Salt In Hay Or Straw
Hay from salty environments, such as coastal areas in New Jersey or Massachusetts, is often used as a mulch. Some contains trace minerals which are helpful for plants. It does not form a mat, but remains rigid and ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Cocoa Bean Hulls
Cocoa bean hulls are used as an organic mulch around flowers and trees. The hulls will breakdown within a year, adding organic matter to the soil. Fresh hulls have a "chocolate" aroma. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Clematis -- Mulching
Clematis roots need to be kept on the cool side. Supply 4 to 6 inches of an organic mulch (compost, wood chips) in the spring over the plant's root system. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Grass Clippings -- Using Clippings Exposed To Weedkillers
If fresh grass clippings are used as a mulch, avoid using clippings from the first three (3) cuttings following the application of a pre-emergent or broadleaf weed killer. Otherwise, damage to desirable vegetable, ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Grass Clippings -- Mulch
Grass clippings, if at all possible, should be allowed to dry before use as a mulch. Fresh clippings may mold, smell and deplete available from the soil, resulting in poor or deficient plant growth. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Composting -- Bin Size
Ideal compost sizes range from 3x3x3 to 5x5x5. Smaller piles will not generate the heat necessary for plant material to decompose. Larger piles are harder to manage and may not decompose uniformly. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Composting Citrus Peels
Citrus peels may take several years to decompose in a compost pile due to their high concentration of citrus oils. The smaller the pieces, the faster the decomposition. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Composting -- Aeration
Air is needed for composting bacteria to thoroughly break down plant material. Aeration can be accomplished by regular turnings of the compost pile, preferably weekly. A pitch fork or spading fork can be used to turn ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Composting -- Limestone
Old compost recipes called for the addition of limestone when creating the pile. Research has shown that the finished compost has a pH approaching 7. Limestone needs only be added if the compost contains acidic plant ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Composting Banana Peels
Banana peels will decompose, as most plant materials will, in a compost pile. However, decomposition is faster if peels are cut into fine pieces. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Mulch -- Using Newspapers And Magazines
AVOID using magazines which rely on the use of many colored photos or heavy colored printing, as well as thick glossy paper. Chemicals and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium used in the colored printing process ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
Composting Egg Shells
Crushed eggs shells can be added to a compost pile, if washed. Shells are a high source of calcium and beneficial to the soil. ... [... more]
University of Illinois Solutions |
