Grower Today

Author: Brian

  • Where To Buy Sulfur Powder And How To Add It To The Soil

    Where To Buy Sulfur Powder And How To Add It To The Soil

    Every organic farmer who wants to improve their soil pH and add natural nutrients ought to know where to buy sulfur powder and how to add it to the soil.

    Sulfur powder is a natural pure element that comes as a yellow powder. It is one of the world’s oldest remedies for human ailments and for improving the soil for farming.

    Where to Buy Sulfur Powder?

    Most farmers wonder where to buy sulfur powder. It is common to find it in the most popular online markets by verified sellers.  Like other online shops, Amazon is one of the best stockists in the world.

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    12/11/2025 04:03 am GMT

    Where Does Sulfur Powder Come From?

    It originates from volcanic emissions and ancient mined sulfur around volcanoes. Today, sulfur comes from a by-product of crude oil and gas processing. It is an essential element containing all living cells.

    How to Add It to the Soil

    This powder has many benefits to the soil; all farmers need to learn how to add it. Application for this powder depends on the type of soil you are working with. Below is a table showing how the sulfur powder should be distributed to lower the soil pH to 4.5.

    Sulfur powder needs to lower the pH of the soil (lb/acre)

     

    SOIL TYPE

    CURRENT pHCLAYLOAMSAND
    5.0175530800
    5.535010301600
    6.053015402300
    6.566020203030
    7.084025603800

    Advantages of Adding Sulfur Powder to The Soil

    This fantastic powder has many health benefits for the soil. They include:

    • Lowering the soil pH value.  The best soil pH ranges from 5.8 to 7.0. Some soils, especially in the limestone regions, may have a high pH of about 8.0 with 50% lime. Such soils lack essential minerals like iron, manganese, and zinc. The leafy plants growing in such soils may become yellow due to deficiencies. Adding sulfur powder to the soil solves these problems.
    • It is a great fungicide.  This powder controls fungus and mildew on leaves. It is best known to prevent mold, especially when applied before the fungus settles on the leaves. It works best when used on dry leaves.
    • It is best used as a pesticide. Sulfur powder is one of the oldest, best-known pesticides. It is best used in vegetables and fruits. It controls thrips and spider mites. One has to wear a protective mask when applying this powder.
    Advantages of Adding Sulfur Powder to the Soil

    • It offers essential nutrients to plants. Sulfur carries essential plant nutrients that include, Potassium, Nitrogen, and Phosphorous.  It also improves the soil and assists in fixing phosphorous and nitrogen.
    • Used as a snake repellant – Snakes do not like the smell of sulfur powder. It is one of the best repellants for your outdoor surroundings without killing them.
    • Used as an insect repellant on pets. Rubbing sulfur powder on pets eliminates chiggers, ticks, and other pests.

    Learn more about organic fertilizers like Kelp Meal.

    Where Do Plants Get Sulfur From?

    Sulfur is an essential micronutrient for the growth and development of plants. It is mostly absorbed by plants as sulfate from the soil. It is then translocated to plastids in the leaves, where it is then assimilated into organic products,

    Sulfur plays a vital role in plant photosynthesis, respiration, and the formation of cell membrane structures.  It originates from rocks and minerals released by water weathering, temperature changes, and chemical reactions. When exposed to air, sulfur combines with oxygen to form sulfate which is the form that is available to plants.

    Sulfur is stored in raw organic material and humus in most soils. Microorganisms in the soil work to decompose this organic matter, and in the process, the organic sulfur is converted to sulfate, the form in which plants can absorb it.

    Does Epsom Salt Add Sulfur to Soil?

    Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, meaning it contains a form of sulfur.

    It is essential for plants as it helps their seeds germinate, makes the plants grow bushier, and produces more flowers. It can also help to improve chlorophyll production and deter insects and pests such as slugs and voles. Epsom salt may be a great addition to conventional fertilizer as it can supplement vital nutrients.

    The best way to use Epsom salt is to drench the soil with 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt solution for 1 gallon of water. Apply this solution to the soil after seeding to help keep the sulfur levels in the soil up.

    Another way to apply sulfur to the soil through Epsom salts is by sprinkling a cup on a seeded bed. This will significantly benefit your plants.

    Epsom salts also have the added benefit of adding another nutrient to the soil: magnesium. This can give your plants a boost, but it should only be used when there are deficiencies in the soil.

    How Long Does it Take For Sulfur to Lower Soil pH?

    One of the cheapest ways to lower the pH of the soil is to add sulfur. Bacteria in the soil transform sulfur into sulfuric acid, which reduces the soil pH.

    The application rate needs to be reduced by 2 points to about 2000 lb per square acre area.

    Using sulfur to lower soil pH is a slow process so large pH changes are unlikely to happen quickly. It may take up to years to see a noticeable change.

    A pH change may take about 2 to 3 months for a smaller area. Make sure you get the best quality Epsom salts to achieve this. Add sulfur this year to lower the pH for the following year or the next growing season. This will give the sulfur and bacteria in the soil enough time to react and produce their required results.

    When Do You Apply Sulfur to Soil?

    A spring application of sulfur usually works best. It is during this season that you will have the highest activity of bacteria that will transform sulfur to sulphuric acid, which will help lower the pH

    Because this is such a slow process, you may have to repeat the application over the years to get the best results.

    What Should Sulfur Levels Be in Soil?

    The critical limit of sulfur in the soil is approximately 7-15 ppm. Anything below this range may hamper plant growth and production.

    Take Away

    Finding one powder that takes care of so many problems like this one is not common. This one is beyond doubt!

    FAQs

    How do you add sulfur powder to soil?

    Sulfur (S) is an important mineral that’s often added to the soil. You can add it directly, or if you’re working with a large volume of soil, you can add it as a liquid or powder and then mix in the soil.

    You don’t need to add sulfur to the soil, but you can use it as a fertilizer. It is sold as a dry powder for use in garden and flower beds, and you mix it with water and water-soluble fertilizers to create a water-soluble product. It will be available at your local garden center or nursery.

