The times in which we live dictate the need for us to be more environmentally friendly in all that we do, Gardening being no exception. God gave us a beautiful planet to take care of and it is our responsibility to do our part as Gardeners through recycling and using products that are safe for the environment. Follow along with me as I discuss renewing plants through composting and give tips about products you may not have considered that are both safe and effective for use as fertilizers and pesticides.

Composting is the process of converting organic matter into rich soil. Warmer temperatures in crease the rate at which Plant parts decompose. This process may Take six to eight months during the cool Season or as few as four to six weeks in The heat of summer. Also, moisture content is essential as around 50 percent of The weight of the pile should be from water. Moisture promotes the growth of microbes—tiny organisms which help to break down plant material. Too much water, however, will reduce air movement and produce an odor. It is best to turn the pile regularly to help promote air movement. The warmer it is, the more often the pile needs turning.

The best types of plant material to use Include lawn clippings, leaves, straw and non-woody plant trimmings such as flowers and vegetables. Coffee grounds and egg shells also work well. It is desirable to add a small amount of top soil or manure to the pile to help ensure a good mixture of nutrients. Stay away from using branches unless you shred them first. Also, do not use any materials that have Recently been treated with a pesticide.

I suggest the following steps to get started with a compost pile at your home:
• Choose a site that is level and well-drained.
• Construct a multi-bin storage system made of wood or blocks. For the average homeowner, mensions of three feet wide by five feet tall should be sufficient.
• Add a small amount of rich garden soil to the pile to increase microbial activity and speed up the process. Use a coarse material such as straw as the bottom layer to promote drainage.

The benefits of composting are numerous. First, composting saves money as fewer plastic bags are needed for cleanup and hauling it off is not necessary. Columbus does a nice job of sending yard waste to Granite Bluff to be recycled but this is expensive for the city and ultimately is at our expense. We know that despite our best efforts, much yard waste ends up with the trash and is not recycled. Another benefit is that compost can be used as a soil amendment which reduces soil and fertilizer costs. As a soil amendment, compost improves the structure of soil, making for a better root zone. When added to sandy soil, it increases the ability of the soil to hold water and nutrients. On the other hand, when added to clay, compost loosens the soil and increases the flow of oxygen.

Being an environmentally friendly gardener also requires the use of fertilizers and pesticides that are not harmful. For the most part, we have our tried and true, “go to” products. Here are some new products that put the environment first.

Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers and Pest Control Products
Baking Soda: Controls powdery mildew and black spot.
Blood Meal: High nitrogen fertilizer. Also deters deer.
Chicken Manure: All purpose fertilizer for shrubs, vegetables and flowers.
Cottonseed Meal: Slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Fish Emulsion: Recommend use as a foliar feed for flowers.
Garlic Spray: Controls aphid, spider mites and thrips.
Hot Pepper Spray: Use as treatment for ants.
Liquid Ivory: Kills aphids while cleaning foliage!
Milorganite: Excellent lawn fertilizer. Also deters deer.

We gardeners like to think of ourselves as people who care about the environment. Let’s lead the way by renewing plants through composting and using more environmentally friendly products.

For further information on environmentally friendly products, visit planetnatural.com.

To see this story complete with photos, pick up the "green" issue of Columbus and the Valley at a retail outlet near you, or click here to subscribe online so you’ll never miss a word.

Phone: 706-324-6214
E-mail: contactus@columbusandthevalley.com