Blog

Composting: A Natural and Sustainable Way to Improve Your Garden

Composting is a natural process that converts organic matter, such as kitchen scraps and yard waste, into a rich, nutrient-dense soil amendment. It is an easy and sustainable way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and improve the health of your garden. In this article, we will outline the steps for creating and maintaining a successful compost pile.

How to Start Composting

Step 1: Choose a location for your compost pile. The ideal location should be in a flat, well-drained area with access to water and partial shade. Avoid low-lying areas that may become waterlogged, and keep your pile away from trees, as their roots may compete for nutrients.

Step 2: Collect materials for your compost pile. You will need a mix of “green” materials, such as kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds, and “brown” materials, such as leaves, straw, and shredded newspaper. The ideal ratio is 2:1, with twice as much brown material as green. This balance of materials helps to ensure that your compost pile has the right amount of carbon and nitrogen, which are essential for the decomposition process.

Step 3: Build your compost pile. Start by layering the brown materials at the bottom, then add a layer of green materials on top. Repeat this process until the pile is about 3 feet tall. Use a pitchfork or shovel to turn the pile occasionally to ensure that it is well-aerated. This will help to introduce oxygen into the pile, which is necessary for the decomposition process.

Step 4: Water your compost pile. The pile should be moist, but not waterlogged. A good way to check the moisture level is to squeeze a handful of the compost; if it feels like a wrung-out sponge, it has the right amount of water. Watering your compost pile regularly will help to keep the decomposition process going and prevent the pile from drying out.

Step 5: Wait for the compost to mature. It usually takes anywhere from 2 to 6 months for the compost to be ready to use, depending on the materials you used and the conditions of your pile. The compost is ready when it is dark brown and has a rich, earthy smell.

Step 6: Use your compost. You can use your finished compost to amend your garden beds or use it as a top dressing for lawns. You can also use it to seed your vegetable garden, and you can also mix it with potting soil to create nutrient-rich soil for container gardening.

By following these simple steps, you can create a thriving compost pile that will benefit both your garden and the environment. Regularly turning and maintaining the moisture level in your compost pile will help speed up the decomposition process and ensure that you have a steady supply of nutrient-rich compost to use in your garden. Not only that, but composting also helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and in return, decreases the amount of greenhouse gases produced by landfills.

In summary, composting is a simple, natural, and sustainable way to improve the health of your garden, reduce waste, and decrease your carbon footprint. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create a thriving compost pile that will provide your garden with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Tomato Plant Care Tips

Tomatoes are a beloved staple in many gardens and kitchens, and for good reason. Not only are they delicious and versatile, but they are also relatively easy to grow. However, to get the most out of your tomato plants, it’s important to give them the proper care they need. In this post, we will go over the basics of how to care for a tomato plant, including proper watering, sunlight, fertilization, pruning, and pest control. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the game, this guide will help ensure that your tomato plants are healthy, productive, and ready to yield a bountiful harvest of ripe, juicy tomatoes.

Watering Tomatoes

Watering a tomato plant properly is crucial for its growth and productivity. Here are some tips on how to do it correctly:

Consistency is key: Tomato plants need a consistent water supply to thrive. They prefer to have the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. A general rule of thumb is to water the soil, not the leaves.

  • Frequency: Depending on the weather and the size of the plant, you should water your tomato plants once or twice a week. During periods of hot weather or drought, you may need to water more frequently. A good way to check if the plant needs water is to stick your finger in the soil, if the first inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
  • Amount: How much you need to water depends on the size of the plant and the weather. A general rule of thumb is to water the soil with about 1-2 inches of water. A good way to measure how much water you’re providing is to place a container (like a can) near the plant while you’re watering and see how much water is collected in the container.
  • Watering method: For best results, water your tomato plants at the base of the plant. Watering from the top can cause water to splash on the leaves and create a conducive environment for fungal diseases. A drip irrigation system can be helpful for keeping the soil consistently moist, and also prevents over-watering.
  • Morning watering: Watering your tomato plants early in the day, before the sun is too high, will give the plant time to absorb the water and dry off before evening. Watering in the evening can lead to fungal diseases as the water will sit on the leaves overnight.

It’s important to keep in mind that the watering needs of your tomato plants will change as the plant grows and weather conditions change. Be prepared to adjust your watering schedule accordingly and be aware of the signs of over-watering or under-watering.