    If you need to add sulfur to your soil, you need to find a source of elemental sulfur, or hydrogen sulfide.

    Sulfur is applied to the soil as a component of a sulfur-based fertilization program. The amount of sulfur applied to soil is determined by the type of soil and climate you are growing in.

    What is sulfur good for?

    Sulfur is a key ingredient of soil. It helps plants to absorb nutrients, and it also improves soil structure. Sulfur is found in many different sources such as soil, compost, gypsum, wood ash, seaweed, sulphate of lime, sulphate of magnesia and gypsum.

    Sulfur is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. Plants require sulfate for the synthesis of many important compounds, such as amino acids, fatty acids, proteins, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, and vitamins.

    Sulfur is a mineral that can be added to your garden. It will increase the number of healthy plants and decrease the number of sick plants.

    If you are trying to boost your soil’s fertility, adding sulfur to your soil is an important step. Sulfur is a key component of the process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available nitrogen.

    Where can you buy powdered sulfur?

    Powdered sulfur is sold in chemical supply stores. It’s usually labeled “sulfur”, “sulfate” or “S”. The “powder” part of the label means it’s fine, and not a coarse rock powder. I’ve seen it in a couple of different grades, but I’d suggest the cheapest one that still gets the job done.

    You can use elemental sulfur (sulfuric acid) or sodium sulfate. These are sold in garden centers as “plant food”, or as “plant food pellets” (I have not seen them for sale under any other name). They are very cheap and easy to use.

    How much sulfur should I add to my soil?

    Plants have different needs for sulfur, and you need to test the soil in your garden and add the proper amount. There are different ways to measure sulfur. The most common way is to use the sulfate of potash method. This involves mixing up a little water with the soil.

    Sulfur is found in all soils but its availability is low because most plants cannot use it. Sulfur is also very mobile and can be carried out of the soil by water.

  • A Quick Guide On How To Use Kelp Meal As Fertilizer

    A Quick Guide On How To Use Kelp Meal As Fertilizer

    Do you know what is and how to use kelp meal? Whether you are growing indoors or outdoor plants, the one element you want to see is healthy plants.  With organic farming practices growing more popular, it’s paramount you get acquainted. Organic farming is successful with the use of safe organic fertilizers.

    One such fertilizer is Kelp meal. It contains beneficial nutrients that all plants need. It is one of the safest fertilizers with no additives or harmful compounds. Simply ground seaweed! Let us learn how to use kelp meal as fertilizer on houseplants or foods.

    What is Kelp Meal? 

    Kelp meal comes from dried seaweed. The seaweed is brown in color; a type of marine algae. It is a rich product of the ocean, dried, and then pulverized into a meal product and used as a fertilizer.  

    This organic fertilizer is sustainable.  It enhances healthier plant growth as well as promotes fruit and vegetable yields. It contains plentiful benefits for different varieties of plants.  You can thus adopt it as a staple in your gardening journey.

    What is Kelp Meal

    This seaweed fertilizer comes in three forms:

    What Nutrients Does Kelp Meal Contain? 

    Kelp meal is a proven choice of organic fertilizer. It delivers nature’s excellent supply of the world’s finest nutrients.  

    It contains macronutrients – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N-P-K). They are present in small amounts that are not harmful to the plants. It also gives sufficient vitamins, amino acids, and over sixty traces of micronutrients.  

    It preserves your soil’s microorganisms.  It does not kill worms and other small insects that provide other nutrients to the soil.

    How to use Kelp Meal and Its Application Rate 

    Kelp meal can either work on its own or with other fertilizer blends. It is such a forgiving organic fertilizer to use in your garden because you cannot overdo it. It is only added multiple times in a year. Its nutrients dissolve much slower than other types making it last longer.

    Depending on the size of your garden or style of gardening, you will need to know how much to apply for best results. This is a general guideline to guide you on the application rate:

    • Outdoor vegetable garden beds: Use one to two pounds per a hundred square feet. Mix with the top three inches of the soil for better absorption. Apply it once or twice during long growing cycles.
    • When transplanting seedlings: Use one teaspoon per hole, mix with soil and water.
    • To feed growing plants: Side dress with two teaspoons per plant once or twice per growing season.    
    • House plants: Use one tablespoon per gallon of soil once or twice per year.

     

    FAQs

    How do you mix kelp fertilizer?

    If you want to grow kelp, you can use the product yourself or you can get it premixed with compost and other materials. You can mix your own kelp fertilizer by combining a few ingredients:

    Kelp powder – 1 part Compost – 2 parts Rice hulls – 1 part You will also need to add sand, peat moss and charcoal to the mix.

    If you do not have any of these items on hand, you can use your garden store and they should be able to help you find everything you need. When mixing the kelp fertilizer, you will want to mix the kelp powder in first then add the other ingredients.

    Kelp powder (or kelp meal) is sold as a powder in most nurseries, and it’s generally easy to find at home improvement stores.

    How do I apply kelp to my garden?

    Apply kelp to your garden by sprinkling it in a regular, non-chlorinated garden.

    The kelp will float and settle, and you can easily harvest it when it has settled. You can also add it to your compost pile.

    Kelp contains all of the nutrients that you would expect in a seaweed, and can be used as an organic fertilizer. If you have a garden pond, sprinkle kelp directly on the pond.

    You can buy kelp from any store that sells organic food. Kelp is easy to grow.

    How often should I use seaweed fertilizer?

    Seaweed fertilizers are a great way to provide an extra boost of nutrition to your garden. The best time to apply seaweed fertilizers is after a rain event or when the soil is moist. You can also use them as mulch in your garden beds.

    One teaspoon of seaweed fertilizer equals about 1/2 tablespoon of product. In general, it is a good idea to start out slow and work your way up to the recommended dose.

