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Category: Tips & Guides

How Does a Compost Toilet Work?
How does a compost toilet work? Are you interested to know how this is made and what this is for? If you are, then this informative guide will provide you with everything that you need to know about compost toilets.
Knowing what compost toilets are, whether you’re going to make one now or not, is beneficial as you’re given another option when it comes to managing waste. This allows you to consider your options. So, read below to know more about them:
What is a Compost Toilet?
For those who are not familiar with what compost toilets are, they are basically just like your typical toilet. However, there are some differences as to how these toilets are made.
To put it simply, a composting toilet or a biological or dry toilet is a sewage-treatment system that’s used to decompose human wastes, then making them into a nitrogen-rich material. As water is not needed here unlike your traditional toilet, costs are significantly reduced.
These composting toilets decompose the waste and take the phosphorus and nitrogen content in them, which can be used locally and for a variety of uses. As these don’t use water, these compost toilets are often seen in rural areas where water is scarce. However, they’re now being used in suburban and institutional areas as well.
For urbanized places, compost toilets are still rarely seen because of stringent health regulations. Also, the lack of space is a concern here. Despite this, more and more environmentally conscious people are becoming more interested in these toilets.
How Does a Compost Toilet Work?
Now that you’re aware of what these toilets are, it’s now time that you know how they work. In this way, you’ll be more informed and appreciative of this type of toilet.
Basically, a compost toilet simply acts as a storage and is a very straightforward type of toilet. This type of waste management mostly does the work through the process of human waste decomposition in this kind of setting.
To put it simply, composting toilets just take advantage of the natural decomposition and evaporation process. As the waste excreted from humans are mostly made out of the water, while it’s evaporating, the air derived from this is sent to the compost toilet’s vent system, leaving you with a small amount of solid that’s left inside the compost toilet. The solid material that’s left is then processed to be used as fertilizer or other useful resources.
So, principally, a compost toilet is just like how a garden composter works, which manipulates the environment inside the chamber to transform human waste into something that’s useful. What makes this unique is that the environment inside the compost toilet is just enough to create the perfect setting – with the right mix of heat, oxygen, moisture, and organic material – to make fertilizer.
How to Make a DIY Compost Toilet at Home?
If you want to make one at home as you’re now convinced of its benefits, it’s pretty easy to make, so you can surely make one right now as long as you prepare all of the materials needed. Here are what you need and the steps to make a compost toilet:
Materials Needed
- Medical toilet seat
- 2 5-gallon buckets
- A plant pot that would fit inside the 5-gallon bucket
- Subsoil
- Red worms
- Compost
Steps to Make a Compost Toilet
The steps are pretty straightforward. This is just a simple compost toilet, so you can surely make other DIYs too. However, this one is a basic and simple one that you can do:
Step 1: Place the medical toilet set in a secluded area with enough ventilation.
Step 2: Nearby, prepare the buckets. One bucket will be used for pee, and the other one will be used for poop.
Step 3: Also, place the sawdust near the area as well. After using the compost toilet, sprinkle sawdust in the buckets.
Step 4: When the bucket is full, you can transfer the wastes, after they’re being dried out, in the compost pit that you have at home.
Benefits of a Compost Toilet
Compost toilets are easy to make, and you can even make your own DIY that’s unique as long as you’re using the basic materials needed. They’re very flexible as it’s just a very simple contraption that you can make at home.
That’s why you’re encouraged to experiment and make of your own. With a compost toilet at home, you’ll surely get a lot of benefits, and here are some of them:
- Affordable – These are surely an affordable alternative than the traditional toilets as they don’t use water.
- Positive Impact – When added at home, they give a positive impact as they help you in a lot of ways, from gardening to saving you money.
- Space-Saver – As they don’t need a water connection, you can install them basically anywhere.
- Minimal Maintenance – Because you don’t have to keep the compost toilet wet, you don’t have to really keep on maintaining it, making it hassle-free.
- Environmentally-Friendly – Compost toilets are excellent when you want to use organic fertilizer. So, because you’re not using any pesticides, you are actually saving the environment.
These are some of the benefits when you’re going to install a compost toilet at home. What’s great about this is that as it’s already quite popular, if you’re not too confident making a DIY compost pit, you can always ask for professional help. They’re accessible and some are affordable too.
FAQ’s
What is a compost toilet?
Composting toilets are a modern innovation that allows you to use your waste as fertilizer without having to pay for an expensive septic system.
A composting toilet is a type of low-tech toilet that uses waste from the human body to create fertilizer. The process works by breaking down organic matter, such as food waste, paper, and other materials, using bacteria and other microorganisms.
They are also known as “composting toilets”, “composting toilet” or “composting toilets”. The composting toilets work by using the biological process to decompose organic materials and turn them into useful soil-like material. The first composting toilets were invented in the year 1787 by Thomas Potter, an American businessman.
He invented the first composting toilet in America. In this way, it is the earliest form of an ecological sanitation system. This method of converting human waste into fertilizer is commonly used in many developing countries.
Are composting toilets popular?
Composting toilets are becoming more popular, and are being used by a growing number of people. They are a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your septic tank from overflowing. These toilets collect human waste and use it as fertilizer for plants in the garden or yard. Remember that you do need a permit from the county to install a composting toilet.
Where does the poop go in a composting toilet?
It goes to a hole in the ground. If you look at any “poop” video, they’ll show the end of the toilet pipe dropping into the ground. Then there’s a hole in the ground and dirt or sand around it. When the toilet is full, it’s just a matter of shoveling the contents into the hole.
How often do composting toilets have to be emptied?
When you first set up your composting toilet, it will take a few days for the contents of the toilet to reach their full potential. During this time, there will be lots of organic matter and some solid waste that needs to be separated out. If you are composting in the winter months, then you should empty your toilet at least once a week or whenever there is a chance of snowfall.