Tomatoes and Sunlight

Sunlight is essential for tomato plants to grow and produce fruit. Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. They are warm-season plants and require full sun to produce a bountiful harvest.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your tomato plant is getting the right amount of sun:

  • Location: Choose a location for your tomato plant that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun your plant gets, the better it will grow and produce fruit.
  • Orientation: Make sure your tomato plant is facing the direction that gets the most sun. If you live in the northern hemisphere, the south-facing side of your house is usually the best location.
  • Time of day: The sun’s intensity changes throughout the day. The sun is less intense in the morning, so it’s a good time to plant or transplant your tomatoes. The sun is more intense in the afternoon, so it’s a good time to provide some shade for your plants.
  • Season: As the seasons change, so does the amount of sunlight your plant receives. During the summer, when the days are longer, your tomato plant will receive more sun. In the fall, as the days get shorter, your tomato plant will receive less sun. Be prepared to adjust your plants accordingly.
  • Shade: In hot climates, it’s a good idea to provide some shade for your plants during the hottest part of the day. This can be done by using shade cloth or by planting taller plants to the north of your tomatoes.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your tomato plant is getting the right amount of sun to grow strong and produce a bountiful harvest. Remember, too little sun can cause your plant to be spindly, while too much sun can cause the leaves to wilt and the fruit to ripen unevenly.

Fertilizing Tomatoes

Fertilization is an important aspect of tomato plant care, as it provides the plant with the necessary nutrients to grow and produce fruit. Here are some tips on how to properly fertilize your tomato plants:

  • Type of fertilizer: Tomatoes require a steady supply of nutrients to grow and produce fruit. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 14-14-14, applied every 4-6 weeks is a good choice. These types of fertilizers contain equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for tomato growth.
  • Organic options: If you prefer organic options, you can use compost or well-rotted manure as an alternative to commercial fertilizers. These options provide a slow release of nutrients, which benefits tomato plants.
  • Timing: The best time to fertilize your tomato plants is when they are actively growing and producing fruit. This is typically around 4-6 weeks after transplanting, and every 4-6 weeks thereafter.
  • Method: The best way to apply fertilizer is to mix it into the soil around the base of the plant, being careful not to get any on the leaves. A good rule of thumb is to apply about 1 tablespoon of fertilizer for every gallon of soil.
  • Watering: After fertilizing, it’s important to water the soil well to help the fertilizer reach the roots. This also helps to prevent fertilizer burn, which can occur when the fertilizer dries out on the soil’s surface before it has a chance to be absorbed by the roots.
  • Side dressing: Another way to fertilize your tomato plants is through side dressing. This involves applying fertilizer directly to the soil beside the plant, rather than mixing it into the soil. This is particularly useful during the fruiting stage, to provide extra nutrients to the developing fruit.

It’s important to note that over-fertilizing can harm the plant, leading to excessive growth of foliage and reduced fruit production. It’s always better to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize. Keep an eye out for the signs of over-fertilization, such as yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

Pruning Tomatoes

Pruning is an important aspect of tomato plant care, as it helps to remove diseased or damaged leaves, and it also encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit. Here are some tips on how to properly prune your tomato plants:

  • Timing: The best time to prune your tomato plants is when they are young, around 2-3 weeks after transplanting. Pruning at this stage helps to establish a strong, healthy structure for the plant to grow.
  • What to prune: Pruning should focus on removing any leaves that are yellow or brown, as well as any leaves that are growing close to the base of the plant. These leaves are not contributing to the plant’s growth and can be removed to promote healthier growth.
  • Suckers: Suckers are small shoots that grow in the crotches between the stem and branches of the tomato plant. They should be pinched off as they appear, as they can divert energy from the main stem and fruit production.
  • Leader: A leader is the main stem of the plant. It should be allowed to grow and be trained to grow upward.
  • Foliage: The foliage of the tomato plant should be pruned to allow for good air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
  • Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to prune your tomato plants. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and ensure a clean cut.

It’s important to note that over-pruning can be harmful to the plant and can lead to reduced fruit production. Prune only as much as necessary to maintain a healthy structure and remove diseased or damaged leaves.

