Composters You Can Spin By Glenn Medlin

 

The goal of a compost heap is to create nutrient rich organic matter collected from table scraps and commonly found backyard debris like leaves and grass clippings. Over time, this collection of biodegradable material breaks down and decomposes into an astoundingly rich soil used in gardens.

Ideally, a composter should be turned over a few times per month. Performing this operation makes sure the moisture, nutrients, oxygen, and microorganisms are fully mixed into each other in a well-balanced manner. This way the entire heap receives the benefits, not just one single side if the compost had not been turned over.

The problem with regular compost heaps is that the natural process of breaking down organic matter is much too slow for modern man. A compost heap needs to be turned to introduce oxygen. The action of turning a compost heap usually involves taking a pitch fork and flipping the heap over on top of itself.

This is where composters you can spin comes into play. Composters you can spin are basically made up of a spacious drum with an access panel, and a stand upon which it is mounted upon. After placing your after-dinner scraps and lawn trimmings, you simply take the attached handle and crank the composter for several revolutions.

The convenience of a composter you can spin is immeasurable. Let's say you've started your first compost heap in the summer, steadily collecting lawn matter and kitchen scraps over the next few months. Since compost reaches its nutritional peak over a period of time, and not overnight, it is not uncommon for your compost heap to exist well into the winter months for a spring planting.

Would you like to go out on a freezing winter's day and tire yourself by manually turning a compost heap? If you have a composter you can turn, then your time outdoors is reduced to mere seconds instead of agonizingly cold minutes. See the advantages, now?

Or how about a person with a bad back, or an old sports injury which prevents him or her from shoveling the compost heap on a frequent basis? Cranking the handle over on a spinning composter will bring a ton of relief for back pain sufferers.

Composters that spin are also beneficial for older generations of gardeners. There is no need to kneel down or bend over, as all the action can even be done by sitting on a chair beside the spinning composter.

When you're ready to purchase a composter that spins, your decision will be based on two main considerations. The first factor is of course cost. There are many price levels to choose from to fit every budget, but keep in mind, no matter how much you spend, you'll be throwing what is essentially trash into it. Then the second factor is size. Try to get a model that is slightly bigger than your present needs. It will give you a chance to expand in the future should you require it.

Using a composter that spins will make composting easier and much more convenient. When time comes for the new planting season, you'll have a mound of nutrient-rich compost you can till into your garden plot. The fruits (and vegetables) of your labor will be reaped ten times over!

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About The Author:
Glenn Medlin is nurse by day and a freelance writer in his spare time. He enjoys fiction, surfing the internet and spending time with his family. If you enjoyed this article you should read his other article how to choose a spinning composter and also visit his website spinningcomposters.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleSlash.net

Top 5 Health Benefits Of Organic Gardening By Dr. Davon

 

Organic gardening is one of those things which sounds like a little hobby for senior citizens. As far back as I can remember, society would look at organic gardening as something which only hippies or so-called tree huggers participated in. However, based on the current economy and food prices, organic gardening is fast becoming one of the best ways to save money and eat healthy. This article will show you the top 5 health benefits of organic gardening.

1) Increased Consumption of Healthy Organic Foods.
Before I first started organic gardening, I did not realize that I was consuming vegetables with weird chemicals included in them. The simple fact of the matter is that organic fruits and vegetables taste much better. Traditionally grown fruits and vegetables are dry and lack flavor because they do not have the trace minerals that are added to the soils in actual organic gardens. Many times dyes and food coloring are added to make these vegetables look better. I tend to find these unhealthy types in my local supermarket. The nice thing about organic gardening is that by the end of the season there is enough fresh harvest to last for a long while. I have easily been able to create a healthy luscious supply of fruits and vegetables.

2) Weight Loss from doing an Outdoor Activity.
As I mentioned earlier, I used to think of organic gardening as a simple hobby and nothing more. In actuality, it serves as a great and healthy hobby. After I finished medical school and started living on my own, I ate fried and greasy foods. This put on a great deal of weight to my body and I really needed something that was able to help me live better. Through organic gardening, I was able to burn a lot of calories each day because I really cared about the end results. Not only is weight loss a great incentive, but I felt as though I was one with nature. When I started spending more time outside, I realized how long I spent indoors studying or watching television. At least I was able to breathe more fresh air and get plenty of natural sunlight. Keep in mind that you burn more calories in active gardening.

