Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Instead of sending your leaves to the landfill, consider recycling them to feed the plants in your garden. Leaves are a great, free source of nutrients and insulation for your garden if used correctly, and you can keep your lawn neat while still allowing nature to work its magic. Read on to find out how to recycle the leaves in your yard. Read in full.

Potassium is a very important nutrient for overall plant health. If you’re looking to go organic, there are many ways to supplement your lawn or garden with potassium without using chemical fertilizers. Read on for more info on the most popular sources of organic potassium. Read in full.

Your lawn’s nutrient needs change in the fall in preparation for the cold weather ahead. If all the conflicting advice about whether or not to winterize your lawn has left you confused, you’re not alone! But figuring out what to do may not be as hard as it seems. Read on to find out how to prepare your lawn for winter. Read in full.

Madison asks, “Why are many fertilizer bags labeled ‘phosphorus free’? I thought phosphorus was one of the three important nutrients for plants?”

You’re right that phosphorus is an important nutrient, but fertilizers containing phosphorus are a major source of groundwater contamination. Read more to find out when to use phosphorus in your garden. Read in full.

Gary asks, “Can I use sand to break up clay soil and improve my lawn?”

Sand is an important ingredient in the composition of soil, but it needs to be balanced with organic matter in order to be of any benefit. You shouldn’t use sand by itself – since that will only make your problem worse. Read on to find out why. Read in full.

Henry asks, “Is it a good idea to use grass clippings as mulch?”

Grass clippings can make great mulch when properly dried and spread. Read on for some tips on how to recycle your grass clippings as mulch. Read in full.

Gabby asks, “I’ve heard of people adding Epsom salts to their garden, especially for growing peppers. Is this good for plants? And how do you apply it?”

Epsom salts are made up of a chemical called magnesium sulfate, which is sometimes used as a supplement for roses, tomatoes, and peppers. Here’s how to use Epsom salts in your garden. Read in full.

Composting lawn and garden waste is a great way to obtain organic material for your garden while reducing the environmentally negative aspects of trucking yard waste to the landfill. This DIY compost bin is easy to build and made from pressure treated wood so it will last for many years to come. Read in full.

Crop rotation is a simple process that is vitally important to the health and productivity of the garden. From disease prevention to nutrient balancing, the benefits of crop rotation make it worth the extra bit of planning required. Here’s an easy-to-remember crop rotation plan for any size garden. Read in full.

Brenda asks, “We have hundreds of earthworms on our driveway. Why does this happen, and how do we control them?”

Earthworms breathe through their skin and require a balanced level of moisture in order to survive. When there is adequate surface moisture, they venture out to look for new places to burrow. Read in full.