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Shredded Paper Compost – Can It Be Used As Mulch?

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Many individuals associate compost with a foul odor coming from decomposing kitchen waste. However, it might be surprising to learn that shredded paper can be composted too. Indeed, those outdated newspapers and unwanted mail can transform into a valuable, nutrient-dense compost for your garden. Just make sure to separate the paper from your indoor compost container to avoid unpleasant smells!

Regarding composting paper, there are two things to keep in mind. First, only use shredded paper – whole sheets will take forever to break down. Second, ensure the paper is cardboard or office paper – no glossy magazines or glittery construction paper. Once your shredded paper is ready to go, just add it to your compost bin or pile and let nature do its work. You’ll have rich, crumbly compost for your plants in no time. So don’t throw out that old paper – put it to good use in your garden!

Shredded Paper Compost – Can It Be Used As Mulch?

What are the benefits of shredded paper? Shredded paper is a great compost bin material and an excellent mulch substitute. It can be used in your garden as mulch, suppressing weed growth and improving fertility. Shredded paper is a great source of nutrition for your plants and a beautiful way to help the environment. Learn more about shredded paper compost!

Compost

It Doesn’t Attract Worms

Some people complain that shredded paper compost doesn’t attract a good number of worms, but the truth is that a healthy worm bin is a must-have for any backyard gardener. A well-balanced compost bin contains an assortment of organic materials from shredded paper, to worm castings made from shredded paper. The ingredients vary slightly from bin to bin, and aren’t necessarily a match for worms.

Cardboard cartons and newspapers can be used in your compost bin. However, make sure that the cardboard is chlorine-free. White office paper is bleached and has toxic inks that may attract red wigglers. To avoid this, use a newspaper-shredded form instead. If you don’t have shredded paper, you can buy one that’s chlorine-free. If you don’t want to purchase shredded paper compost, don’t use it in your bin.

Doesn’t Decompose Quickly

Add shredded paper to your compost pile, but be careful not to use sticky tape or other items that won’t decompose. These substances leach out and cause contamination. Plus, they contain chemicals that can be harmful to your plants. If you want your compost to deteriorate quickly, you need to mix in other organic matter. Sticky tape is particularly detrimental. Make sure to use clean cardboard with no stickers. You can also compost paper with ink on it, but not with the paper.

To use shredded paper for compost, you should soak it first. This will help break down the plastic covering the paper. You can add the shredded paper to a compost pile after you’ve wrung out the water. To speed up the process, you can use an electric shredder. Shredded paper will decompose much faster if the compost pile is warm.

Is a Weed Barrier

Newspaper is a great weed barrier and can be used on sandy or loamy soil. To use it as a weed barrier, simply lay down several layers of newspaper. Thick layers will prevent water from penetrating through. After placing your newspaper-lined layers in your garden, you should poke holes with a pitchfork to discourage weeds. If you are worried about weeds, you can use shredded paper compost.

In addition to being a weed barrier, paper helps to retain moisture in the soil. The material breaks down to add organic matter to the soil. Paper works well in sandy soils that tend to dry out quickly. Additionally, it helps to maintain the optimal temperature of soil. By adding paper to the soil, you can keep it cool during the summer and warm during the winter, protecting your plants from damaging freezes and high temperatures.

Promotes Growth of Nascent Crops

Agronomic and agricultural practices that boost crop yields have been a significant focus of the chemical industry for several decades. The green revolution of the 1940s and 1960s brought nitrogen fertilizers from the Haber-Bosch process, various nutrients, pesticides, and genetically modified crops. While modern crops have been bred to yield well in chemical fertilizers and pesticides, their use may diminish their competitive advantage and reduce yields.

Various studies have demonstrated that transcriptional regulation confers phenotypic plasticity to plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a comprehensive transcriptome was generated using global nuclear run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) and 5’GRO-seq. These studies identified a conserved “TGT” core promoter motif and unreported transcription factor-binding sites.

Attracts Earthworms

Worms like food scraps, especially non-meat ones with little to no chemical residue. They also prefer non-meat fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupe, watermelon, pumpkin, and even eggshells. Do not feed your worms scraps of meat, fish, and other foods high in fat and sugar. To attract more worms, you can feed them up to four pounds of food waste a week.