3) Boost of Self Esteem and Confidence.
One thing I have noticed is that nature provides a euphoric feeling of health and calmness. Even as a medical doctor, I cannot fully explain this phenomenon. With the increase in technology and television programs, it is easy to forget the serenity and peace of nature. Aside from the point, I felt my self esteem and confidence go further. Perhaps it is the fact that I have accomplished a long term task, or even my realization that I can wait for a good harvest. What I can say, is that I have been able to control my emotions better and appreciate my quiet time while gardening.

4) Reduced Exposure to Harmful Pesticides.
Throughout my medical career, I have come to understand the devastating long term affects of pesticides. The one thing which boggles my mind is how the media is portraying this thing. I remember seeing a television ad some time ago saying that the pesticides were safe and effective at killing bugs. Plants have been known to produce their own natural pesticide to deal with the onslaught of bugs. Through organic gardening, you have the chance to free yourself from these damaging chemicals as well as preservatives. The soil you will be using is full of rich vitamins and minerals as opposed to whatever they are doing on the other farms for the public. Take a look at many of the scientific studies which have concluded that pesticides are known to cause cancers and other health problems.

5) The Ability to Save Money.
I cannot even begin to tell you the amount of money I have saved yearly with organic gardening. It makes me very happy when the season arrives because I know that I can create a well stocked harvest for the year. One example I will use is tomato sauce. Spaghetti and other pastas are favorites for my family. Instead of shopping for some strange and expensive brand, my wife and I take some of our fresh tomatoes and create our own sauce. Another benefit from this is that we do not have to worry about empty bottles lying around. Also, the ultimate way that organic gardening saves money is that we do not have to worry about buying a lot of fertilizer. My wife loves to compost kitchen scraps in order to create new foods for the next season.

All in all, organic gardening has many benefits which not only helps your health, but also the environment. I have been gardening for over 10 years and it has truly changed my life and the way I look at fresh foods. My medical experience has also helped me to appreciate the time it takes to produce food and take care of it. Organic gardening is by far the most healthy and inexpensive way to eat healthy and live longer.

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About The Author:
Hello, my name is Dr. Davon Jacobson, M.d. and I absolutely love gardening. There are many natural and health benefits to this hobby and I want to share them with you. To learn more about this, please visit my site at http://www.squidoo.com/easy_simple_organic_gardening_tips

Article Source: http://www.articlecoop.com

How To Attract Wild Birds To Your Garden By janetra

 

Sparrows, blackbirds, starlings, great tits, robins, doves, greenfinches and blue tits are the wild birds you are most likely to see in your garden in the UK. If you would like to attract any particular species you can encourage them to visit your garden by providing their favorite food.

Some wild birds, including thrushes and chaffinches are more likely to search beneath bird tables for food. If your garden borders on woods you may have woodpeckers, marsh tits, coal tits and nuthatches visiting your bird feeders. Wild birds belonging to the thrush species such as fieldfares, mistle thrushes, song thrushes and redwings love fruits and berries so add these to your bird table to attract them.

Some wild birds, such as treecreepers and wrens are insect feeders so will not be interested in the foods you provide on your bird table or feeder. To attract these birds let an area of your garden grow wild with native plants and flowers. These will then attract the insects that are insect eating birds food.

Attracting Finches To Your Garden
Many people love to see finches in their gardens and it is easy to attract these lovely birds if you provide their favorite food. Finches love thistle seeds which are best placed in a specialised thistle feeder. The seeds are tiny and thistle feeders enclose the seeds in a mesh which finches, with their long beaks, can easily reach through.

These types of feeder also prevent the tiny seeds from dropping to the ground which would be a problem if you placed thistle seeds in a conventional feeder designed for larger seeds. Seeds spilled ion the ground will also attract predators such as squirrels. Commercially prepared thistle seeds have been treated to prevent germination. You could also put out some sunflower or millet seeds on your bird table as finches also enjoy these.