Tomato Plant Pests

Tomato plants are prone to various pests and diseases, which can affect the growth and productivity of the plant. Here are some common pests that can bother tomato plants and tips on how to deal with them:

  • Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects feed on the sap of tomato plants and can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. They can be controlled by blasting them off the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Tomato hornworms: These large, green caterpillars can quickly defoliate a tomato plant. They can be hand-picked off the plant or controlled with the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a bacteria that is toxic to hornworms.
  • Whiteflies: These tiny, white insects feed on the sap of tomato plants and can cause the yellowing of leaves. They can be controlled by using yellow sticky traps or by using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Cutworms: These small, grayish-brown caterpillars feed on the stem and leaves of tomato plants at the base of the plant. They can be controlled by using cutworm collars, which are placed around the plant’s stem.
  • Slugs and snails: These pests feed on the leaves of tomato plants and can cause holes in the foliage. They can be controlled by using slug bait or setting beer traps.
  • Prevention: One of the best ways to prevent pests and diseases is by practicing good garden hygiene. This includes removing and destroying any diseased or damaged leaves and plants, keeping the garden clean, and rotating your crops each year to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil.

It’s important to note that chemical pesticides should be used as a last resort, and always follow the instructions on the label. Organic methods and natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are also effective in controlling pests and diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing tomato plants is a rewarding experience that can provide a bountiful harvest of delicious, juicy tomatoes. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can ensure that your tomato plants are healthy and productive. By providing proper care, including regular watering, adequate sunlight, proper fertilization, regular pruning, and effective pest control, you can help your tomato plants reach their full potential.

Remember that tomato plants are living organisms, and their needs may change depending on the weather conditions, pests, and diseases. Be prepared to make adjustments to your care routine as needed. You may encounter some challenges along the way, but with the right care, your tomato plants will thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. The key is to be consistent, and persistent and pay attention to the signs your plants give you. With a little patience and care, you’ll be enjoying fresh, home-grown tomatoes in no time. And if you have ever bit into a fresh, juicy, home-grown tomato, you know it’s worth it.

What to Plant in Your Garden in January

In January, the gardening options in our home state of Oregon may be limited due to the colder temperatures and shorter days. However, there are still some things you can experiment with planting in your garden during this month. Some options include:

  1. Garlic: Garlic can be planted in the fall or early winter and will be ready to harvest in the late spring or early summer.
  2. Onion sets: Onion sets can be planted in the fall or early winter and will be ready to harvest in the late spring or early summer.
  3. Shallots: Shallots can be planted in the fall or early winter and will be ready to harvest in the late spring or early summer.
  4. Hardy greens: Some hardy greens such as kale, collards, and mustard greens can tolerate the cold weather and can be planted in the fall or early winter.
  5. Peas: Peas can be planted in January in Oregon as a cool-season crop.
  6. Broad beans: Broad beans can be planted in late winter for an early summer harvest.

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of what can be planted in January in Oregon, and that the specific timing of planting and the success of the plants can depend on the specific weather conditions of your area. It’s always a good idea to check with your local nursery or extension office for information on planting in your area.

It’s also worth noting that you can start these plants indoors in seed trays and transplant them to the garden later on when the weather is more favorable. This will give you a head start on the growing season and increase your chances of success. Happy gardening!

The Best Hand Tools for Gardening: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Gardening is a hobby that can bring a lot of joy and satisfaction, but it can also be hard work. Having the right tools for the job can make all the difference in terms of ease and effectiveness. Hand tools are an essential part of any gardener’s arsenal and are often used for tasks such as planting, weeding, pruning, and cultivating. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of hand tools commonly used in gardening and highlight some of the best options available on the market.

Types of Hand Tools

There are many different types of hand tools used in gardening, each with its own unique purpose and function. Some of the most common hand tools include:

  • Trowels: These are small, pointed tools that are used for digging and planting. They come in various sizes and can be used for tasks such as planting bulbs, seedlings, and small plants.
  • Weeding forks: These tools have prongs that are used to dig up weeds and their roots. They can be especially useful for getting rid of deep-rooted weeds.
  • Pruners: These are scissors-like tools that are used for cutting branches and twigs. They come in different sizes, so you can choose one that is appropriate for the size of the branches you will be cutting.
  • Loppers: These are similar to pruners, but they are larger and are used for cutting thicker branches.
  • Rakes: These are used for smoothing out soil and removing debris. They come in different sizes and styles, such as leaf rakes and garden rakes.
  • Hoes: These are tools that have a flat blade on the end of a long handle. They are used for tilling soil and removing weeds.
  • Spades: These are similar to shovels, but they are smaller and have a pointed blade. They are used for digging and planting.
  • Cultivators: These are tools that have multiple prongs and are used for cultivating soil and removing weeds.

