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Organic Gardening
The term 'organic gardening' generally refers to the avoidance of chemicals, pollutants, and synthetics in the cultivation of plants. Specifically, it may describe either informal commitments by the individual or government certified and regulated practices by the grower. Contributors typically want to know about the different types of organic gardening, the many environments in which it is practiced, and the most likely costs and benefits.
821 Questions
What will happen if salt is sprinkled on earthworm?
Similar to that of a slug, the worm would die and who ever done the deed would be thought of as one of them cruel kids to avoid.
What are deer resistant flowers?
First: the caveat. With the possible exception of spiny Barberries (Berberis) there are no absolutely deer-proof plants. If the herd is large enough, and food is scarce enough, deer have been known to eat almost anything. That said, there are plants that are much less palatable to deer.
Please see related link below.
poison plants, they might still eat them but they will never come back
Why is spreading compost better for growth in plants?
That it provides a healthy environment conducive to optimal growth is the way in which compost is related to plant growth.
Specifically, compost can be considered the end product of a decomposition process which yields dark, fresh, nutrient-rich matter for the soil environment in which plants grow. Nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen count among the necessary ingredients for healthy soils, soil food web members, and plants. Compost provides the nutrients in such a way that they can be taken in by plants. It also represents the source of both improved air and moisture passage through and retention by soil since it contributes to how soil holds together.
Why does a compost heap have holes in the side and at the bottom?
A compost heap has no lid. But compost containers such as bins indeed have lids. The cover makes it possible for compostable materials to contain smells, discourage unwanted micro-organisms, hide from foraging wildlife, keep low profiles in clean neighborhoods, maintain proper environmental conditions (of light, moisture, temperature), and resist dispersal by winds. It permits composting to take place in shorter composting times since layer-turning takes place in more confined spaces.
Can you put weeds in a compost bin?
No, diseased, live and treated weeds should not go in a compost bin even though yes, dead weeds can. Weeds that suffer from disease or treatment with herbicides or that still support living parts do not belong in the bin since infections may spread, synthetic materials may pollute compostable materials and viable plants may self-propagate. Dead weeds contrastingly will be compostable if previously "fried" atop exposed metal or within dark, sealed plastic bags.
It is a word, because people use it. It is not a word that you would use in formal or business language.
What are compost tumblers used for?
A compost tumbler is a drum mounted on rollers that has an attached crank thus making the turning of the compost easier. This turning mixes air with the composting material and speeds up the composting process. You can make your own or you can buy one from Compos Tumbler or other gardening companies.
What is a star-shaped garden flower?
Stellate is the term which describes a flower whose shape resembles that of a star.
Specifically, the word functions as an adjective. It originates in the Latin word stellatus for "covered with stars". Its meaning will include "star-shaped" in regard to objects (such as flowers) and "star-spangled" in other contexts.
What do you put in compost bins?
everything that came from a plant. avoid adding meat and milk products cos they stink and atract street cats and stray dogs. also avoid dog feces as they may contain diseases. cow and other grass eating animals manure is fine.
Did poinsettias originate in Mexico?
No, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are not named after a Mexican ambassador.
Specifically, the name honors Joel Roberts Poinsett (March 2, 1779 - December 12, 1851). Poinsett was a Special Envoy to Mexico during the years 1822-1823. He then served as the first U.S. Minister to Mexico during the years 1825-1850. This was before the diplomatic post of U.S. Ambassador to Mexico was established in the late 19th century.
Where are Venus Fly Traps mostly found?
Venus Flytraps are native to North and South Carolina, but since we are destroying the forests there, they are endangered. You can barely find them in the wild anymore, but they are mostly fund in the USA.
Why do dogardeners add rotted down compost to their soil?
Compost has all of the nutrients (micro as well as macro) plants need to grow and thrive, and no harmful chemicals. Food grown naturally using compost is so much better in every way than chemically fertilized plants that many people prefer it, even if it does take a little more work.
To learn how you can make your own compost, go to the Related Link.
How do you compost palm trees?
You can compost anything organic.. the question is how long will it take.. If that's not an issue and you have the space, then go ahead and through it in the pile. Personally, I'd split the wood and run it through a chipper first... that would get you headed in the right direction. Careful though.. palm is very fibrous and tends to clog chippers...
Can a coprosma survive without water?