If you are not planning on using your composting toilet for more than a couple of weeks, then you can skip this step and continue with the rest of the instructions. However, if you are planning on composting for a long period of time, then you should empty the toilet at least once every two weeks. This will help you to break down any old material that has not been processed yet.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of what a compost toilet is and how it works, you can now install one at home. While they do have their own disadvantages, their benefits are several, making them worth it. However, it would still depend on your preferences, so do your research first before installing one at home.
However, for those who are living in an area where water is scarce and where space is minimal, this surely is a great option to take. After all, it’s an eco-friendly alternative, so you’re sure that you’re doing the right thing when you add one into your home.
August 16, 2019
4 Useful Tips to Help You Choose the Best Organic Seed Starting Mix
When you’re into gardening, or just starting to get into it, one of the major issues you’re going to encounter is starting seeds. If you’re used to simply buying seedlings from a nearby nursery and don’t have the experience of starting seeds before, you’ll surely come across difficulties.
Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how hard it can be, especially if you don’t use the right seed starting mix. For that, I’m here to help you know how to choose the best organic seed starting mix for your garden.
But before we start, let us first have a quick overview of the seed starting mix.
What’s a Seed Starting Mix?
A seed starting mix helps a seed germinate to a seedling then to a full-grown plant. Though you might have been used to buying seedlings straight from a nursery, the problem is that they might have plant diseases which can ultimately affect their growth and overall health.
However, by growing them from seeds via a starting mix, you will be able to control the entire process and even make sure that they remain disease-free.
To choose the best organic seed starting mix, here are some tips I’d recommend you follow:
Choose a Lightweight Mix with Excellent Drainage
To make sure you get the best organic seedling mix, you’d want to go for one that is lightweight, has excellent water retention properties, and has good drainage. This is because good water retention will allow the roots of your seedlings to push through the soil and make sure they have enough room to allow growth.
It Should Contain the Right Ingredients
You also have to pay special attention to the elements that make up a seed starting mix before buying. This way, you can guarantee that your seeds will grow healthily without any issues. While the exact composition of a soil mix will be up to the manufacturer, there are several key ingredients you have to look for. They’re as follows:
Sphagnum Peat Moss
Sphagnum peat moss is considered one of the most important ingredients in a seed starting mix. In fact, most of the seed starting mixes you can find on the market contains this element which is highly absorbent and very lightweight, thereby allowing it to retain moisture which is necessary for your seeds.
Having this ingredient in your starting mix is quite beneficial if you tend to forget watering your plants on a regular basis. It also works best if you live in a dry region. The downside with the peat moss is that it will be a bit difficult to moisten.
Meanwhile, you can also opt for a coconut coir fiber as an alternative to peat moss. In fact, it’s been used in a lot of agricultural and horticultural applications. Like the peat moss, it’s also highly absorbent, capable of absorbing water up to 8 times its weight.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE is yet another key ingredient which is found in most potting mixes. It acts as a natural fertilizer which can effectively kill any insects that might affect your seeds, particularly during the germination period.
This ingredient is actually a naturally occurring mineral from fossilized plants known as diatoms. Apart from its neutralizing property, it also contains various minerals such as iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and silicon which are all helpful in germinating your plants.
Vermiculite
This ingredient will keep the mix moist, allowing your seeds to stay hydrated at all times. Due to that, it’s a vital ingredient which is found in most starting mixes. Like peat moss, it also saves you the trouble of having to water your seeds more often.
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Perlite
The last essential ingredient you should pay attention to is perlite. Despite having a styrofoam-like appearance, perlite is actually made of small natural volcanic mineral which is responsible for its aeration and water retention capabilities. Aside from that, perlite is also ideal for preventing the mix from compacting.
Take Note of its pH Level
A soil’s pH level is a measurement of how acidic or basic a soil is. If you’re in a region with low rainfall, you can expect your soil to have a high pH level. On the other hand, an area that receives more rainfall have soil with a lower pH level.
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The best option is to go for a seedling mix that has a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.5. It’s because plants tend to grow best when planted in slightly acidic soil. However, if you’re from a region with low rainfall, you want to look for a seed starting mix which contains calcium and magnesium, or a soil mix with a pH level of around 5.6 to 5.9.
However, since the ingredients added in a starting mix tend to have varying pH levels, manufacturers usually add lime in order to adjust the soil’s overall pH. In general, you want to go for a soil mix with a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.5 to promote optimal germination and growth.
Always Go Organic
While there’s still an ongoing debate whether to go for an organic or conventional seedling mix, there’s also the fact the organic products are continuing to rise in popularity. Due to a large number of consumers going “green”, most manufacturers are also starting to make the shift.
However, there are those who claim that their products are organic despite them being non-organic. As such, you have to make sure you read the fine print first before you decide on a certain seed starting mix.
Additionally, you can check the packaging for the term “OMRI Listed”. This means that the ingredients contained in said starting mix were reviewed and approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute for organic use.
FAQ’s
How Much Should I Use?
In terms of volume, most seed starting mixes are either labeled as “standard” or “light”. A standard mix will contain more than enough nutrients and moisture to get a good start. However, it can become very heavy when you put it in a pot.
On the other hand, a light mix is not as rich, but it’s easy to add additional ingredients to adjust the nutritional content as needed. The basic ratio of a seed starting mix is 1 part seed starting mix to 4 parts potting mix. You can also add more fertilizer to the mix if you wish. You should have enough soil or compost to fill your container by about two-thirds. If you don’t have any, then you will need to buy some. You can use whatever you have on hand.
What should be the first thing to consider?
The first thing you need to think about is how you’re going to use the seed starting mix. The best way to determine this is to look at what you already have available.
If you have compost, soil, peat moss or other materials, then you may be able to use them for your seed starting mix. You can also make your own seed starting mix from scratch using whatever materials you have on hand.
Do they differ a lot?
