Plants live and grow in topsoil, so their health depends on this soil layer. The problem is that not all topsoil is the same, and some types don’t give plants what they need to thrive. No matter the condition of your topsoil, you can create a foundation for a lush garden and lawn. In this…
Most gardeners understand the value of compost as a soil amendment. It’s an excellent source of plant nutrients and can even be used as mulch. So given the benefits of compost, can you use it as a replacement for potting soil and plant directly into compost? It sounds like a perfectly reasonable thing to do……
There are so many different soil amendments and plant foods on the market today. It’s challenging to tell which ones you actually need. And if you choose multiple products, it’s not easy to tell which ones you can use together! Fertilizer is important, particularly if you’re growing plants in pots or containers. Worm castings are…
You’ve likely heard fantastic things about worm composting. And for a good reason. This composting method has some major perks. But there are also downsides you must know before starting a worm bin. I don’t want to crush your dreams of a thriving compost-making worm community. I just want you to know what to do…
Wood chips are an organic material, and all organic matter rots! But many gardeners are reluctant to use this fantastic source in their composting. So why do some people not use wood chips in compost, and how can these difficulties be overcome? Let’s find out… Composting Wood Chips Making wood chips at home is effortless…
I’ve seen people collecting horse manure in parks and local stables with the intention of using it in their gardens. But it makes me wonder whether all gardeners understand how to use substances like manure. Manures of all kinds are considered beneficial fertilizers. However, throwing it directly on your plants and shrubs is not always…
Worm castings are a fantastic type of organic fertilizer and soil amendment that you can use in many ways. But it’s not always necessary to dig worm castings into the soil. By far, the easiest way to use worm castings is as a top dressing. And worm castings can be used to top dress any…
Worm castings are rapidly gaining popularity as an organic soil amendment, and for a good reason. It’s considered a superfood for plants! It offers a range of benefits for plants because it contains a unique combination of micronutrients and microorganisms. You can buy worm castings from almost any garden center, nursery (or even online). Still,…
If you’re a regular here at Help Me Compost (thank you!), you know I talk a lot about balancing greens and browns. Greens (organic wastes high in nitrogen) and browns (carbon-rich wastes) are 2 essential ingredients your compost needs in a specific ratio. I like to keep composting stress-free, so I usually give loose guidelines…
You may know that home composting is the best way to take care of your plants, but you struggle with time or simply forget to give your compost enough attention. Most of us would rather tend to our plants than supervise the compost! But did you know… There’s an easy composting method that can be…