Provide Fresh Water for The Birds
You can also attract wild birds by giving them a source of fresh water or bathing and drinking. This can be as simple as a shallow pan of water on the ground but make sure you replace it regularly. A bird bath is an attractive alternative and if you incorporate a dripper or other means to agitate the water the sound will attract the birds. This is particularly valuable in the winter months when water can be a problem for the birds.

If you place a small heater or agitator in the bird bath to keep it ice free the birds will have a source of fresh water all year round. Place the bird bath in a quiet area of the garden away from your bird feeders as wild birds need quiet when they bath. They also prefer a place underneath branches or other perches for a quick escape route from any lurking cats or other predators.

Feeding Wild Birds in Throughout the Year
Wild birds require different nutrients depending on the season. In the winter feeding is especially helpful as natural food sources may be scarce. They need high energy foods during this time with high fat content. Feed them twice a day and remove any uneaten food regularly.

In the spring and summer they will need high protein foods such as raisins, seeds, mealworms, sunflower seeds etc. You can also buy specially prepared summer mixes for insect eating wild birds. Fruit can also be put out for the fruit loving birds. They will enjoy chopped up apples and pears, grapes and bananas.

During the summer do not put out fat, bread or peanuts as they can be taken back to the nest and harm the baby birds. Home made fat balls are also a bad idea in the hotter months as they will become rancid very quickly.

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About The Author:
For more information on attracting birds to your garden and some good deals on garden bird feeders check out Garden Bird Feeders UK or Garden Bird Houses UK

Article Source: http://www.articlecoop.com

Organic Gardening: This Is How It’s Done By Benedict Yossarian

 

In a nutshell, organic gardening is the practice of not using pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in the whole process of growing all sorts of plants, flowers, vegetables, or fruits. By doing so, people are not only able to do their part in saving the environment, but the harvests produced by this practice are also much healthier. Moreover, this agricultural technique is also more cost-efficient as it does not require the purchase of insect and weed repellents that simply wipe out all the harmful insects in the garden without taking its overall health into consideration. Here are the three basic steps needed to start an organic garden.

Organic is the Way
One criticism about genetically altered seeds is that their manufacturers are also the same companies that develop the sprays for these seeds. Some believe that these companies alter the seeds in such a way that they will only become abundant if they are sprayed with their products. This is a shrewd maneuver in terms of profiting, but its negative effects on the environment are nothing to be proud of.

This is why it is best to go for organic seeds. The simplest way to find these types of seeds is by going online and ordering them from organic gardening websites. Another alternative is to check local greenhouses that are also known for selling organic seeds. Although it is cheaper to get them online, the advantage of purchasing organic seeds from local greenhouses is that they are more readily available. One wouldn’t need to place an order and wait up to six weeks for their seeds to be shipped to them.

Soil Type is Essential
The next step on the list is looking for a good location for the garden. In order to make the most out of one’s organic garden, it is necessary to pick the right type of soil. Ideally, the selected soil should be able to have good drainage while still being able to retain sufficient moisture. A good test to see if the soil is rich enough is by digging around six inches deep in the area. At this point there should already be a good amount of moisture retention. Otherwise, one would need to get a bit creative by adding some compost if it’s too dry, or by mixing in some sand if the soil is too wet.

Plan Things Out
A big mistake committed by both beginner and novice gardeners alike is simply scattering the seeds around the garden without a plan that has been thought out. One of the cardinal rules of gardening is to have a plan before actually planting the seeds. It is necessary to understand the requirements of each plant, especially the amount of sunlight they need in order to grow. For instance, lettuce prefer shady environments and should only be exposed to indirect sunlight. On the other hand, some types of flowers may need as much sunlight as possible in order to flourish so it wouldn’t be a good idea if one were to plant them near corn, which block the sun’s rays.

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About The Author:
Angus Horticulture is a leading supplier of garden products such as lawn and garden fertiliser. If you prefer a garden that requires less maintenance why not try Dekorbeton’s imprinted concrete which provide a low cost alternative to natural stone paving.