Seed starter mixes are a great way to get started with growing your own seeds. There are many different seed starter mixes available, ranging from simple to complex and with various features to help you grow your seeds. When you buy a seed starter mix, it will be made up of a number of ingredients that all contribute to the function of the mix.
There are a few types of seed starting mixes, and each one has its pros and cons. If you’re just starting out, a standard potting soil mix will probably be all you need. There are a few things to consider when choosing a seed starting mix.
What is in seed starting mix?
Seed starting mix is a mixture of soil and fertilizer. This is the best mixture to start seeds. It is also known as seed starting medium or seed germination mix.
They are often composed of peat moss, vermiculite, sand, perlite and soil. The soil should be moistened. Germination mix is a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite. This is also known as seed starting medium. It is used to protect the seeds from being damaged by the soil.
Seed starting mixes usually contain seeds of different varieties, so you can compare the germination rates of your different varieties of seeds. Mulch Some seed starting mixes contain mulch. It is not necessary, but it does help your seedlings grow better. It also keeps the roots cool.
Conclusion
If you’re keen to the idea of growing your plants from seeds, then I highly recommend going for an organic seed starting mix. After all, the fact that you can do the entire germination process on your own can be a rewarding experience.
However, just make sure that you choose your seedling mix properly. Don’t forget to refer to the above tips when buying.
If you have any questions regarding starting mixes, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. As always, thanks for reading, and don’t forget to share it with your gardener friends.
August 6, 2019
Roots Organic Soil 707: Benefits and How to Use
The Roots Organic Soil 707 is one of the best organic soils you can use in your garden. The soil mix contains minerals such as peat, perlite, coco, and other organic materials that help to stimulate plant growth.
When it comes to choosing a suitable potting soil for your garden, you cannot be too careful. Your goal as a responsible gardener is to provide your plants with the right materials it needs to grow. This includes making sure that the soil is packed with the right minerals and nutrients to support healthy growth.
In this article, we will be reviewing the Roots Organic Soil 707 where you will learn about all the many benefits and why it is popular among organic farmers and gardeners.
What Is Roots Organic Soil 707?
The Roots Organic Soil 707 is an organic soil for plants packed in a ready to use 20 gallon potting bag. The formula 707 from Roots Organic was designed to be able to hold water making it suitable for large container gardening. The organic ingredients in the mix are completely approved by authorities (CDFA) for use in certified organic agriculture. Some of the main ingredients include coarse peat moss, bat guano, worm castings, fishbone meal, kelp meal, and soybean meal.
The soil is packed in bags that make it easy for you to use. All you need to do is to plant your seeds directly into the bag. You can also use it for potting in containers by drilling a drainage hole in the container and place the soil bag directly inside the container.

For plants to grow healthy roots and stem, they need the right nutrients. With the Roots Organic Soil 707, you can provide your plant soil with the right soil conditions for it to grow. You can also use the 707 soil to revive soils that are deficient in nutrients.
Organic VS Non-organic Soil Type
There is a lot of controversy among gardeners when it comes to the best type of soil to use for potting. It all depends on your choice of ingredients, but as a grower with a few years of experience using both organic and non-organic soil and fertilizers on my plants, I will always advise gardeners to use organic soils and fertilizers on their plants. This is because organic fertilizers and soils are made from completely natural ingredients that are eco-friendly. This makes them great for your health and the environment. Some other differences between organic and non-organic soil type you need to be aware of includes:
1. Organic soil contains materials with a carbon content from living or dead matter; while non-organic soil in most cases is made from chemical compounds. Non-organic soils are made from man-made materials that have been re-engineered to support plant growth.
2. Non-organic soils are cheaper compared to organic soil.
3. Organic soils have different pH levels while non-organic soils have a neutral pH level.
4. Organic soils have a tendency to contain contaminants. This is due to the fact that the ingredients in the soil are completely organic and susceptible to impurities. But you wouldn’t get many contaminants in non-organic soils as they do not undergo molecular changes.
5. Organic soils come in specific blends that are manufactured for separate plants whereas non-organic soil types are suited for all soil types and plants.
6. Non-organic soil makes use of recycled products such as Styrofoam to support aeration; while organic soil makes use of pure natural methods to supply plant roots with the right amount of oxygen it needs to grow.
7. Lastly, we support the use of organic potting soil because unlike non-organic soil, it is completely free from toxic chemicals that could endanger your life and the environment.
Benefits of Roots Organic Soil 707
Some of the reasons why we encourage the use of Roots Organic Soil 707 is because
1. The soil was designed specifically to encourage the speedy growth of plants. When you make use of this potting soil in your garden, you do not need to worry much about regular fertilizer application. This is because the product is already formulated with the nutrients needed by plants to grow healthy.
2. The ingredients in the mix include compost, perlite, coarse peat, worm castings, pumice, feather meal, soybean meal, kelp meal, bone meal, fishbone meal, and coco fiber. These are all the nutrients your seeds need to grow healthy leaves and fruits.
3. The soil is packed in a 20 gallon grow bag that is ready to use without difficulty. All you need to do is to trim the top of the bag and plant your seed directly into the bag or transplant into a larger container.
4. There are no traces of chemical compounds in the soil; making it completely free from toxic materials that can endanger your health and environment.
5. The soil can be used for a variety of plants that require a slightly acidic pH level to grow healthily.

How to Use the Roots Organic Soil 707
Like we have mentioned earlier, you can easily make use of the soil without breaking much sweat. The soil is packed in a bag that you can plant your seeds in temporarily before repotting them in a container. You can also plant directly to a container by drilling a hole to allow drainage of excess water. You will also have to make use of more soil; as you will have to fill the container properly until it is full.
You can purchase Roots Organic Soil 707 on Amazon.
Other Alternatives to Roots Organic Soil 707
- Nature’s Care Incredible Expanding Potting Soil
This is a completely organic potting soil that is packed with nutrients and minerals to support healthy plant growth. It is also easy to use and can be adjusted for a variety of plants.
