -Minimizes landfill waste. -Rodent proof. -Easy access sliding door. -Mixing fins break up clumps. -Turn kitchen and yard waste into fertilizer. -Natural gas which is typically used to make fertilizers. -Dimensions: 38'' H x 29-31'' W x 29-31'' D.