    Sprinkle the fertilizer on the top of the soil. Follow up with regular watering, and if possible, a good hard rain. In general, the fertilizer will take effect within 10-14 days. However, this varies from one product to another. The fertilizer may also take longer to work if it has been sitting in a container for too long.

     Seaweed fertilizers are available in a wide variety of formulations and sizes. They are usually sold in granular form and are most effective when used in small amounts at the root level. Follow these easy steps to get the best results: Mix the fertilizer into a small amount of water (water will settle at the bottom) in a bucket. Sprinkle the fertilizer in a thin layer over the top of the soil, about 1/2 inch deep. This will provide a consistent dose of nutrients. Water thoroughly and wait for results. If you use an organic fertilizer, you may need to water more often.

    Take Away

    Kelp meal not only contains a surplus of micronutrients, but it’s also affordable giving you value for your money.  With the nutrients absorbing slower than usual, it means a little goes a long way.  Just like drinking your coffee from a coffee cup then switching to a drinking straw! You enjoy every sip for longer! 

    Now you know how to use kelp meal as fertilizer, try it on your plants, and enjoy an organic garden!

  • How Long Does Blood Meal Last In Soil?

    How Long Does Blood Meal Last In Soil?

    One question people want to know is how long does blood meal last in soil. You’ve probably heard about blood meal is beneficial to plants. Perhaps, you’re interested in using it as fertilizer. But maybe, you’re a little bothered by how it’s going to bear positive results.

    It’s one thing to have the nutrients available in the soil. It’s another thing how fast they get released for the plant’s consumption. Fertilizers vary in terms of how long they stay in the soil. Some are slow-released while others are readily available. If you’re interested in blood meal, consider these factors.

    What is Blood Meal for Plants?

    Blood meal is an organic fertilizer that’s made out of dried animal blood coming from slaughterhouses. It has an NPK ratio of 12.5-1.5-0.6. It’s all-natural, a safe choice for sustainable gardeners.

    What is Blood Meal for Plants

    How Long Does Blood Meal Last In Soil?- Factors to Consider

    Blood Meal is a slow-release fertilizer that can last around 2 to 6 weeks in soil. In powder or granular form and in varying sizes, Amazon has a wide variety of options for blood meal products like Jobe’s Organic Blood Meal Soil Amendment. To know how long does blood meal last in soil, we have to consider many factors:

    Decomposition Process

    • Type of Organic Material

    Depending on the materials used, natural fertilizers take time to decompose. Blood meal has a different decomposition length compared to compost, manure, bone meal, or vegetable scraps. They vary in their composition and complexities. 

    • Type of Microbes

    Once applied to the soil, the microbes present will have to feed on blood meal first. They break down complex compounds into consumable forms. This process helps the nutrients become available to the plants. 

    The release of nutrients is dependent on the efficiency of the decomposers. The amount and nature of microbes present is a factor. Fungi, bacteria, earthworms, and other feeding organisms work together to make this happen. 

    Blood Meal for Plants - Type of Microbes

    • Type of Environment

    The efficacy of decomposers is also affected by its environment including temperature, moisture level, soil pH, aeration, and carbon to nitrogen ratio. Providing these ideal conditions will hasten the breaking down process. You may need to do some adjustments before applying the blood meal.

    Application Process

    • Timing

    Apply blood meal 2 weeks before planting. This technique gives enough time for the microbes to make nutrients available in time for planting.  Also, blood meal has a very high nitrogen content that it can burn the plants when mismanaged. The advanced application makes the concentration tolerable.

    Reapply every 2 months to ensure a continuous supply of nutrients especially on the vegetative stage of plants. 

    • Blood Meal Application Rate

    Apply 1 cup per 20 square feet of soil. Excessive application is detrimental. Too much nitrogen causes dehydration because of the salts it leaves behind in the plant, burning it. Other effects include susceptibility to diseases and insects. Flowering and fruit set are also compromised. 

    Final Words

    As a slow-release organic fertilizer, blood meal lasts in the soil approximately from 2 to 6 weeks. Results may take a while to show but it surely does its job. Proper use and management lead to healthier and productive plants.

    FAQ

    What Plants Benefit From Blood Meal?

    The plants that benefit from blood meal are plants that are heavy nitrogen feeders. They include cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, radishes, lettuce, corn, and squash. Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are also included. 

    Basically, nitrogen is one of the most unstable nutrients in the soil; therefore, if your plants are deficient in nitrogen, blood meal application will be a good solution.

    However, some plants should avoid blood meal application. Plants such as legumes already have roots nodules with bacteria that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. 

    How Long Does It Take For Blood Meal To Work?

    Blood meal is a quick organic remedy to nitrogen deficiencies in plants. It is always readily available to plants and highly soluble. However, if used inappropriately, especially to young plants, it can burn and injure your plant roots and plant tissues. This is because of the decomposition that takes place in the soil on the addition of blood meal.

    Decomposition will determine how fast blood meal works. The soil bacteria which are responsible for the decomposition and making blood meal available will act by breaking down ammonia. These soil bacteria in addition to warm and damp conditions encourage this fast action. And this fast action may be pretty harmful. 

    Also, doing a soil test to know the amount of nitrogen needed in your soil will be of help. Even better, soil testing can be done with home test kits. 

    Therefore, ensure you follow instructions and do not exceed the recommended quantity given on blood meal labels. 

    Can I Mix Blood Meal With Water?

    If you are wondering if you can mix blood meal with water, then you should know that most blood meals are highly soluble. Therefore you can mix blood meal with water. However, read the instructions on the label to know if should mix blood meal with water. 

    Can You Sprinkle Bone Meal On Top Of Soil?

    You can sprinkle bone meal evenly on top of the soil. Ensure you also mix to incorporate it well into the soil after sprinkling bone meal on top of your soil. When there is dry weather when sprinkling bone meal, water in thoroughly so it can work into the soil. 

    Again, if you wish to apply bone meal fertilizer all through its growing season, make sure you sprinkle uniformly on top of the established areas of the soil. You should as well tenderly work it into the soil and minding the root of the plants as you do this. 

