#Mulching

[balkanradfem]

Gardening makes me feel so powerful. I can, with my own hands and careful usage of my brain, affect the environment so an area is populated by plants that I desire to be there, which will give me so much food I will be safe and secure for the entire year? I can change an area so it feeds me? By putting my hands in the soil and knowing how to anticipate the rain and where the roots are likely to grow and how long it takes to get a seed to fruition? I can do this with minimal effort and by adding organic matter to an area that will stop all other plants from growing, and fertilize my plants, so only my plants succeed? I can, on top of that, have all kinds of flowers growing in it, making it beautiful to me and helping all kinds of little bugs and critters have a home? I can do it in a way that makes the land even more fertile and healthy? And I'm not some sort of a deity?

Being able to control an area of land and make it into what you need to survive is powerful. Seeing it in your head and then watching it happen by the work of your own two hands is invigorating. Some things we cannot change. But we can change the area immediately around us so it both feeds us, and become beautiful and rich to us.

[chipswoag]

Might've gotten a little too silly

[jensownzoo]

Hot damn they're mowing my neighbor's grass right now!

The reason why this is so exciting for me is that the property has been unoccupied for at least 15 years now. They've always used a service to keep it reasonably mowed, so that's not an issue.

What is GREAT is that I know for certain that there hasn't been any chemicals sprayed on the lawn that whole time and that grass clippings are FANTASTIC mulch for my tomatoes. And my yard produces very little clipping because it's a small area of zoysia (thanks to the drought it stayed dormant almost all of last year).

I just transplanted my tomatoes in and that grass is nearly a foot tall right now (first mow of the season). The timing couldn't have been better, though the rain we're going to get tonight means I need to grab my rake and my ikea bag and go gather it up immediately instead of letting it dry out for a few days first.

[thegardenenthusiast]

Top 10 Essential Gardening Tips for Adult Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to the delightful world of gardening, where the symphony of nature and the thrill of nurturing your own green haven awaits. If you're a gardening novice, fear not! This guide is tailored just for you. Whether you're cultivating a windowsill herb garden or transforming your backyard into a botanical paradise, these tips will set you on the path to success.

Start Small, Dream Big: As a beginner, resist the temptation to turn your entire yard into a lush Eden. Begin with a small plot or even containers for your favorite plants. This allows you to learn the basics without feeling overwhelmed.

Know Your Zone: Familiarize yourself with your USDA hardiness zone. This information is crucial for selecting plants that will thrive in your specific climate. Understanding your zone helps you make informed choices and increases the likelihood of a flourishing garden.

Sunshine and Shade: Different plants have different light requirements. Pay attention to the sunlight patterns in your garden and choose plants accordingly. Sun-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, while shade-loving varieties such as hostas and ferns thrive in filtered or dappled sunlight.

Soil: The Foundation of Success: Healthy soil is the secret behind a thriving garden. Invest in quality soil that suits your plant's needs. Most plants prefer well-draining soil, so be sure to amend your soil with compost to enhance its structure and fertility.

Water Wisely: The age-old adage "more is not always better" holds true for watering. Overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering. Research the water requirements of your plants, and water consistently. Consider using a drip irrigation system for efficient and controlled watering.

Choose the Right Tools: Equip yourself with the essential gardening tools. A durable pair of gloves, a trowel, pruners, and a watering can are must-haves. Quality tools not only make gardening more enjoyable but also contribute to better results.

Companion Planting: Take advantage of companion planting to maximize space and enhance growth. Some plants complement each other, deterring pests or providing mutual support. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can improve tomato flavor and protect against certain pests.

Pest Management: Be vigilant about pests, as they can quickly wreak havoc on your garden. Familiarize yourself with common garden pests in your area and adopt natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using neem oil.

Embrace Trial and Error: Gardening is a journey of discovery. Not every plant will thrive, and that's okay. Learn from your experiences, celebrate successes, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, every gardener, no matter how seasoned, has faced setbacks.

Celebrate the Seasons: Gardening is a dynamic, seasonal activity. Embrace the ebb and flow of the gardening calendar. Plan your garden to ensure a continuous display of colors and harvest throughout the seasons. Consider incorporating flowering plants for beauty and pollinator support.

In conclusion, embarking on your gardening journey as an adult beginner is an exciting adventure filled with growth and fulfillment. By starting small, understanding your environment, and adopting these tips, you'll soon find yourself immersed in the joys of cultivating a thriving garden. Happy gardening!