Yes, coprosma needs water in order to live.
Specifically, the plant in question can be ground growing natively on Australia, Borneo, Hawaii, Java, Juan Fernández Islands, New Guinea and New Zealand. It is used to moisture in the air and in the soil. But it will not like supplemental irrigation any more frequently than every 10 days unless the area in which it is growing is experiencing such environmental stress as extreme drought.
Why should organic fertilizers and pesticides be used instead of chemical ones?
They are not neccessarily better.
It is a fact that chemical fertilisers and pesticides can leave residues and organic produce is probably healthier, but, with organic produce only we could not feed the world.
What bugs are found in compost piles?
To be frank, I believe that all insects are beneficial to compost, as most bugs that eat organic matter will help break down the contents of your compost pile. Centipedes, millipedes, sowbugs, earwigs, beetles, and of course, earthworms of all stripes are welcome.
What makes a weed a weed is that a weed is an unplanned plant such as a dandelion. Even a useful plant is a weed if it comes up in the wrong place but most weeds are plants that have no use to humans and interfere in some way with human intentions.
What kinds of items can be put in to a compost pile?
Theoretically, compostable materials include whatever breaks down with death and decay; doesn't attract scavenging wildlife such as coyotes; and isn't considered a weed or known to be diseased or toxic.
How do worms know where they are going?
Worms find food by chewing their way through the earth and through the decaying material on top of the soil. As they chew, they eat and absorb food items while allowing unusable items, such as dirt, to pass through their systems.
Why is straw used in compost heaps?
Assistance in decomposition rates and heat control are reasons why straw is used in compost heaps. Straw helps speed up the natural breakdown of carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables into dark-colored, fresh-smelling, nutrient-rich organic matter. In addition to breaking down quickly, it also helps temperatures rise to the proper heat thresholds required by aerobic composting.
What does a compost bin look like?
A compost bin is usually square and come in many sizes, but it should have a panel or door at the bottom to access the the compost that is oldest. Since you fill from the top. It can take 3 months or more for the first compost to start degrading.
What are the differences between intensive farming and extensive farming?
Generally speaking, the main difference is in the amount of labor involved. Organic farming typically takes more labor to produce the same kind of crop as in intensive farming, due to the lack of industrially-produced pesticides and fertilizers. While there are organic pesticides and fertilizers, there is not the wide variety and efficacy of products as for intensive farming. So hand labor must be used to counter the effects of pests, and to apply the larger volumes of organic fertilizer.
The two methods are not exclusive. Vegetable farming for instance is a form of intensive farming, regardless if it's organic or conventional farming. Greenhouse farming even more so, as you will grow several crops on the same plot within the year.
Some partisans of organic farming argue that philosophically, green houses are too artificial, requiring extra heating and lighting, to qualify as organic, but organic farming is a business, and if a farmer can beat the competition by having its produce on the market earlier in the season, it helps sustain the farm and organic farming, and it also reduces importations from sunnier countries, say from Spain if you farm in France, which is also a goal of organic farming (local products).
What are the climatic requirements for growing aloe vera?
Aloes do best in a warm environment with an ample amount of strong light. They can do well with some direct sunlight part of the day. They do not tolerate freezing temperatures. They can grow quite large in a greenhouse and need only be re-potted when absolutely necessary. Cut the lower leaves for medicinal use as the plant grows from the center outward. Do not over water and you need only fertilize moderately during the warmer months. Good drainage is essential.
How many different types of compost are there?
Two, through aerobic or anaerobic (without air) decomposition, is the number that generally is given for the different types of compost. The breakdown of carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables supplies cultivators, farmers, gardeners, growers and orchardists with dark-colored, fresh-smelling, nutrient-rich compost. Compost additionaly will be grouped by one of two temperature drives -- cold or hot -- and by one of three inputs -- animal manure, vegetable debris and scraps, and vermicompost -- or by one of four uses -- lawns, perennial beds, shrubs and trees, and vegetable gardens.
When do you use ericaceous compost?
Autumnal, spring, and summer fertilization schedules is the time to use ericaceous compost. The compost in question references the needs of plants that prefer soils more in the acidic soil pH ranges and that respond disastrously to lime treatments. It responds therefore to the requirements of such Ericaceae plant family members as azaleas, heathers, heaths, magnolias, and rhododendrons.