    For applying bone meals on top of established plant soils with containers, sprinkle some bone meal at the beginning of the season. You can then sprinkle again once or twice all through the growing season. This will enhance flowering or encourage fruit ripening as your plants develop. 

    Slow release or fast release of blood meal fertilizer actually depends on soil temperatures. It is a slow-release when the soil temperatures are moderate or low. However, it is fast releasing in warm temperature. Also, the blood meal will be fast-acting in soggy or damp soil. 

    Always have in mind that fast action of blood meal which results in the release of more nitrogen can be harmful to your plants.

  • Nature’s Care 1 cu. Ft. Really Good Compost

    Nature’s Care 1 cu. Ft. Really Good Compost

    Finding the right fertilizer to use in your garden can be a challenge. This is because there are numerous products available to choose from. This can make it difficult to make a choice. This is why we have decided to review one of the best and popular product you can use on your plants.

    You can learn more about Nature’s Care compost from Miracle-Gro and discover why it is so popular. We will also be sharing with you some important tips to look out for when in the market for fertilizer.

    Is Organic Compost Good?

    A lot of gardeners often ask the question of which is better or more effective between organic compost and chemical fertilizers. The truth is that both of them are effective when it comes to adding nutrients and improving the soil. But we always recommend that our readers use organic products in their gardens.

    Organic compost such as Nature’s Care Miracle-Gro is a rich and quality product you can use on any type of plant. Let’s not also forget that organic fertilizers are made from non-toxic natural ingredients that are safe for your plants and the environment.

    Chemical fertilizers, on the other hand, are made compounds that are toxic and can harm your plants and the environment. It is left to you to decide which product to use in your garden. But if you were to ask for our opinion, we will always recommend organic products such as this one from Miracle-Gro. 

    What is Nature’s Care Really Good Compost?

    Nature’s Care compost is a natural plant food made by Miracle-Gro. A house-hold name when it comes to authentic and nutrient-rich plant food. The product is packed with organic matter and premium ingredients that help your plant to grow healthily.

    It is made from completely natural ingredients which means that you don’t have to worry about any toxic chemicals when you apply it to your garden. If you have been looking for a protein-rich diet for your plant, then you can opt for this all-natural compost.

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    It can be difficult to make your compost pile. It is stressful to turn the pile and it can take a long time for the materials to decay. Using Nature’s Care compost can save you the time and stress associated with maintaining a compost pile.

    Benefits of Nature’s Care Really Good Compost

    There are a lot of benefits that come with adding compost to your garden. Using Nature’s Care compost can improve your garden or lawn in some many ways such as:

    •       It can help to improve the texture of your soil. When the soil is properly textured, it promotes water retention abilities and keeps the soil well aerated. This makes it easy for the plant roots to absorb nutrients which encourage the healthy growth of the plant.
    •       Provides your garden or lawn with rich organic nutrients. You don’t have to worry much about whether your plant is being fed the right nutrient. The product is packed with protein which provides your plant with nutrients required to develop strong roots and stem.

    Nature's Care 1 cu. ft. Really Good Compost

    •       It increases the yield of your garden by promoting healthy leaves and fruit production. This is due to the ability of the compost to provide the micro-organisms in the soil with the required nutrients to perform their functions.
    •       Improves the porosity and density of your plant’s soil. This improves the entire garden environment making it easy for plants to absorb water and nutrients.
    •       You can also add the Nature’s Care compost to control pesky bugs and diseases around your plants. This saves you the worry of having to use pesticides in your garden. You get quality feed and pest control all in this one product.

    How To Use Nature’s Care Really Good Compost?

    Nature’s Care compost is already made. This means that you don’t have to add any other materials to it before adding it to your soil. You can use it as a mulch by working it directly into the soil bed. Remember to use a garden glove to keep your fingers safe from injury.

    We recommend that you read the instruction on the package to find out how much to use. Too much application of fertilizer can lead to plant burn. Which is often characterized by changes in the coloration of the leaves. It could also be as a result of nutrient deficiency so you might want to perform a soil test before using fertilizer on your garden plant.

    Common Problems Associated with Using Nature’s Care Good Compost

    Just like with other organic and non-organic products there are common problems you can expect to encounter. “When we first ordered the bag of the product, we didn’t notice any problems with it and it worked miracle son our lawn.” Say Michael a reader who wrote us from Texas.

    Other readers have complained that they noticed the product contained a lot of contaminants such as rocks, woods, and plastic pieces. While we aren’t disputing these claims, we encourage you to purchase the product directly from the manufacturer or an accredited seller.

    Other Alternative Product

    Since we are already talking about the best already made compost you can use in your garden, we will like to mention some other alternatives to Nature’s Care Really Good Compost. They include:

    Charlie’s Compost

    This is another quality product you can apply to your soil. it is made from entirely natural ingredients such as chicken manure, straw, and clay.

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    Jobe’s Organic Compost Starter

    Also made from entirely natural ingredients such as manure, straw, and plant remains. It can be added to improve the soil conditions, resist drought, insects, and diseases throughout the growing period.

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    DR Earth Pure and Natural Compost Starter

    This one is also made from kitchen and yard waste. It is also safe to use around pets and kids and is completely eco-friendly.

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    Do you use already made compost in your garden? If so, which is the best product you have used? 

  • Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

    Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

    There are a lot of concerns with using mushroom compost in the garden. This is because it contains salt. This is the reason why most gardeners ask the question will mushroom compost burn my plants?

    Like I said earlier, mushroom compost contains a great deal of salt which could harm your plant when used in excess. So then how can you safely use mushroom compost? In this article, we will be discussing mushroom compost, the pros and cons, and the best method in adding it to your garden plant.

    Without wasting much time, let us dive right in.

    What is Mushroom Compost?

    Often time when you purchase mushroom compost from the store, it reads mushroom soil or feed. This makes a lot of people to believe that it consists mainly of mushroom. But this is not entirely true.