Top Picks

When it comes to hand tools for gardening, there are many options available on the market. Some of the best hand tools include:

  • Trowels: One of the best trowels on the market is the Fiskars Softouch Trowel. It has a comfortable, ergonomic handle and a sharp, pointed blade that makes planting and digging easy.
  • Weeding forks: The DeWit Weeding Fork is a top pick for its durable construction and sharp prongs that make removing weeds and their roots easy.
  • Pruners: The Felco 2 Pruner is a favorite among gardeners for its sharp blades and comfortable, ergonomic handle.
  • Loppers: The Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper is a top pick for its powerful cutting action and comfortable, ergonomic handle.
  • Rakes: The Ames True Temper Bow Rake is a favorite among gardeners for its durable construction and ability to effectively remove debris.
  • Hoes: The Ames True Temper Hoe is a top pick for its durable construction and ability to effectively till soil and remove weeds.
  • Spades: The Ames True Temper Transplanting Spade is a top pick for its sharp, pointed blade and comfortable, ergonomic handle.
  • Cultivators: The Fiskars Softouch Cultivator is a top pick for its comfortable, ergonomic handle and multiple prongs that make cultivating soil and preventing weeds easy.

Tips for Choosing and Using Hand Tools

When choosing hand tools for gardening, it’s important to consider your own needs and the size of your garden. For example, if you have a small garden, a simple trowel and weeding fork may be all you need. However, if you have a larger garden, you may want to invest in a variety of tools to make your gardening tasks more manageable.

It’s also important to choose hand tools that are comfortable and easy to use. Ergonomic handles can help reduce hand and wrist strain, while tools that are well-balanced and lightweight can make tasks easier to perform.

When it comes to using hand tools, it’s important to follow proper care and maintenance techniques. This includes cleaning tools after use, keeping blades sharp and lubricated, and storing tools in a dry place.

Conclusion

Gardening can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby, but it’s important to have the right tools for the job. Hand tools are an essential part of any gardener’s arsenal and can make tasks such as planting, weeding, pruning, and cultivating much easier. By choosing the right hand tools for your needs and properly caring for them, you can ensure that your gardening experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Why we chose no-till gardening

What is No-Till Gardening

No-till gardening is a method of growing plants without disturbing the soil through tilling or plowing. Instead, the soil is left intact, and plants are planted directly into it. This method is becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and farmers alike, as it offers a variety of benefits for the soil, plants, and the environment.

One of the main benefits of no-till gardening is that it helps to preserve the soil structure. Tilling and plowing can cause the soil to become compacted, which can make it difficult for roots to penetrate and for water to drain properly. When the soil is left intact, it is able to retain its natural structure, which can lead to healthier plants and a more productive garden.

Another benefit of no-till gardening is that it can help to reduce erosion. When the soil is tilled or plowed, it can become loose and easily washed away by rain or wind. By leaving the soil intact, no-till gardening can help to keep it in place and reduce the risk of erosion.

No-till gardening can also help to improve soil health by preserving beneficial microorganisms and earthworms. These organisms play an essential role in breaking down organic matter, which can help to improve soil fertility. By tilling or plowing the soil, these organisms can be disrupted or destroyed, which can have a negative impact on soil health.

No-Till Gardening saves Time, Money, and can reduce the need for weeding

No-till gardening can save you a significant amount of time in the long run. Traditional tilling and plowing methods can take a lot of time and effort, especially if you have a large garden. With no-till gardening, you can eliminate the need for tilling and plowing altogether, which can save you a lot of time and energy. By leaving the soil intact, you can focus on other tasks such as planting and caring for your plants.

No-till gardening can also save you money in the long run. Tilling and plowing require the use of specialized equipment, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Additionally, tilling and plowing can also lead to soil erosion, which can cause soil to be washed away or blown away. This can lead to costly repairs and the need to purchase new soil. By practicing no-till gardening, you can reduce the need for expensive equipment and repairs, which can help to save you money in the long run.

Weeding is another area where no-till gardening can save you time and effort. Weeds are often the bane of a gardener’s existence. Weeding can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially if you have a large garden. With no-till gardening, you can reduce the number of weeds that grow in your garden by keeping the soil covered with mulch. This can help to suppress weed growth and make it easier to keep your garden weed-free.

In summary, no-till gardening can save you a lot of time, money and effort by eliminating the need for tilling and plowing, reducing erosion, and suppressing weed growth. It’s a method that is worth considering for any gardener who wants to maximize their yields, reduce the environmental impact and make their gardening experience more enjoyable.