All the garden and organic household waste (scraps, paper, cardboard, dog hair) that would have gone to the landfill goes into the compost. Then there is the fifth ‘R’, Regenerate, which is the effect that compost has on the soil.
Compost is not only free nutrition, it is the easiest and cheapest way to condition the soil, improve drainage and aid water retention.
Anyone with a garden, even just a few pots, can make compost. The method you use depends on space and affordability.
TRADITIONAL COMPOST HEAP
This is the most cost-effective option but needs space. It is suitable for gardens where the heap can be placed out of sight, usually at the bottom of the garden. The site needs to be level and on soil so that the earthworms can do their work. Start with a layer of sticks or small branches (for drainage) and build it up in layers of brown material (leaves, paper, cardboard) for carbon and green (vegetable scraps, grass cuttings, prunings) for nitrogen. A layer of manure every now and then acts as a compost activator. Turn regularly to aerate and don’t go much higher than 1.5m.
HOME-MADE OPEN BINS
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2020 من The Gardener.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2020 من The Gardener.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.