    There are different types of mushroom compost and they are

    Mushroom Substrate

    Mushroom compost is often referred to as the mushroom substrate. This is the medium in which mushrooms are growing. Industrially, a mushroom substrate is made from a mix of manure, gypsum, and wheat straw. In most cases, chicken or horse manure is commonly used since it is readily available.

    To produce mushroom substrate in large quantities, the manufacturer begins by soaking large bales of straw in water. Once the straw is soaked and spongy like, it is chopped into fine pieces by passing it through a chipper or using other methods.

    The gypsum and manure are blended. This is to ensure they mix properly before the straw is then added into the mix. Once ready, the mixture of the gypsum, manure, and straw is then left on a hot compost pile to begin the composting process.

    To ensure that the materials mix properly and compost together, the pile is watered and turned regularly. When done properly, this process can take as fast as 2 weeks.

    Find more information about Best Oyster Mushroom Substrate

    Spent Mushroom

    This type of mushroom compost is low in nutrients compared to the substrate. This is because the spent mushroom is usually used as a recycled compost from the remains of mushroom farming.

    Although the Nitrogen content in this mushroom compost is low, it can be used as a conditioner to improve the soil in your garden. Spent mushroom can be used to improve the soil conditions of your lawn. It can also be added to a raised bed or planting mix to improve water retention.

    Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

    In most cases, when you add mushroom compost to your soil, you notice yellowish colorations on the leaves which is referred to as burning. The truth is that there are a lot of things you need to consider before adding mushroom compost to your plants’ soil.

    You need to note the nutrients that are deficient in your soil. Mushroom compost is alkaline; this means that it will be deficient in some nutrients that your plants need.

    Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants

    You may need to perform a soil test to determine which nutrients your soil desperately needs. This makes it easy to determine whether you need a mushroom compost or you will be better off with a fertilizer.

    Adding too much mushroom compost with a high salt content can cause your plant to burn. This is why you need to consider the soil test before adding compost or fertilizer to your garden.

    Salt Content in Mushroom Compost

    Mushroom compost contains a lot of salt. This is mostly due to the presence of high levels of sodium in the gypsum and manure. In a recent study, samples of mushroom compost were collected for analysis. And it was discovered that they contained low levels of sodium.

    When the soil is high in sodium, it can cause problems with water retention by the plant root. It can also affect the structure of the soil, which is why you want to carry out a soil test before adding mushroom compost.

    The salt content of mushroom compost depends on how the compost was manufactured. Most manufacturers mix their mushroom compost with nutrient-rich soil. This helps to balance out the deficient nitrogen and also reduce the salt content.

    How to Use Mushroom Compost?

    When applied to your soil properly, mushroom compost can provide nutrients for your soil, improve the water retention and drainage properties, and also work miracles for your soil texture.

    You want to ensure that you take precautionary measures before adding mushroom compost to your soil. This way, you don’t have to worry whether the mushroom compost will burn your plants.

    Some of the things you need to do to prevent your soil form burning are  

    • Ensure that you perform a soil test to determine the nutrients that are deficient in your garden soil.
    • Use mushroom compost with relatively low sodium content. This way, you are certain that your plants won’t be affected by the excess salt that is present in most mushroom compost.
    • Use mushroom compost sparingly in your garden. You can add them at intervals instead of using too much on your garden at once. This prevents excess nutrient and salt deposits in your garden.
    • Use mushroom compost as a mulch and work it gradually into your soil to amend it. You should use not more than 3 inches of mushroom compost to prevent the growth of weed.
    • You also need to be careful to avoid chemicals in your organic mushroom compost. This you can easily do by making your mushroom compost at home or getting from a trusted source.
    • It is best to avoid using mushroom compost on seedlings, young plants, and plants that are sensitive to salt. This includes azaleas and blueberries.

    FAQ’s

    How does mushroom compost help with plants?

    Mushroom compost is one of the most useful composts available. But, just like any compost, it can be misused. Here are some things to keep in mind when using mushroom compost. Mushroom compost is a fantastic way to add nitrogen to your garden. It is also a great way to add mushrooms to your garden! I just recently read an article that mentioned using mushroom compost as a weed suppressant in your lawn.

    However, when you’re using mushroom compost, it is important to understand the difference between a mushroom compost and mushroom spawn. Mushroom spawn is the mycelium, or vegetative body of the mushroom.

    Does mushroom compost burn plants?

    No, mushroom compost will NOT burn your plants. It will only burn you!So make sure to wash your hands after handling it.

    However, if you are making compost with wood and straw, there is a risk that the heat from the decomposition process may burn your plants. This can be avoided by using only fresh, clean materials, including leaves, grass clippings and weeds. If you are making compost with wood or straw, always use them in a way that minimizes the risk of burning plants.

    What’s the salt content of mushroom compost?

    The salt content of mushroom compost varies. If you want to know what kind of salt you are adding, you can always look at the label or ask your supplier. I would recommend that you add no more than a tablespoon of salt per cup of compost, and preferably not any at all.

    How do I choose a good mushroom compost?

    Mushroom compost is a mixture of chopped mushroom stalks and leaves that is used as a soil amendment. It is usually sold in bags or containers that contain between four and ten pounds. There are also liquid mushroom compost products that can be mixed with water or applied directly to the soil. When you buy mushroom compost, make sure it contains the following three ingredients: mushroom stalks, chopped leaves and sawdust.

    How do you test the toxicity of mushroom compost?

    There are a number of ways to test for the toxicity of a mushroom compost:

    Peat – The easiest way to test is to put the compost in water and see if it dissolves. Peat should dissolve quickly, while some other types of compost might take longer. If it doesn’t dissolve quickly, then it may be poisonous. If you don’t know whether your compost is peat or not, try putting it in water and seeing if it dissolves. If it does, then it is probably peat. The easiest way to test is to put the compost in water and see if it dissolves. Peat should dissolve quickly, while some other types of compost might take longer. If it doesn’t dissolve quickly, then it may be poisonous. If you don’t know whether your compost is peat or not, try putting it in water and seeing if it dissolves. If it does, then it is probably peat.