- Baby Bu’s Biodynamic Blend Potting Soil
This is another quality potting soil mix you can use for your plants without much stress. All you have to do is water regularly and apply fertilizers from time to time.
Finding the right potting soil for your plant shouldn’t be a problem. With the Roots Organic Soil 707 you can provide your seeds with the right nutrients it needs to grow.
Which potting soil do you use in your garden? We will like to hear from you.
FAQ’s
What is the pH of roots organic soil?
The pH of roots organic soil can vary from 5 to 6.5 for soil gardens. If you would like to adjust pH, the adjustment should be done earlier before applying root organic to your plant.
If the soil is dry, you can water a little and leave it for some minutes before applying root organic to your plants.
Is Roots organic really organic?
Root organic is purely made from excellent qualities of organic ingredients. It is a ready to use coco fiber for your potting soil needs. The elements of root organic especially consist of are purely blended organic ingredients and some include worm casting, peat moss, Bat Guano, fishbone meal, feather meal, green sand, soybean meal, kelp meal, and many more.
It has also been mixed with the appropriate percentage of pumice and perlite. Root organic is basically used for soil amendments such as enhancing water holding capacity, good drainage, and good root system. Your plant will also experience exceptional growth with root organic. It is also great for a soilless garden.
Roots organic soil 707 vs. fox farm ocean forest
Both root organic soil 707 and fox farm forest is great, they are basically almost the same. However, root organic soil will give a better result for your plants providing them a healthy, faster, with fewer plant issues.
Root organic is perfect for all types of plants including clones and seedlings. It retains more water than fox farm ocean forest would. This is because Fox farm ocean forest is a bit sandy. Therefore it does not hold as much water as root organic soil does.
Fox Farm Ocean is usually known for its great advantage to cannabis growers. However, it’s a matter of preference. Know and choose what works best for your plant type.
August 2, 2019
10 Amazing Mosquito Repelling Plants
Mosquitoes are really annoying. Not only that, but they can also cause certain allergic reactions and even carry a slew of diseases including malaria and dengue to name a few. To get rid of these pesky pests, most households will resort to the use of insect repellants and insecticides. However, they can end up being toxic to your household and surroundings. Fortunately, you can opt for a better and more effective alternative in the form of mosquito repelling plants. Without further ado, here are the 10 most effective mosquito repelling plants that can keep your house and garden mosquito-free.
Plants Effective at Repelling Mosquitoes
Citronella
If you’ve probably heard of this plant before, it’s mainly because it’s one of the most common ingredients that are added to a mosquito repellent. However, what most people didn’t know is that citronella is actually a plant!
Basically, it is a perennial clumping grass that can be easily distinguished due to its strong aroma. Since the plant itself has an even stronger aroma than mosquito repellents that have it as its ingredient, then it certainly makes an excellent choice for a natural mosquito repellent in your garden or household.
However, according to studies, it’s not really the plant itself that wards off insects. Rather, it is the oils that can be extracted from the plant. This doesn’t mean that you should keep this plant in your house, as you can actually crush its leaves to extract the oil which you can then apply to your skin to repel insects.
Marigolds
Marigolds are annual flowers that can be distinguished by their yellow or orange color. They have that kind of scent that not everyone likes and the same goes for mosquitoes. They’re known to contain pyrethrum which is a common ingredient used in most insect repellents.
In spite of that, they have a light and citrusy taste which makes them great for use on salads or soups. The best thing about marigolds is that they’re very easy to grow. You simply have to place them in pots and make sure you place them near your patio to ward off mosquitoes, bugs, and insects.
Pitcher Plant
Though it’s technically not a mosquito repelling plant, a pitcher plant can be effective in dealing with mosquitoes. Compared to the other plants on this list, it doesn’t really repel insects. Instead, it attracts them and eats them as nutrients.
Due to its pitcher-like shape, it can be an excellent addition to your garden or patio. Most homeowners tend to grow theirs in baskets that are hung hear the patio or porch.
Peppermint
The peppermint is a rapid grower which can quickly fill your garden if left unattended. However, it’s not as invasive compared to other plants that belong to the mint family.
peppermint
It has that strong scent and taste that most bugs despise. Also, its oil is excellent not just for repelling mosquitoes but also for relieving the discomfort which is brought about by mosquito bites. All you have to do is simply rub the leaves onto your skin and wait for the effect to take place.
However, since peppermints are rapid growers, you have to make sure to dig them up or cut them before they become uncontrollable.
Lemon Balm
Discovered to have been used in the Western world as early as the middle ages, lemon balm is used for relieving stress, a natural sleeping aid, and a mild astringent. However, it’s also proven for its insect repellent properties as well. Belonging to the mint family, lemon balm is also a fast grower. Therefore, you’d want to contain it on a point unless you want it to grow uncontrollably in your garden.
Lemon balm is known to contain a compound which is known as citronella that has a similar effect to that of the citronella plant. Aside from that, it also has a lemony scent which is something that mosquitoes despise.
Catnip
If you have feline friends around the house, they’ll be glad to know that their favorite plant, the catnip, also works as an excellent mosquito repellent. According to a study which was conducted in 2010, researchers found that catnip is 10 times more effective in repelling insects compared to DEET.
This is due to its compound nepetalactone which works as a mosquito repellent and cat attractant at the same time. This alongside other chemicals contained in catnip is more effective than DEET.
Due to this, catnip is among the best choice of plants that are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Another good thing about this plant is that it’s relatively easy to grow and care for. However, it can be invasive if planted in your garden bed.
Basil
Basil is one of those dual-purpose plants which can double as an effective mosquito repellent and cooking ingredient in one. The strong scent it gives off is quite offensive to pests not just limited to mosquitoes but flies and other insects as well. Since there are several varieties of basil, you can experiment and look for the ones which you like.
