
Jerry Baker is known for his down-home wisdom on gardening. He is a former TV host of Plants Are Like People on KMOX in St. Louis and has appeared on many morning shows in Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles. Many of his shows have been broadcast on Public Television stations in the USA and Canada. Many of his shows are available on DVD and you can also watch various segments on YouTube.
Using mulch to keep weeds at bay
Using mulch to keep weeds at a minimum can prevent them from growing in your garden or yard. Generally, mulch blocks light from reaching young weed sprouts. However, some established weeds have sufficient stored energy to grow through mulch. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent weeds from growing through mulch, including the use of landscape fabric. Fabrics are water-permeable, so they allow water to reach the soil beneath, while providing a physical barrier against sprouting plants. In addition to this, you can also cut landscape fabric to fit the plants you already have or add to your garden.
Another option for preventing weeds in mulch is to use glyphosate. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum weed killer that will kill all kinds of broad-leaved plants. The best way to apply it is to apply a layer of two to three inches of mulch on a bed. Make sure that the mulch doesn’t touch any of the other plants in your garden. If you don’t want the mulch to rot or blow away, use cardboards to cover the areas where you plan to apply it.
Using newspaper underneath the mulch to release sulphur
If you’re looking for a more natural way to release sulphur from your mulch, you may want to consider using newspaper underneath the mulch. You can find large rolls of newspaper in many places, and they’re easy to use. Cardboard is also an option because it can cover the ground more quickly. Be sure to use a layer that’s at least six inches thick and one-eighth inch thick to avoid tearing it. In addition to being environmentally friendly, newspaper can also reduce the need for chemical weed killers.
Newspaper is also a good choice for garden mulch. Its weight makes it easy to spread and will help keep weeds at bay. However, newspaper will decompose quickly, so it’s not a good choice for areas that need to control erosion.
Using compost
Using compost is a great way to improve your soil. The microorganisms in the compost break down organic matter into rich, nutrient-dense soil. They release nutrients as needed by the plants. It also improves the structure of the soil. It can help aerate heavy clay soil and retain moisture. It can also help plants that are sensitive to soil changes.
Garden waste can be composted in a variety of ways. For vegetable gardens, the best kind of compost is manure, which has high nitrogen levels essential for plant growth. However, if manure is not available, you can use compost made from kitchen scraps. It is important to carefully balance the carbon and nitrogen ratio.
Preparing the soil for a successful garden
Proper soil preparation is critical to a successful garden. There are several ways to improve soil quality, including adding organic materials and mixing soil types. Whether you are planting in a container or using raised beds, there are some easy steps to prepare the soil for plants. In addition to adding organic materials, you can use a soil preparation tonic that includes Epsom salts, coffee grounds, lime, and dish soap. Alternatively, you can use a solution of chewing tobacco juice, mouthwash, and dish soap to prepare the soil for your plants.
Watering in the fall
There are some key things to remember when watering your plants during the fall. The first is to avoid fertilizing your plants. Fertilizing will encourage the growth of new growth that will not have time to harden off before the cold weather sets in. In addition, don’t fertilize after the first of June.