Article Source: http://www.articleseen.com

Growing Perfect Tomatoes By Piper Cox

 

A tomato fresh from the garden, nothing is better! No tomato in the produce section can compare to one fresh from the field. Sun ripened and full of flavor and harvested at the perfect time. No green tomatoes forced to ripen as they are shipped off to the store. Harvested at the peak of perfection and flavor, there is nothing quite as good.

Growing the perfect tomato is easier than you think. It really isn’t hard at all. You just need a few tips to begin. Soon you will have the perfect tomato garden just by following this easy design:

Selecting A Planting Area
Just like real estate, location is everything for perfect tomatoes. Full sun is best for growing perfect tomatoes. Find a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun all day long for your sun worshipping tomatoes!

Plan about 18 inches of space for each tomato plant. If you have a sizeable yard, you can plant as many as your garden will hold then sell them at a farmers market, or preserve them for later use. Tomatoes also grow well in containers so if you have a small garden they will flourish in a small space. Plant them in a container that is well drained and gets ample sun. A stake should be placed in a container tomato to help it stand straight.

Which Kind?
There are more kinds of tomatoes than you can number! It will be difficult to decide which kind is the best to plant. Your local garden center or extension office can help you choose the best variety for the area. You usually don't have to be concerned because most tomatoes grow well anyplace, but it is good to have a professional opinion. It is a great idea to plant some small kinds of tomatoes as well. They are perfect to pick fresh and add to salads and recipes.

Cherry tomatoes are perfect container plants and they also look great mixed in with your flowers. The little red fruit really looks striking planted together with marigolds. In addition, the marigolds help to deter bugs from attacking the tomatoes!

How to Begin
You don’t want to put your tomatoes in the ground until the possibility of frost has gone. After the threat of frost is gone, put your tomato plants in the garden or plant them in containers. You can get tomato plants at most nurseries or you can start your own from seed indoors. Tomatoes do best if they are transplanted into the garden rather than seeded into the garden. If you decide to grow your own with seed, then start them indoors six to eight weeks before you will be transplanting them outdoors.

Starting seeds indoors is simple. Simply fill a growing tray with a soil mixture made specially for starting seeds and gently place the seeds into the soil. The soil needs to stay damp, but don't get it soggy. You don't want to be able to see water standing in the soil, but if you press on it you will feel dampness. Within one to two weeks your seeds will begin to spring up. Keep the plants in a sunny window or under a grow light. Once the plants are big enough and the risk of frost is over, plant them in your garden.

Don't Let the Bugs Get You!
Although tomatoes are very easy to grow, they do have their share of insect problems. Most likely the biggest tomato pest is the hornworm. They like to go after the underside of the leaves so you won’t really see them on the plant. When you come across one, make sure you kill it by stepping on it. Parasitic wasps can be introduced to your garden, they will lay their eggs on the worms and then the young larvae will eat the worm Inspect your plants often to make sure you don’t get infested with the hornworm.

You can help to avoid pests by planting things like marigolds or garlic close to your tomatoes. If you have ever noticed marigolds planted in vegetable gardens now you know why. It is remarkable how nature provides it's own natural repellants.

As you can see, it is easy to grow the perfect tomato. With these easy steps you will enjoy delicious tomatoes all season long!

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About The Author:
Piper is a freelance writer who loves spending time with her kids, good nutrition, and the great outdoors. She enjoys working in her garden and loves growing perfect tomatoes. She loves gardening, reading and exercise. Check out her website, www.smallgardentiller.org to learn all about getting the best small garden tiller so you can have a beautiful garden too!

Article Source: http://www.articlelisted.com

How To Make Your Own Compost By Jacque Crook

 

Compost is known as black gold for the garden, the rich organic mix of decayed plant material that is rich with nutrients and minerals plants need to thrive and produce enormous yields of fruit and vegetables. With the economy being what it is, compost is often a little more expensive then we want to spend.

There is a solution at hand and it does not cost a great deal of money. Learning how to make your own compost is both fun and educational, so it is a great idea to involve the whole family in this project. Compost is beneficial for plants and the environment because it is recycling vegetative material that otherwise would be thrown away and would fill up the landfills.