To successfully plant basil in your garden, you have to make sure it’s placed in a spot where it can receive lots of sunlight and good drainage. You can also plant it in containers as long as the requirements are properly met.
Rosemary
Another wonderful plant with a dual purpose, rosemary is a flavorful and easy-to-grow plant that can also act as an effective mosquito repellent. However, make sure you place it in an area with enough space since it can grow quickly if left unattended.
Aside from that, the plant’s pale-blue flowers can complement your garden and increase its overall aesthetic appeal. Moreover, it’s easy to grow as long as you can place it in a location where it can receive lots of sunlight as possible.
Lavender
Lavender has that calming aroma that can be quite offensive to mosquitoes and pests. By simply growing it indoors or in your flower bed, you can repel insects and other bugs without any problem.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a potent plant that can be quite effective in repelling mosquitoes and other pests including fleas, gnats, and ants. Aside from that, it also makes an excellent groundcover that can attract a wide variety of butterflies.
If you’re struggling with not just mosquitoes but other insects in your house and garden as well, then you might want to consider placing pennyroyal in your surroundings. However, you have to take note that it can be quite toxic to animals and humans if too much of its oil is absorbed into the skin. Therefore, you have to take extra precautions when applying it.
For extra protection against insects and mosquitoes, you’d want to crush some pennyroyal leaves and then place them inside your pocket. Its strong odor will be more than enough to repel them.
How to Repel Mosquitoes with Plants
Without a doubt, some botanical compounds found in a variety of plants can help repel mosquitoes. In most cases, however, they have to be extracted in order to be effective.
Certain plants contain chemicals that can work in three different ways to deal with mosquitoes. They can either:
- Mask human scents
- Repel mosquitoes
- Contain compounds that can be toxic to insects
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However, simply placing them in your landscape won’t be enough. Most of the time, you’ll have to extract their oils in order to maximize their full effect. Fortunately, it’s not really that hard to do. You can just crush the leaves in most cases or even burn certain parts for them to be effective.
Other Alternatives to Repelling Mosquitoes
Placing mosquito-repelling plants around your property might not be enough to solve the pesky mosquito problem you currently have. For that, you have to carry out other alternative solutions that will help you get rid of mosquitoes in your yard for good. They’re as follows:
Remove Stagnant Water
Standing water can be an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes. Therefore, you’d want to make sure that you clear any gutters of debris and check your barrels and discarded cans or pots for any water. Also, make sure you cover your trash cans and change the water in birdbaths regularly.
Sprinkle Coffee Grounds
You can also scatter coffee grounds in any area where you notice standing water present. If there are any mosquito eggs present, they will rise to the surface and die due to lack of oxygen.
Install Insect-Repelling Lights
Another excellent alternative for repelling mosquitoes and other insects is installing insect-repelling lights throughout the yard. LED lights and sodium lamps can be effective in dealing with those annoying pests. Though this will entail a bit of an investment, you’ll be able to benefit from a mosquito-free yard.
Conclusion
We all know how annoying mosquitoes can be. Apart from that, they can also bring about certain diseases such as malaria and dengue if left unattended. Fortunately, you can do away with them for good with the help of the mosquito repelling plants on this list.
What other mosquito-repelling plants do you know? Are you currently using them in your yard? If so, please share with us how effective they are in dealing with your pest problems.
Also, please pass the information to your friends. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
What plants keeps mosquitoes away naturally?
There are a lot of things that keep mosquitoes away naturally. The best way to keep mosquitoes away is by using plants. There are certain plants that mosquitoes avoid because of their bitter taste. Some plants have been used for centuries and there are many more which are just becoming known. These natural plants repel mosquitoes by affecting their behavior and by keeping them away.
These plants include dill, fennel, mint, rue, and parsley. Mosses Many mosses have strong anti-microbial properties, which may keep mosquitoes from breeding in their habitat. You can read more about this here. The bark of trees and shrubs also has anti-microbial properties, and will help keep mosquitoes away. I know that citronella oil works as a repellent for mosquitoes.
If you are looking for plants to keep mosquitoes away, I recommend the following: – Marigolds, they repel bugs and are easy to grow.
Nasturtiums, they are very effective against mosquitoes.
Catnip, they are said to repel fleas.
Chamomile, they repel ants and mosquitoes.
Lavender, it is said to repel bees and insects.
Aloe Vera, it is an aloe plant with many uses including being used as a natural mosquito repellent.
Basil, it has a strong smell that can repel mosquitoes.
Why do some plants repel mosquitoes?
Plants are effective against mosquitoes because of the chemicals they produce. Plants create chemicals called allelochemicals that attract and deter pests. Mosquitoes don’t like the smell or taste of these chemicals and they will avoid plants that produce them. Many plants contain allelochemicals and some even make more than one. They have different effects on different pests and are usually most effective when used together.
Sometimes it does depend on the species of mosquito, which is why it pays to undersand what plants work in what ways.
Is lavender a mosquito repellent?
Lavender oil has been proven to repel mosquitoes and other insects. You can even make your own homemade mosquito repellent by adding lavender essential oil to the water in which you soak your feet.
Do lemongrass plants repel mosquitoes?
Yes, they do. It has been proven scientifically that when lemongrass plants are planted near your house or property, you can reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area by up to 50 percent. In addition, you can also protect yourself from the bites of mosquitoes if you are outside in an area where there are lemongrass plants nearby.
July 30, 2019
Everything You Need to Know Regarding Raised Garden Beds
If you’re struggling with keeping your garden organized, then you might surely appreciate raised garden beds. After all, raised bed gardens allow you to maintain your plants with ease while keeping your garden orderly at the same time.
