Common Household Toxins in Our Everyday Routines
Published on March 3, 2016, by Susannah Shmurak
Gardening with raised beds and composters can bring about a bountiful harvest, offering superior soil quality and improved water retention. Here's how you can create a thriving garden using these methods:
**Raised Bed Gardening Tips**
1. **Fill with Organic Matter:** - Begin by filling the bottom half of the raised bed with branches, twigs, and bark, a technique known as Hugelkultur. This method helps retain water and reduces the need for expensive soil[1]. - Compact these materials by walking on them or using a tool to pack them down.
2. **Soil and Compost:** - Use a mix of high-quality topsoil and compost. Aim for at least 6 inches of compost on top for optimal soil health[1][2]. - Consider using Mel's Mix, which includes compost, coarse vermiculite, and peat moss or coco coir, for well-draining and moisture-retentive soil[3].
3. **Watering:** - Ensure adequate water supply. Drip irrigation systems work well for raised beds, as they conserve water and reduce evaporation[2]. - Consider the size of your garden and whether you need a more extensive watering system.
4. **Shade and Protection:** - Raised beds can easily be covered with shade cloth or frost blankets to protect plants from extreme weather conditions[2].
5. **Maintenance:** - Refresh the top 2-3 inches of soil with fresh compost each season to replenish nutrients and maintain soil health[3].
**Composting Tips**
1. **Start Composting:** - Create your own compost using kitchen scraps, leaves, and other organic materials. This can help reduce waste and provide nutrient-rich soil for your garden[1].
2. **Balanced Compost:** - Ensure your compost pile has a mix of "green" (e.g., kitchen scraps) and "brown" (e.g., leaves) materials for optimal decomposition[5].
3. **Turn and Monitor:** - Regularly turn the compost pile to aerate it and speed up decomposition. Monitor temperature and moisture levels to ensure the composting process is healthy[5].
If you're looking for raised garden beds, consider the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed, or opt for Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds for a stylish addition to your garden. For composting, the Worm Factory 360 Composter and the Jora JK270 Composter, with a capacity of 9.5 Cubic Feet, are excellent options.
To help maintain your garden, consider using Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer 8-0-0 - 40 lbs, and for watering, a Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose - Slim 7/16" is a practical choice. For those interested in wildflowers, Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed is available in a 5 lb package. Lastly, the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter, made of Natural Wood, is another option to consider for your gardening needs.
By incorporating raised bed gardening and composting, your home-and-garden lifestyle can flourish, as witnessed by the bountiful harvests from these methods. To begin, start a compost pile with kitchen scraps and organic matter for a nutrient-rich soil amendment. For gardening, choose a raised bed like the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed, and utilize compost from your homemade compost pile for a thriving garden.