[climatecalling]

A layer of leaves on the lawn will exclude light, which would be detrimental to the lawn. When the leaves fall, either rake them up or chop them up with a lawn mower so they can sift down in through the grass blades. But if they fall in a landscape bed, or under trees, shrubs and larger plants, it’s fine to just leave the leaves without mulching them. The leaves contain nutrients, and they also are a source of organic matter. If you think about forest, where leaves just naturally return to the soil and decompose every year, it’s some of the richest soil we have. By allowing that to happen in your landscape beds, you’re getting the same benefits. ... Also, many insects spend the winter in leaf litter. And a lot of people might not want insects in their landscape, but only about 2% of all the insects in the world are considered pests. Most of them are either beneficial or of no consequence to humans, and they are very important food sources for birds and other animals. Birds feed the insects, especially caterpillars, to their hatchlings. ...

[tomorrowusa]

The practice of raking leaves, putting them in bags, and then having the local sanitation department haul them off to some landfill is both wasteful and counterproductive.

As leaves across America make their annual autumn pilgrimage from the treetops to the ground, lawn and wildlife experts say it's better to leave them around than to bag them. First, because it keeps leaves out of landfills. Every year, about 8 million tons of leaves end up there. And second, because leaves help the grass. Leaves are full of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. "Those nutrients are being returned to the soil," Susan Barton, a professor and extension specialist in landscape horticulture at the University of Delaware, told NPR. "But probably even more important than that, it's the organic matter. It's the fact that you've got this tissue that then eventually decomposes and improves the soil health." They also provide a habitat for insects, spiders, slugs — and depending on where you live — possibly turtles, toads and small mammals, according to the University of Delaware's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

At most, just run a lawn mower (preferably a hand powered mower) over the leaves to cut them into small pieces. Then sweep away any leaf debris from sidewalks and driveway. Repeat if necessary.

If you have space, you can also collect and compost leaves to use as a mulch for plants next spring.

These are climate friendly ways of marking autumn.

Some cities actually collect leaves for composting at a central facility, where it turns to mulch that residents can collect for free. On the other hand, leaves in landfills that don't have enough oxygen to decompose will end up releasing a significant amount of methane. How people deal with leaves is just one part of a longer-term issue of environmental sustainability.

[bumblebeeappletree]

What’s the best way to keep fruit trees healthy in the warmer, dryer months? As buds begin to form, how can grafting be used to increase the diversity of your harvest? In this workshop led by artist and orchardist Sam Van Aken, you will learn the basics of bud grafting, a longstanding agricultural practice used to produce hybrid trees. And while you’re bud grafting, now’s also a great time to think about summer tree care, from installing a simple irrigation system to proper pruning and mulching.

Webinar facilitated by Sam Van Aken on July 8, 2020. Hosted in partnership with the Trust for Governors Island Open Orchard Project: https://www.govisland.com/things-to-d...

Introduction to the webinar and project: 0:00-6:45

Webinar: 6:45-end

The Open Orchard School is a two-year series of educational programs co-presented by NYC Parks GreenThumb and the Trust for Governors Island. The Open Orchard School is an extension of The Open Orchard, an expansive new artwork by Sam Van Aken on Governors Island that will take the form of a public orchard of 50 hybrid fruit trees. Each individual tree will contain multiple varieties of peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries and apples that were historically grown in the New York City region over the past 500 years, but which have been lost to climate change and the industrialization of agriculture, preserving their biodiversity for future generations. Many additional trees will be distributed to community gardens in all five boroughs. Through the Open Orchard School, community gardeners and members of the public will learn practical skills related to the project, including in-depth experience with fruit tree care, cultivation, planting, and grafting. Participants who complete multiple workshops can become part of the team working to ensure the ongoing stewardship of the trees as they put down roots across the city.