In its simplest form, you can think of a raised bed as a flower box with no bottom. You don’t have to step inside the raised bed; instead, you do all the gardening work from its outer perimeter. With all the advantages it has, let us talk about what you should consider before you start building yours:
Raised Garden Bed Considerations
Size
On average, raised beds normally span between 3-4 feet wide and 6-8 feet long. With this, you can reach into the bed with ease from the side to start planting your crops and removing weed without the need to step inside the garden. As a result, you’ll be avoiding the risk of compacting the soil.
Height is another important consideration. If you plan to place your raised bed on a flat, hard surface, then you’d have to make sure it is deep enough for your plants to root (this is especially true for root vegetables such as carrots and beets).
However, if it ended up too shallow, then the roots will reach down to the subsoil then hit a wall. Ideally, you’d want to go for at least 10 to 12 inches.
Read more about Spacing For Vegetables In Raised Beds
Soil Type
The amount of soil you need for your raised bed will actually depend on a few factors. To help you determine, you can instead use some soil calculators out there, such as this one from Gardener’s Supply.
When it comes to the size of the soil, I would highly recommend using high-quality soil which you can afford for your garden. You can use a triple mix which you can buy from a local supplier then combine it with organic vegetable compost. You’d also want to leave a few as a reserve for your bed throughout the season.
Location
Location is a really important factor you should consider when building a raised bed garden. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in your backyard. You can either place it on your front yard or the driveway.
However, if you have a slope, you’ll have to make some adjustments. You should also determine if the area drains well or not.
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In order to make sure your plants can receive optimum health, you should place your raised garden bed in a location which can receive at least eight hours of sunlight exposure every day. Avoid placing it in a low, wet area where the soil can become soggy. Also, make sure the location has a hose nearby. Even before you place the raised garden bed in its permanent location, make sure you clean the area first by removing any grass or weed present.
Grass Removal
One of the most common concerns gardeners face is proper grass removal. If you’ve tried cutting or removing sod, then you know how hard of a task that can be. However, an easy way that can help you get rid of grass is to outline the space then have it covered with cardboard then soil afterward.
Using this method, the grass will simply break down, especially when done during the fall where everything will break down over the winter.
Irrigation
The last thing you want to consider when building a raised bed is irrigation. If you’re planning to set up a whole drip irrigation system, then you’d want to complete the process before finishing your raised bed.
This way, you can allow the hoses to run under pathways then adapt your raised bed around where the hose is attached to the irrigation system.
Why You’d Want to Consider Raised Bed Gardening
A lot of gardeners are starting to embrace the idea of raised bed gardening. In case you haven’t joined the trend yet, then here are some of the reasons that might convince you:
Easy Maintenance
With a raised bed, you can easily maintain your garden and tend your plants. This is because there’s no need to bend over as it’s basically elevated above the ground. This removes any strain on the back and knees which is common on traditional gardening.
Also, there’s the fact that you can get creative when building your bed, allowing you to customize it however you want. You can even raise it to standing level if you want. You can also place wheels to make it mobile. Of course, there will be people who’ll point out that it’s actually a planter.
However, it’s really just semantics. After all, raised beds don’t have bottoms.
Less Weeds
Another thing that makes raised bed gardening appealing is the fact that you can reduce the total number of weeds in your garden. There are several reasons for this; however, it mostly has to do with the design.
In case you’re somewhat confused, allow me to do a bit of explaining.
When preparing a garden bed, you’ll start by cleaning the ground where it’s going to be placed. This would involve removing any weeds found on the topsoil. Ideally, you’d want to remove the rocks as well.
Some gardeners choose to lay cardboard or newspapers under the garden bed in an effort to prevent weeds and grass from growing back. The best part is, since they are biodegradable, they will eventually decay and provide nutrients which the plants can use later on.
After that, the garden bed is then filled with nutrient-rich soil. Due to its nice and loose nature, any weed or grass that grows can be pulled with ease. It will also limit the growth rate of weeds, thus allowing you to reduce the number of weeds that can grow in your garden.
Improved Soil Drainage
Another reason why you’d want to consider raised bed gardening is because it can help improve soil drainage. This is because the soil which is used on a raised bed is never stepped, hence preventing the possibility of compacting it.
Also, a raised garden bed will allow the water found in the soil to freely drain, allowing enough air to get to the roots of the plants. Keep in mind that excess or standing water can only end up choking your crops.
When deciding on a soil to use for your garden bed, make sure you go for one which is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Don’t go for potting soil as it can drain too quickly. Also, pay attention to the amount of manure you combine into your soil mixture. This is because it is high in nitrogen, and too much nitrogen can end up stunting the growth of your plants.
Soil Erosion Prevention
This is one major advantage of raised bed gardening which you shouldn’t take lightly. The act of preventing soil erosion with the use of a raised garden bed can actually be a major selling point, especially if you’re living in an area which receives a lot of rain.
Most gardeners often have to deal with their soil being eroded due to rain, and this could mean a lot more work for them. There’s also the fact that buying high-quality soil can be quite expensive. Due to a raised garden bed’s design, you can prevent your precious soil from getting eroded during rains.
Aesthetically Pleasing
This could be one of the major reasons why a lot of gardeners are starting to get in on the raised bed gardening trend! After all, raised beds are so cool and aesthetically pleasing. There’s the fact that you can use your creativity as well as imagination to create a custom design for your garden bed.
There are also some gardeners who used raised garden beds as accents for their yards and gardens.
What You Want to Plant
Once you have set up your raised garden bed, you have the freedom to plant it with any type of vegetable you want. If you’re a fan of salad, you can choose to plant cherry tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers. Meanwhile, if you’re into cooking, you can plant peppers, potatoes, onions, and herbs.
Gardening in a raised garden bed will be all about maximizing productivity. The challenge you should face is growing as many crops as possible without planting too many. After all, if you end up overcrowing the bed, your plants won’t be able to reach their full potential due to poor air circulation, nutrients, and water.
You should also consider the growth habit of each plant you want to as it will affect the growth of the other plants in the same bed. For example, planting carrots alongside lettuce is okay. However, planting lettuce along with a cucumber could be a problem.