When composting with worms, you need to use bedding materials that are non-toxic and hold moisture, and allow the worms to breathe. Shredded paper, newspapers, paper bags, and cardboard are ideal bedding materials. If you have any shredded paper or cardboard, you can add it to your bin. Make sure not to use glossy paper or newspaper pages, as this can change the pH level in your bin. Additionally, crushed eggshells are an excellent addition to your bedding since they provide calcium to the worms.

After adding your bedding, add a layer of food scraps on top. You can include fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and tea leaves. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oils to your bin. As the worms eat their way through the food scraps, they will mix the bedding and create compost. You can harvest the compost every few months by scooping it out from the bottom of the bin.

Composting
Composting

Conclusion

As you may know, shredded paper can be used as mulch in your garden. But you might not know that it can also be used as a weed barrier and promote the growth of nascent crops. Additionally, shredded paper attracts earthworms, which can help create compost. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce paper waste, consider using it as mulch or compost in your garden.

Shredded paper can be used as mulch to inhibit the growth of weeds and retain moisture in the soil, but it is not recommended to use it as compost because it can take a long time to decompose. Additionally, shredded paper can be used as a weed barrier and to attract earthworms.

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The Benefits Of Good Lawn Maintenance

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Do you know the saying, “Looks aren’t everything?” This idea applies to your lawn as well. Every summer, countless homeowners strive to make their lawn look as lush and beautiful as the Garden of Eden. Yet, the benefits of having a neatly maintained lawn go way beyond just its appearance.

The Benefits Of Good Lawn Maintenance

Your lawn is one of the first things people see when they come to your house and first impressions are everything. A well-manicured lawn sends the message that you take pride in your home and care about your property. This can be a valuable asset when selling your house or renting an apartment. Studies have also shown that spending time outside in nature can improve your mood and mental health, so having a pleasant space to relax in can be beneficial to both your physical and mental well-being.

Mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and watering the plants can also be therapeutic activities that help reduce stress levels. So next time you’re feeling down about your grass not being as green as you want it to be, remember that there are more important things than looks. Your lawn is more than just a pretty face—it’s an extension of yourself.

What Are Some Other Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn?

Other tips for maintaining a healthy lawn include mowing regularly, aerating the soil, and removing debris. Mowing regularly will help to prevent weeds and diseases from taking over the lawn.

Aerating the soil will improve drainage and help the roots of the grass to grow more deeply. Removing debris such as leaves and twigs will help to prevent thatch from building up.

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What Are Some Common Lawn Problems?

What Are Some Common Lawn Problems?

Some common lawn problems include weeds, diseases, and pests. Weeds can compete with the grass for resources, and they can also harbor diseases.

Diseases can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to pests. Pests such as grubs can destroy the roots of the grass, causing the lawn to die.

5 Top Hand Full of Lawn benefits

Lawns also improve the quality of the air we breathe. A 2010 study found that a 50-foot line of trees can reduce particulate matter in the air by as much as 30 percent, and the grass is just as effective. That’s because grass has a higher level of leaf density and faster growth rate than typical suburban plants, which makes it much more effective at reducing CO2 emissions and producing oxygen.

A healthy, nutrient-rich lawn filters out dust and dirt particles as well as smoke—the kind of irritants that can cause allergies, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. So not only does a green lawn look good, it’s also good for your health.

Cools Down Your House, Saving You Money

In the heat of summer, a thick, green lawn can be a lifesaver. Not only does it provide a welcome respite from the sweltering sun, but it can also help to keep your home cool. A lawn acts as a natural evaporative cooler, drawing water up from the roots and releasing it into the air through evapotranspiration.

This process helps to regulate temperature and humidity levels, making your home more comfortable and allowing you to avoid using air conditioning as much as possible. In addition, a healthy lawn helps to filter pollutants from the air and reduce noise levels, providing you with a tranquil oasis in the midst of a busy city. So if you’re looking for a way to save money and stay cool this summer, don’t forget about your lawn.