    A pH test – Some fungi have been found to make your compost more acidic than normal. This can be a problem for plants if they have a hard time acclimating to an acidic soil. Some fungi have been found to make your compost more acidic than normal. This can be a problem for plants if they have a hard time acclimating to an acidic soil.

    A soil test – Soil tests are good for checking the general health of your soil, but they are not very helpful when trying to determine whether your compost is toxic or not. Soil tests are good for checking the general health of your soil, but they are not very helpful when trying to determine whether your compost is toxic or not.

    Petri dish – The easiest way is to take a sample and put it in a petri dish with a bit of water and some bacteria. Bacteria will eat away at the compost and tell you how poisonous it is. 

    Testing your compost for toxicity is not necessary if you use a mushroom compost that has been tested and found to be non-toxic.

    Take Away

    Mushroom compost is a good way to improve your plant yield. When used properly, it can provide your soil with all the right conditions to promote healthy growth.

    However, you want to be careful to source your compost from organic farms and use it sparingly if it has high salt content. This way, you can be certain that the mushroom compost will not burn your plants.

    How do you use mushroom compost in your garden? We will like to hear from you.

  • How Can You Compost Egg Shells?

    How Can You Compost Egg Shells?

    Eggshells have a lot of benefits in the garden. What most people don’t know is that instead of tossing broken eggshells into the trash can, it can be collected for use in keeping pests away from the garden and in making compost.

    How can you compost eggshells? A lot of readers have asked this question in the past which is why we decided to come up with this detailed, yet concise guide to help you out.

    Although they may be brittle and crack easily, eggshells take a long while to decompose without the right conditions.

    Adding eggshells to your soil is a good way to improve the soil‘s calcium content. They are also a rich source of potassium, magnesium, and sodium. This makes them a good addition to any soil, which is the reason why many gardeners go through the stress of composting it.

    With the right methods, you can compost eggshells with ease. All you need to do is to ensure that they are dried and mixed with the right amount of green and brown materials to speed up the process.

    How to Compost Eggshells

    There isn’t any science behind the breakdown of eggshells. Let’s not forget that they are tough and would certainly remain in the same state if not properly processed.

    The best way to add eggshells to a compost pile is to first wash them and then dry them out in the sun. once dried, you can then grind it into a fine powder. This makes it easy for it to be broken down by the micro-organisms in the soil or compost pile.

    Washing the eggshell is important to kill the salmonella bacteria that might be left behind from the chicken. Drying the eggshell before grinding is also important to ensure they compost quickly.

    You can also choose to wet the powdered eggshell before adding it to a compost pile. This speeds up the activity of the bacteria needed to begin the decomposition process.

    It is impossible to determine how quickly the eggshells will decompose. But if you ensure that other factors are in place, you should be able to see results in a few months.

    Adding Eggshells to Soil

    You can add eggshells directly to the soil to improve the nutrient content. Yes! Eggshells can be used as fertilizer to improve your garden soil. However, you must process it into the powder form before adding it.

    When the soil is deficient in calcium, it causes the ends of the plant to rot. This can be easily avoided by working powdered eggshells directly into the soil.

    Acidic soils breakdown eggshells faster compared to other soil types. This is not to say that it cannot be added to soil with a different pH.

    It is best to work the powdered eggshell into the soil. This you can do with a trowel, or garden fork. This makes it possible for the soil to easily absorb the nutrients.

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    Apart from use as fertilizer, eggshells are also helpful in aerating the soil. When the soil lack oxygen, it can also affect the ability of the soil to retain water. This can lead to plant death and reduced yield.

    Eggshells also help to improve the structure of your soil. This is something you should be particular about especially if you want to improve on your plant yield.

    They provide you with a natural way to improve your soil nutrient and texture without the use of toxic chemicals. This is another reason why it is commonly used in the garden by organic farmers.

    Other Uses of Eggshell

    Apart from composting, there are other ways you can use eggshells in the garden. And they include:

    Mulch

    Eggshells can be used in mulching roses, vegetables, and other tree plants to provide extra nutrients. You would have to grind them into powder first before adding them as a side dressing to your plants.

    The best time to use eggshells in mulching plants is immediately the growing season commences. This is the period when the soil needs calcium the most to support the growing plants.

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    Snail Repellant

    Eggshells are also useful in repelling snails and cutworms from your garden. To use eggshells as snail repellants, you don’t need to grind them into a fine powder.

    All you need is to crush them into small pieces and spread them around the plants that are been destroyed by pests.

    You can use eggshells as a pest deterrent on plants that attract snails the most such as tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and cabbage.

    Reduce Disease Infection

    Since a deficiency in calcium can result in the rotten of leaves and stunted growth, including eggshells in your soil can be a great way to prevent disease to your plants.

    Infections are some of the common problems that reduce your garden yield. Ensuring that your soil doesn’t suffer from any nutrient deficiency is a good way to improve your garden yield.

    Food for Birds

    If you raise poultry in your farm or backyard, then you can also collect your eggshell to add to their diet.

    They are particularly a rich source of calcium to female birds after they lay their eggs. This is why most wild birds consume the shells after they hatch.

    Before using eggshells as bird food, you will have to crush them into small pieces and include other seeds to spice things up.

    How Can You Compost Egg Shells

     

    FAQs

    How do you prepare egg shells for compost?

    I would soak them in a solution of water and vinegar for an hour or two. This will remove any ammonia from the shells and make the shells easier to break up into smaller pieces when they start to decompose. The vinegar will also help to speed up the decomposition process. You can use white vinegar or cider vinegar, which is a little more acidic than other types of vinegar, so it will break down faster.