FAQ’s
What plants can raised gardens be used for?
Raised garden beds can be used for any type of plant, but they are most commonly used for vegetables. Raised garden beds can make gardening easier, as you don’t have to worry about your plants growing into your neighbors’ property.
If you’ve got a small space, raised beds can also be a great way to grow more food in a small area. You can even use them to grow flowers or herbs. Raised garden beds are easy to build, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to create them.
What are the advantages?
They can be used anywhere. Raised garden beds can be used for any type of plant, but they are most commonly used for vegetables.
Raised garden beds are easier to use and maintain than traditional garden beds, because they don’t require much effort. You just have to put the soil in and then add your plants, and that’s it! There is no need to dig holes or worry about the soil getting too wet or dry.
They are more convenient Raised garden beds are more convenient than traditional garden beds because you don’t have to get your hands dirty when you’re planting your plants. You can plant and harvest in the same day, making it easy for you to grow your own food. You can also grow a variety of crops in the same bed without worrying about how they will grow together.
They are cheaper Raised garden beds are cheaper than traditional garden beds. This is because you only need to buy a few materials instead of buying a whole lot of soil. You can even save money by using recycled materials to build them. You can also reuse old pots, which can be useful if you have a lot of them lying around.
They are eco-friendly Raised garden beds are more eco-friendly than traditional garden beds, as they don’t use much water. If you use organic fertilizers, you won’t have to worry about the excess fertilizer ending up in the soil. You can even recycle used plastic pots and create a raised garden bed.
What are some steps to make one yourself?
Step 1 – Make the Raised Bed The first step to creating a raised garden bed is to cut the wood into pieces. The size of the bed will depend on your needs. If you have a small garden, you can make it as small as 8 feet by 8 feet.
If you are planning to build a larger bed, make it as large as you can. I recommend that you use 8-10 ft. of lumber for each side of the bed. For example, if your garden is 12 ft. wide and 16 ft. long, then you will need 16 ft. of lumber for each side of the bed. It’s best to use two boards for each side of the bed. You will also need to cut 2-3 ft. of lumber for the front and back. You will need to cut the boards at 45 degrees. This allows you to create an arch effect in the bed. To make the bed, you will need to attach the boards together with screws. For this project, I recommend that you use 10 ft. of wood screws. For the front and back, you will need to cut a piece of wood so that it fits into the gap between the boards. Use a piece of wood that is 3/4″ thick. This will allow you to fasten the front and back of the raised garden bed together.
Step 2 – Attach the Paving Stones The next step is to attach the paving stones to the bed. I prefer using concrete blocks for this purpose. They are inexpensive and easy to find. It’s best to use a cement block that is about 1/2 inch thick. It’s important that the cement blocks be flat on both sides. You can also use bricks or pavers instead of cement blocks. If you are using cement blocks, you will also need to cut some pieces of wood for the top of the bed. These should be about 1/2 inch thick. You will need to cut two boards for each side of the bed. This will allow you to attach the boards to the cement blocks. You will then need to attach the boards with screws. This is an easy project, but it takes some time.
Step 3 – Plant Your Garden In this step, you will plant your garden. You will need to consider several factors when planting a garden. The first factor is the size of the garden. You want to make sure that you have enough room to place the garden. The second factor is the type of plants that you plan to grow. Some plants are better suited for certain environments than others. For example, I prefer to plant tomatoes and peppers in my garden. But if you are planning to plant flowers or herbs, you may need to use different types of plants. It’s best to start out by choosing a small number of plants. If you want to plant a larger garden, you can add more plants as you progress.
Step 4 – Watering and Fertilizing You will want to water the plants at least once per week. If you live in an area with dry soil, you may want to add some compost to the bed. This will help to retain moisture. You will also need to fertilize the plants as needed.
Conclusion
With a raised garden bed, you can have an easier and more enjoyable means of gardening. You can benefit from its easy maintenance, aesthetic value, less weed issues, and possible erosion prevention.
Are you planning to consider a raised garden bed? Maybe you already have one in your garden. What are your thoughts about it? Will you be able to harvest your crops successfully? Let us know in the comments.
Also, don’t forget to share this information with your gardener friends. Thanks for reading!
July 29, 2019
What are the Benefits of Gardening?
If you are looking for a new hobby, one of the most rewarding and beneficial ones that you can do is gardening. Why? Well, as mentioned by a study posted on ScienceDirect, it has been found out that a wide range of health benefits can be observed here.
Not convinced but are curious as to what these advantages are? Below are some of the benefits of gardening and why you should start making a garden shed today.
Why Choose Gardening?
Having a hobby is great as this allows us to relax, especially now that we’re in a very fast-paced society. When it comes to choosing gardening as a hobby, while it’s not always the first one to be chosen by people, it’s actually a good idea to do so.
This is because no matter what your situation is or where you’re located, you can always do gardening. In fact, with just a little bit of space, you can already make a small garden patch to start. Plus, learning it is engaging, making it a fun activity that you and your family can enjoy.
Gardening certainly has its disadvantages, and, sometimes, it can even frustrate us too. However, when you have a garden, and it starts growing, it’ll feel gratifying.
So, give it a try and just start small. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up making gardening as your way of living.
Benefits of Gardening
We can never go wrong with gardening as its benefits are greater than its inconveniences. If you’re now convinced why starting a garden is great, below are some of its benefits that will all the more inspire you to start one today:
Boosts Your Overall Health
If you’re not a fan of the gym, then gardening is a great way to do light to moderate exercise. As you’re burning calories more, you are actually boosting your overall health and strengthening your heart.
In addition, you’re more likely to be happier as it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. The more active you become, the more enhanced your emotional wellbeing will be.
When gardening is done every day, you’ll see results. Besides, a garden is something that you should tend to consistently, so with this hobby, you’ll always find yourself becoming much more active and healthier.