[knbservicesla]

Looking for cleaning up your property?? Give us a call for your free estimate 504-650-1898 https://bit.ly/Call-KNB

[fordragonfliesandme]

Unlock the Secrets to a Pristine Spring Garden: 10 Essential Tips for Successful Clean Up

Introduction to spring garden clean-up Spring is a magical time of year when nature awakens from its winter slumber, and our gardens come to life once again. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on cleaning up our gardens after the long winter months. A thorough spring garden clean-up is essential to ensure a healthy and vibrant…

[androdconstruction]

Celebrating Completion Day: A Remarkable Landscaping and Garden Transformation by AND-ROD

We're thrilled to announce completion day for our latest landscaping and garden project, brought to you by the talented team at AND-ROD Landscapes! From concept to execution, their dedication and creativity have transformed our vision into reality, and we couldn't be prouder of their remarkable work. This project has truly been a labour of love, and we're ecstatic to share the fruits of their hard work with you all. Join us in raising a glass for these talented individuals who make dreams come true! Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on our latest projects and transformations. Are you ready to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful oasis? Contact AND-ROD Landscapes today to discuss your vision, and let us help you bring it to life!

[treeyo]

Our Food Forest Startup

[balkanradfem]

How to make gardening easy

If you've grown up watching people garden, it's likely you've seen them working around with a big hoe, digging the soil, tilling it, constantly at the war with the weeds. This is traditionally how people garden, because of simple fact that no matter where you plant something, there's going to be native wild plants growing around it, likely suffocating it, unless you do something about it. So people traditionally, have had to fight a lot of weeds, so their garden plants could have all of the space, nutrients, water and sunlight to grow.

Due to this natural issue, that makes the planet a living space for us, the first problem you hit when you're starting a new garden, is a bed of weeds that need to be dealt with. There's grass, there's dandelions, maybe some tall native plants, and you're standing there sighing, thinking of how to convert this into a garden-friendly space. And the first human instinct is to get the space tilled and leveled. But that's difficult. Here's how you can do it without as much effort, by being super smart.

The smart thing is to start early. If you look at your intended garden space 4-6 months early, and you know you're going to have to deal with all these native plants, you can instead, prevent them from growing, by blocking the sunlight from them, and then letting the time take care of it. This is done by several different ways, but all of the include covering the ground with something that won't let sunlight get trough. The most common way is to get a bunch of cardboard (ideally without print), lay them out over your gardening space, put some rocks or weighty stuff over them, so they don't get blown away, and then you can walk away, get back in 4-6 months, remove them, and fresh and ready soil will be waiting for you. All that plant matter will die without sunlight, some of it will get eaten by bugs and turned into fertilizer for you, and you did maybe 1/20 of the work and invested some old cardboard.

If you don't have/like cardboard, this can also be done with a big tarp! A third way to do this, maybe not 100% efficient, is to cover the ground with mulch instead. This is what I do. I bring bags of dried leaves to the garden, spread them across the beds and cover them this way. It doesn't need to be leaves, you can cover the ground with straw, hay, dried grass, wood chips, pine needles, any organic matter. It's not completely efficient, because this organic matter will fall apart and turn into soil itself, so it might not give you a perfect coverage, and some plants might just grow in that instead, but! This method also makes sure your soil is already somewhat fertilized, and your plants will absolutely love all of the degraded organic matter; it will bring in bugs, it will bring in worms, it will bring life to the soil, your garden will be rich in life.

Now, let's say you've done it, you've gotten your empty garden bed, and you're about to plant in It, do you need to work the soil still? I would say no. Gardeners love to work the soil until it's in tiny little pieces, so the new plants have an easier time pushing the roots trough it, so it's easier to work with. And yeah the worked soil is lighter, fluffier, more filled with air pockets, which new plants do like! But what happens next is, the rain falls, the soil absorbs a lot of moisture, and then condenses and turns into that same hard airless dense matter that it was in the start. Digging the soil can only make it lighter and more filled with air, temporarily. That's why gardeners need to do it often!

Worked soil, especially rich in clay, will also get a very dry top surface, which can get rough and fill with cracks, making it look desert-like. Plants do not love this, and gardeners often have to work the soil just to break that cracked surface and get their plants some air. Soil that is dry and dense will also struggle to absorb a decent amount of water, so rainfall won't give it as much goodness as it could. So, what can you do instead, to make the soil palatable to your plants, and not susceptible to being dried  up and dense and difficult for your plants? You can again, add organic matter on top.

If you're sowing your seeds directly, it's good to wait for your plants to grow a little, so they don't have to fight the mulch, but as soon as your plants are taller than a few inches, you are encouraged to cover the ground around them with any organic matter. What this will do is 1. Stop the surface of the soil from drying out, keep it very pleasant, soft and damp for the plant 2. Stop additional weeds from growing, save you from tons of weeding, 3. Protect your soil from erosion and 4. Fertilize your plants.

