Gardening: Earthworm Friends in the Garden

Earthworm Friends in the Garden

Written by Marilyn Pokorney

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Please leave repparttar 145188 resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of repparttar 145189 publication in which repparttar 145190 article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net ---------------------------- Earthworms are a gardener's best friend.

Research has shown that earthworm excrement, also called castings or vermicompost, improves repparttar 145191 aeration, porosity, structure, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity of soil.

Many studies prove that when compared to conventional composts, vermicompost is less variable and much more stable. Mixing vermicompost into repparttar 145192 planting medium essentially eliminated repparttar 145193 need for additional fertilizer in repparttar 145194 production of tomato plugs as one example.

Studies show that earthworm castings increase height, stem diameter, enhance root growth, increase dry weight, and produce more flowers per plant than peat moss.

Redworm castings are repparttar 145195 richest and purest humus matter in repparttar 145196 world. Humus is believed to aid in repparttar 145197 prevention of harmful plant pathogens, fungi, nematodes and bacteria.

Patio Ponds

Written by http://www.home-and-garden-decor.net

Garden ponds and fountains were once mainly for repparttar

very rich. Today, anyone can have a garden pond. A fountain or waterfall can be included almost anyplace--even if your "yard" is limited to a patio or balcony.

Adding water to your patio can be as simple as setting out a shallow dish of water for use as a birdbath. Any shallow container at least 6 inches wide and a half-inch deep will work. Pie pans, garbage can lids, or flowerpot bases work well in small spaces. Fill repparttar 145186 container with clean water and wash it every day or two. The wildlife attracted to repparttar 145187 water will depend on where you place repparttar 145188 container. Containers set on repparttar 145189 ground usually attract repparttar 145190 greatest number of wildlife species, from birds and butterflies to squirrels and toads. Hanging birdbaths or ones on pedestals will be restricted to those creatures that can fly or jump high enough to reach repparttar 145191 water, and give birds a chance to escape from neighborhood cats and other predators.

If you want to grow water plants--and perhaps a fish or two--you can add a tub garden to your patio or yard. Many products are on repparttar 145192 market today. Frequently, half whiskey kegs with plastic liners are used. Numerous plastic tub gardens are available in a variety of sizes and have repparttar 145193 advantage of being lightweight and inexpensive. Small pumps can be added to any of these containers to allow for fountains or cascades of water. Moving water is pleasant to listen to and attractive to wildlife.

Here are some considerations before adding a small tub pond to your patio or yard.

If you want to grow water plants, choose a container that is at least a foot deep. While some water plants do well in shallow water, other species--including some water lilies--require deeper water.

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