Reduces Your Stress
Another benefit of gardening is that it reduces stress. In a study, it was found out that gardening can actually lower your cortisol levels. So, people who are always stressed can find gardening soothing.
As stress can affect our health as well, reducing this is crucial when it comes to maintaining a good wellbeing. A small garden patch is already enough. Besides, if you’re a newbie, starting small is a better idea as a large patch might stress you out –this is the last thing we’d like to happen!
Enhances Sleep
This goes hand in hand with exercise. It has been known that exercise can help enhance your sleep quality. Because it helps reduce anxiety and depression, you’re much calmer, thus sleeping becomes easier for you.
Also, as light exercise has a positive effect on your circadian rhythm, your body clock is more attuned to your sleeping and exercise pattern, especially when you follow a consistent routine every day.
Teaches Responsibility and Discipline
If you want to practice responsibility and discipline, then gardening is for you. As this is a hobby that requires time, effort, and care, you’ll need to be disciplined and responsible.
Tending the plants is not an easy task, and there may be days wherein you’ll not want to deal with it anymore. However, this is where character growth happens. Just take it as a challenge, and if you think you can’t handle a huge garden, start with a few pots and just increase them once you get the hang of it.
Gives Confidence
Once you’ve established a consistent routine and find a balance between work and your hobby, you’ll start seeing results. A garden that’s properly taken care of will grow and give you a bountiful harvest, giving you that boost in confidence.
Who wouldn’t feel proud of such progress? A garden, especially one that gave you praise from people, will surely boost your confidence.
Saves Money
The last thing on our list is that gardening actually saves money. One might think that this is an expensive hobby, and while this is true, it’s only at the beginning.
When you properly take care of your garden, especially if you have vegetables, you can actually save money by growing your own food. How cool is that? What’s more, you’re also eating natural foods, so it’s totally safe and healthier.
Ways to be an Effective Gardener
Do Your Research
Don’t stop learning as there are a lot of articles when it comes to gardening. Research is an important aspect of any hobby, especially when you’re new.
Start by identifying what your goals are. Do you want to focus on flowering plants or vegetables? Identify what your needs are so that you’ll know what to research about.
Also, consistently doing your research will lead you to new gardening tips and fresh ideas, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on this one, right?
Plant Seeds that are in Season
It’s a must that you plant seeds that are in season. In this way, you can benefit from them. Again, you can do this by researching.
If you want to plant certain vegetables, know when they’re abundant. This is because some vegetables thrive on certain atmosphere. You’ll want to only plant seeds that are in season so that you’ll not end up wasting your resources and actually benefit from it.
Don’t Use Low-Quality Potting Mix and Gardening Products
One that thing your plants would hate is a low-quality potting mix. Now that you’re already planting, might as well use quality products, right?
Use a potting mix with great reviews. Remember, your plants do not only need water for nourishment, but they also get their nutrients from the potting mix that you’re providing them.
Also, this goes for your other gardening products too. If you want to use fertilizer and insecticides, make sure that they are all organic. If you opt to use items at home, this is also an excellent move as they are much more natural.
Whatever route you’re going to take when it comes to your gardening products, always check the materials and ingredients being used in the products. You’d want what’s best for your plants, so give them quality products, and they’ll surely give you high yields.
Be Positive, Consistent, and Determined
Gardening takes time, so before you see great results, you’ll need to adopt a positive mindset in order to remain consistent and determined. Especially if you’re still a beginner, it’s only normal to feel frustrated. However, you’ll not gain anything when you stop right away.
Just don’t expect too much and do what you can. Even if you have little to no experience, with determination, you’ll learn as you go, so it’s always a win-win situation with gardening.
Differentiate Shade and Sun-Loving Plants
Plants are unique as well, just like us humans. So, get to know them. In this way, you can provide the right living conditions for them.
There are certain plants that thrive more when they are under the shade. On the other hand, there are also plants that need more sun than shade.
As stated above, research is needed. Once you’ve already picked what you’re going to plant, learn as much as you can about them. You’ll be surprised how much information each plant has.
Provide Adequate Water and Proper Drainage System
Lastly, it’s important that you give your plants enough water to grow and the right drainage system for them to thrive and not end up wilting.
If you have a consistent supply of water, your plants will be able to grow well. However, do note that some plants differ when it comes to how much their need for water is. Again, know what each plant’s preferences are.
Lastly, it’s important that you install a drainage system for each pot or patch. Note that some plants only need a little bit of water, so you can just opt for a watering spray. But for those that need one, you can put holes under the pots or make a canal for your patch.
FAQ’s
Why does gardening make you happy?
It keeps my mind busy and my body active. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride. It makes me feel good about myself and my environment. I find gardening therapeutic.
It gives us something to do when we’re not doing much else. Gardening is a way to be productive in a passive way. We’re putting our time and energy into growing something that we can eat or drink, or use for fuel.
What does gardening do for your body?
Gardening is a great way to relax. When you get outside, you are exposed to the sun and fresh air, which helps you feel better and have a more positive attitude towards life. Plus, you can grow things that are delicious and nutritious. Gardening can be relaxing because it is a creative process. Gardening requires focus and attention. You have to put some time and effort into it.
It reduces your blood pressure. You can find many studies about the benefits of gardening on the internet. It has been proven to help reduce coronary disease and colon cancer, just not name a few.
Conclusion
Gardening is definitely a great hobby to take. This is because it has quite a lot of benefits. If you’re contemplating about whether you’re going to start one soon or not, just give it a go.
After all, gardening is not that overwhelming as you can start small. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you’ll not want to stop it, making it one of the most rewarding activities that you can do during your free time.
Did you enjoy reading the article? Comment what your thoughts and questions are. And if you have some gardening tips in mind, don’t hesitate to share them so that we’ll have a much greener and more abundant environment.
July 26, 2019