The first item that you need is a composting bin; there are several different types on the market. This is one instance where it pays to spend a bit more and find a compost bin that will be easy to operate and durable. Set up the compost bin in a place in your garden area where it is not shaded by trees or difficult to work around. There are different styles and dimensions of compost bins available, the ones with the hand crank are especially nice because it is easier to mix the layers of dirt and plant material evenly.

After setting it up, start to add the ingredients to make rich compost. The first layer should be some soil from the garden area because it is already alive with the microbes and worms that help break down the plant material. The next layer should consist of green plant material, such as mown grass clippings; then next a dryer layer of vegetative material such as old leaves. Alternate the layers, adding enough water to keep damp. The other key ingredient is time; let the compost sit and decompose; turning often enough to ensure that the layers are mixed well.

The composter absorbs the heat from the plant material and the sun, causing the plants to decay faster. The correct proportions of water, dirt, plant material and heat all work together to produce compost. An important fact: only put plant material into the composter. This includes grass clippings, vegetable waste from the kitchen, coffee grounds, tea grounds, banana peels, etc. Do not include any meat scraps of any kind as it will draw animals that will try and eat it, causing a mess and costing time and money to repair the damage. After the plant material has decayed, mulch the plants in your garden to give them the nutrients they require.

You can keep adding vegetable matter as needed, just make sure the compost does not dry out too much and has enough air circulation to keep the cycle of decomposition going. A properly maintained composter should not smell sour or rotten, this is a sign that something is not working right. It is usually the lack of air or brown plant material. As you experiment more with how to make compost, you will find the right measure of ingredients to produce fantastic compost for your yard and garden.

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About The Author:
Learning how to make your own compost is both fun and educational.

Article Source: http://www.articleslide.com

Helpful Tips For Your Organic Vegetable Gardening Success

 

Many farmers are starting to garden organically because they are able to produce virtually the same yield of crops in a cost-effective manner. You can also do this at home, but first you have to understand certain principles.

Organic vegetable gardening does not make use of any fertilizers, nutrients or pesticides. Nature is your partner because you will be using two things to make it all work - sunlight and water. We don't produce these ourselves but you have to find the ideal area for your garden and provide adequate drainage.

Aside from sunlight and water, you can help the crops to grow by using a compost heap from leftover food, chipped bark, leaf moulds, garden compost and manure. Mix these together and then spread throughout your garden.

To keep your vegetable garden disease free, good sanitation is essential. Make sure that you wash your hands and tools thoroughly with soap before you work on your garden. Gardeners who use tobacco products should wash their hands especially, because many plant viruses can be passed through tobacco to your garden.

Some people use dead animals or meat products. You don't put these in the soil but leave it for a couple of weeks in the bin and wait for maggots to appear. This is what you use to help fertilize your garden.

Another helpful creature is the earthworm because it digs deep into the ground and aerates the soil, bringing various minerals to the surface which provide better drainage. Earthworms also leave casting behind that experts say is five times as rich in nitrogen phosphorous and potassium.

Organic gardening is challenging since you have to deal with unwanted guests. Some of these pests include crickets, gypsy moth caterpillars, slugs and squash bugs. In the past, people used fertilizer to kill them but in an organic setting, the best weapon is the toad. The toad is known to eat almost every type of insect. In some cases, you don't have to buy a toad. They may come in to your garden as long as you set the ideal environment for them. Put in a small pond and you may have some new occupants protecting your garden within days.

Plants can also be used to protect your vegetables. For example, the rosemary, sage or thyme is an effective deterrent against butterflies.

Despite all the flowers and creatures that nature has to offer, crop rotation is seen as the best way to keep the soil fertile. If you planted one particular kind of vegetable for this season, change it with another for next season and then return to the first after this one is harvested.

The principles behind organic vegetable gardening are very simple. You just have to put them into practice, and then harvest the vegetables you planted weeks ago.

As a final thought, it's always best to continue your education by reading as much information as you can find. There are many other ways to increase your success when planting an organic vegetable garden and enjoy fresh, healthy vegetables to eat all year round.