    If you have access to a source of heat such as an outdoor stove or fire pit, you can also heat the shells for a few minutes, but this isn’t necessary. The main thing to remember is that eggs are very porous, so if they aren’t broken up before adding them to the compost pile, they can hold moisture inside of them and make the compost pile too wet.
    Also you can compost your eggshells by adding a little bit of chicken manure to the mix.You can also try to add some old hay or straw to help the compost break down. It’s best to not use too much at once or it can get smelly.

    Should eggshells be washed before composting?

    The shell of an egg is like a hard, porous, mineralized cell wall. In order to make a good compost, you need to break down that cell wall. When you wash the shells, you remove the cell walls, which is what makes them bad for composting.

    Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for building strong bones and teeth. They also contain trace amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. If you have access to a compost pile or a worm bin, eggshells can make a great addition. The high calcium content makes them ideal for building healthy soil.

    How long do eggshells take to compost?

    Eggshells are a good compost ingredient, but they don’t take very long to break down. You can compost eggshells in a regular compost bin, provided that you don’t have an active worm farm. Worm farms require special composting bins, which can be difficult to find. You can also use a regular compost pile with no worms. Worms eat the eggshells and the eggshells eventually break down. Worms are attracted to eggshells because they contain nitrogen and phosphorous, which are nutrients that the worms need.

    Eggshells may take a few months to break down, but they’ll break down if you add them to your compost. When you add eggshells to your compost bin, be sure to add them in a thick layer. This will help keep them separate from other materials. If you add eggshells to a worm farm, make sure you remove the eggshells after a few days. Worms can eat through eggshells, so it’s best not to leave them in for too long.

    When you compost your eggshells, make sure you use them right away. Eggshells should not be left on the kitchen counter or in a cupboard for too long. They have a high moisture content and will attract pests. If you want to keep your eggshells for a while, put them in an airtight container.

     

    Take Away

    Now that you know how to compost eggshells, you shouldn’t have a problem improving the yield of your garden by using leftover eggshells.

    Remember that before adding them to your compost or soil, you need to first ensure they are washed and dried properly. Afterward, you can then grind them into a fine powder before working it into your garden soil.

    It takes a while for eggshells to fully breakdown. But you can easily speed things up by ensuring that you balance the ratio of green and brown materials in the compost pile.

    You should also ensure that you turn the pile regularly to ensure all parts of the bin gets enough light and moisture.

    Have you tried adding eggshells to your compost or garden? We will like to hear from you.

  • How to Compost in an Apartment?

    How to Compost in an Apartment?

    We get emails from our readers who ask how they can safely compost in their apartment buildings. 

    We’d like to commend you for making the decision to become eco-friendly and go zero waste. 

    You may be uncertain about how to go about composting indoors if you’ve never made compost before. In this article, we will be sharing with you a guide on how to compost in an apartment.

    Why You Should Compost 

    Kitchen scraps make up more than 35% of the waste in the average American garbage bin. These scraps are rich materials that can be used in composting to provide nutrients for backyard gardens and indoor plants. When the trash from your home is carried by the garbage truck, they end up in landfills that lack oxygen. These encourage the release of methane gas which is stronger than carbon-di-oxide and not good for the environment. 

    Organic and inorganic waste has been found to have been in the same form since the 1950s. Getting kitchen scraps out of our waste bins and using them to make fertilizers for plants will save the environment a great deal. 

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    You might be thinking that having a compost bin indoors will make your apartment to smell. This is not true. The reason your trash bin smells is the mixture of the organic and inorganic waste inside of the bin. When you throw sausages, orange peels, tomato paste, eggshells, and the rest things that get into your trash away. They do not get easily decomposed becomes of the differences in materials. This slows down the decay process of the organic materials which in combination with the heat generated inside the bin, makes it smell.  

    You can result in apartment composting to help contribute to reducing poisonous gas emissions. 

    Below are some of the ways you can compost inside your house. 

    How to Compost in an Apartment 

    • Use a Worm Composter 

    Vermicomposting also referred to as worm composters are a good composting option. They are portable, easy to use, and efficient in processing organic waste into worm tea which is then fed as nutrients to indoor plants. With a worm composter, you save yourself the stress of turning the pile like in the traditional composting. The worms are responsible for turning the waste and speeding up the rate of decomposition. All you need to do is to ensure the conditions are in place for them to flourish. 

    You can make your own indoor composter by putting holes in a plastic bag and filling a third of it with wet newspaper and throw your food scraps into it. Ensure that you shred the newspaper or any other paper you intend to recycle. The holes need to be drilled at the top of the bag for ventilation and at the bottom for drainage. For best results and less work, you can stack piles of plastic bags with holes in them to allow the worms to easily access the newly deposited waste. It also makes it easier for you to harvest the fresh compost from the bottom of the pile. 

    You can purchase ready-made composters to use on your indoor plants. They help to save you the time of making compost but provide you with worm tea for your plant. When shopping for a worm composter, you should ensure that it has the right mechanism to collect already made nutrient. A well-designed worm composter ensures that the decomposition is odorless. 

    Worms like the red wigglers are some of the widely used worms for composting and can be easily purchased for use. It is important that you note that to get the best out of using a worm composter, you need to meet certain conditions such as 

    1. You need to ensure that you keep the indoor temperature between 40 and 80°F. Worms don’t thrive in freezing conditions; neither should they be kept in direct sunlight or rain. 
    2. For your composter to work perfectly, you need to provide enough nitrogen sources. Shredded newspapers are good examples of inorganic substances to include in your compost. 
    3. When making use of a tote bag system, you need to ensure you keep things neat by stacking bags up in a pile. This helps to make things easy for the worms to perform their duties and for you to collect the nutrients. 
    4. Lastly, ensure that the worms are constantly fed with kitchen scrap. 

    • Use a Compost Tumbler 

    Compost tumblers are another good choice for apartment composting. If you stay in a block of flat or building with an accessible rooftop or balcony, you can keep a compost tumbler for your personal use. These compost tumblers are completely sealed to help trap in the heat that is produced by the compost. This helps to speed the rate of decomposition. 