Soil erosion is a common problem in agriculture, where dried-up top of the soil is eroded by the wind, and ultimately turned into sand, which in a monocrop situation, can turn the entire area into a desert unless there's frequent rain. Now I'm not suggesting you could ever, by growing your little garden, create a desert area – you will not. But keeping your soil safe from both sun and wind will make sure it doesn't lose nutrients, water, and it's own structure, you're keeping it safe! And adding even more richness to it by letting the mulch slowly fall apart on top of it. Whenever it rains, the rainwater will fall into your mulch, take in nutrients from the parts that have composted, and then carry it down to your plant's roots. Your plants will get to eat new food every time it rains.

Generally once my plants outgrow all possible weeds and are not longer in the danger of being suffocated, I forget about weeds and just let them grow, they're not threat to me anymore, and having lots of greenery in times of drought is good for both the plants, and the little critters in your garden. Oh I forgot to tell you about the critters! One thing your garden needs is airy soil, filled with little holes and passages, that gardeners usually make manually with their tools. But what you're doing is luring thousands of little worms, bugs, critters and underground creatures, by all that rich mulch they love eating, so they dig the ground for you. They make holes and passages and air flows through them, making the soil light and fluffy. I've found that keeping the ground covered with mulch during the winter creates the entire different quality of soil than the one that isn't covered; the soil that was covered is so light and easy to work with, you can plant using just your fingers.

Having the quality of your soil improve to the point where you can work it with fingers, will usually happen after 3 years of gardening like this! In the meantime, you might need some tool just to get the seeds underground; I've been using a single spoon to plant everything in the garden. It's the smallest, and thus least-disruptive to the soil type of tool. We want all of the creatures in there to feel safe and undisturbed.

Even though I wrote all this pretending like I can totally garden like a smart person, in the reality I absolutely will completely ignore some parts of my garden all winter, check on it in the spring when it's super weedy, pull the weeds out by hand, and only then mulch and plant, laughing at myself for letting the soil quality go bad – but it still works. As long as I add mulch at some point in time, the garden succeeds. So if you're right now, in the height of spring, considering planting some beans – but you haven't done the whole '6 months earlier' procedure, no worry. I didn't either. I pulled out some weeds and planted beans today with a spoon, I'm gonna add mulch when they come out, and I'm still 100% certain they'll be fine, as long as there's rain. So many of our efforts cannot compare to even one single rainfall.

[defilerwyrm]

Growth capitalism is a deranged fantasy for lunatics.

Year 1, your business makes a million dollars in profit. Great start!

Year 2, you make another million. Oh no! Your business is failing because you didn't make more than last year!

Okay, say year 2 you make $2 mil. Now you're profitable!

Then year 3 you make $3 mil. Oh no! Your business is failing! But wait, you made more money than last year right? Sure, but you didn't make ENOUGH more than last year so actually your business is actively tanking! Time to sell off shares and dismantle it for parts! You should have made $4 mil in profit to be profitable, you fool!

If you're not making more money every year by an ever-increasing exponent, the business is failing!

Absolute degenerate LUNACY

[chokrihizem]

🌟 Eco-Friendly Gardening Made Easy! 🌱 In this video, we reveal how papaya leaf mulch can be a game-changer for your pepper plants! Learn about its nutrient-rich properties and how it helps keep pests at bay while promoting healthy growth. Perfect for container gardening enthusiasts! Don’t miss out on these essential tips—hit that like button and subscribe for more gardening inspiration! 🌶️

[askwhatsforlunch]

Wintering The Garden

As the days are getting colder and colder, and it is frequently freezing at night, Wintering The Garden becomes essential, if you want to see it beautifully abloom come Spring. Now is the ideal time to feed and enrich your soil, too; next year's harvest will reward your efforts!

Leaf Mould 

Lasagna Garden (Update One) (Update Two) (Update Three) (Update Four)

Wintering Camellias 

Mulching 

Wintering Geraniums 

Pruning Fruit Trees 

Pruning Hydrangeas 

Wintering Peonies 

[lopezpaverlawncare]

💯 You are just a phone call away for our company to help you. 📲 609-827-2326 📧 lopezlawncare1988@gmail.com 🌐 www.lopezpaverlawncare.com