    Compost tumblers are designed with handles and turning systems that make it easy to mix the materials. This creates enough air circulation ensuring the compost is aerated. If you are looking for a quick method to convert kitchen waste to fertilizer, you can opt for a compost tumbler. They can process your kitchen waste in 2 weeks. You also get to avoid the common pest problems associated with composting since the tumblers are sealed. This makes this a good option if you reside in urban areas with little tolerance for rodents. 

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    They also don’t give off a foul odor and is a clean method of processing kitchen waste. The only downside is that you cannot keep them indoors and need to be kept close to you. Rooftops and balconies are a good place to keep them. You will have to create a temporary collection system before transferring the waste to the tumbler. You can use a ceramic or stainless steel pail to store your kitchen waste before transferring it to the compost tumbler. 

    There are compost tumblers that come in different shapes and sizes. You can easily find one that can fit into a small area close to your apartment. Compost tumblers are best kept in areas you can easily have access to. You shouldn’t keep it on a rooftop you can enter freely. Also, if you can, it is best that you get a compost tumbler with dual compartments. This makes it easier to compost more waste. 

    • Use Private Collection Centers 

    You can search around for private businesses around you that collect compost. In most cases, these businesses offer their services to neighbors to help collect their kitchen waste for a fee and return an amount of fresh compost in return. This way you are disposing of your waste in return for compost at a small price. 

    This is a good method if you are not interested in composting but still need your waste to be used in providing extra nutrients for plants. But it is important that you know that it will cost you more to use a collection than have a composter indoors. The good part of using a collection center is that you do not get yourself involved with any of the mess associated with composting.  

    Best Materials to Use in Indoor Composting 

    What Are the Materials You Can Use in Your Apartment Compost? 

    You should know that you can’t just toss anything you want inside your compost bin. This is because you don’t want to have to deal with having smelly compost inside your apartment. The stench can be unbearable and is also unhealthy for you. This is why you need to take into consideration the things you toss into your compost bin.

    The best method to adopt when selecting materials to add to your compost bin is to make the inorganic materials slightly more than the organic materials. Fruit and vegetable waste are rich in nitrogen which is needed to combine with the carbon-rich newspapers to speed up decomposition. This also helps to ensure that the compost bin doesn’t smell. 

    You can check the list below for the nitrogen and carbon-rich content that you can compost in your apartment 

    Organic/Nitrogen Rich Materials 

    • Tea leaves 
    • Seaweed 
    • Kelp 
    • Lawn grass clippings 
    • Weeds
    • Green leaves 
    • Garden plants 
    • Flowers 
    • Coffee grounds 

    Inorganic/Carbon Rich Materials

    • Pellets 
    • Wood chips 
    • Wood ash 
    • Hay 
    • Straw
    • Shredded newspaper 
    • Sawdust 
    • Brown leaves 
    • Corn cobs 
    • Cardboard
    • Eggshells 
    • Peat moss
    • Shredded brown paper bag 
    • Branches 

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    FAQs

    How do you compost food waste in an apartment?

    The short answer is you don’t. It’s not good for you, and it’s not good for the planet. You can’t compost food waste at home because you don’t have a backyard or a garden to throw your scraps into. Food waste is one of the most harmful things we throw away. It’s filled with bacteria that can cause serious health problems, like salmonella. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are a few options available to you, depending on where you live and what kind of apartment you live in.
    Food waste can be composted in the same manner as yard waste, i.e., in a bin with a lid, and mixed with some garden soil (or even regular soil) to ensure that it is turned over enough to break down the waste. If you have a large bin, you may need to use a fork to turn it. Some people also mix in leaves, grass clippings, or straw.
    A good system will be able to handle all your food waste. You will also want a large bin that holds at least twice as much waste as the volume of the bin.

    Can I compost on my balcony?

    Yes, you can compost on your own balcony. You just need a few things and you will be composting soon. Compost bin (or compost pail) A compost bin is a great thing to have for your garden because it will help you keep the garden soil healthy. It will also help you recycle any food scraps that you have, as well as help you to avoid buying fertilizer.
    You will need to use an appropriate bin, such as one that is made of wood, plastic or concrete. You will also need some soil, grass clippings, manure and a shovel. Choose the right size of bin for your space.
    You should also make sure that the bin is located in a place where you can easily access it. The compost bin should be at least 6-8 inches off the ground so that you don’t have to bend down to put your food scraps into the bin. The lid should be on the bin and you should be able to easily remove the contents of the bin once it is full.  You will need to prepare the soil before putting the compost bin in your balcony.

    Does a compost bin need air holes?

    The only reason for air holes is if you want to prevent pests from getting into the compost, so that it can be used as mulch. In that case, they are essential. However, if you’re planning to use the compost as fertilizer, it doesn’t really matter how much air is in there. The air helps oxygenate the decomposing material, but that’s about all it does.

    Can I compost in a bucket?

    Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food waste and yard trimmings, to create nutrient-rich soil. The composted material can then be used in your garden or for landscaping projects. You can compost in a bucket if you have a large enough container and a way to aerate it. Some compost bins are designed specifically for composting, while others are more suitable for general use.

    How do I compost in a bucket? There are two main methods for composting in a bucket. One method is to mix shredded newspaper, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and other organic matter with water and add a high-nitrogen fertilizer. The mixture is then left in a dark area for several months to break down. The other method is to place the organic matter into a bucket and add a high-carbon fertilizer. Water is added periodically to keep the material moist until it decomposes.

    What to Do with Excess Compost 

    If you only have a few indoor plants or a small garden that doesn’t end up using all the compost you produce, you can easily give them out for use. You can take them to the farmer’s market or donate them at your local community garden. You can ask around for gardeners who are interested in fresh compost. They will be more than willing to compensate you for your efforts. 

    We are practically certain that you have learned a few tips on how to compost in an apartment. If you have any further questions or will like to add a few tips, we will be glad to hear from you in the comment section.