Saving You Money – In the summer, one of the most noticeable consequences of climate change is the increased heat. This can make it difficult to enjoy time outside, and can also lead to higher air-conditioning costs as we try to keep our homes and businesses cool.

However, did you know that a healthy lawn can actually help to reduce the effect of the sun’s heat? Through the process of evaporation, a lawn creates temperatures that are significantly cooler than that of concrete and asphalt. In addition, the dense network of blades helps to deflect reflective sun rays which bounce off these other hard surfaces.

As a result, a well-tended lawn can play an essential role in reducing cooling costs. So next time you’re trying to stay cool in the summer heat, be sure to give your lawn some love!

Improves Air Quality and Health

Most people think of grass as nothing more than a mindless decoration for their yards. However, the grass actually plays a vital role in improving the air quality and health of those who live near it. Unlike most suburban plants, grass has a higher level of leaf density and a faster growth rate.

This makes it much more effective at reducing CO2 emissions and producing oxygen. A healthy nutrient-rich lawn also does an excellent job of filtering out dust and dirt particles, as well as smoke. By reducing the levels of these irritants in the air, grass helps to lessen the symptoms of allergies, itchy eyes, and breathing difficulties. In other words, a healthy lawn is not only pleasant to look at – it’s also good for your health. So next time you’re mowing the lawn, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that your grass is doing for you.

Repulses Insects and Weeds 

A well-cared-for lawn is a must if you have children or pets who spend time in the yard. Using safe pesticides and herbicides helps keep lawns free from dangerous bugs like fleas and ticks which can carry diseases. It also kills and prevents weeds which can cause health problems like allergies and infections.

Regular lawn care also makes your yard look more attractive which can increase your home’s value. A healthy, green lawn creates a welcoming environment for your family and friends to enjoy. Investing in professional lawn care services is worth it when you consider all the benefits a beautiful lawn provides.

Absorbs Stormwater Preventing Runoffs 

A lawn can help to prevent soil erosion. As any gardener knows, soil is essential for growing healthy plants. Not only does it provide nutrients and support for roots, but it also helps to regulate moisture levels and prevent weed growth.

However, soil can also be quickly eroded by wind and water, damaging plant life and making it difficult for new seedlings to take root. One way to help prevent soil erosion is to maintain a healthy lawn. Grassroots help to hold the soil in place, and the dense network of blades helps to deflect wind and water.

In addition, lawns help to slow down the flow of rainwater, giving the ground a chance to absorb the water before it runs off. As a result, a well-tended lawn can play an essential role in preventing soil erosion.

Raises Your Home’s Worth Via Curb Appeal

There are numerous benefits to having a well-manicured lawn. Not only does it improve the appearance of your home, but it can also increase your property value. A healthy lawn is an important asset that can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. In addition, a well-maintained lawn can help to prevent soil erosion and improve air quality.

Raises Your Home’s Worth
Raises Your Home’s Worth

Although it takes some effort to keep a lawn in top condition, the rewards are well worth the effort. With a little time and care, you can enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful lawn.

Conclusion

A healthy lawn provides numerous benefits, including reducing cooling costs, improving air quality, and preventing soil erosion. Maintaining a well-manicured lawn is a lot of work, but the rewards are worth it. A beautiful lawn can make your home more attractive and valuable. Investing in professional lawn care services is a smart way to ensure that your lawn always looks its best.

Lawn Maintenance FAQ’s

What are the benefits of good lawn maintenance?

Some of the benefits of good lawn maintenance include reducing cooling costs, improving air quality, and preventing soil erosion. A well-maintained lawn can also make your home more attractive and valuable. Investing in professional lawn care services is a smart way to ensure that your lawn always looks its best.

How often should I mow my lawn?

The frequency of mowing will depend on the type of grass, the time of year, and the desired length of the grass. In general, most types of grass should be mowed at least once per week during the growing season. However, some types of grass may need to be mowed more frequently.

How can I prevent soil erosion?

One way to help prevent soil erosion is to maintain a healthy lawn. Grassroots help to hold the soil in place, and the dense network of blades helps to deflect wind and water. In addition, lawns help to slow down the flow of rainwater, giving the ground a chance to absorb the water before it runs off. As a result, a well-tended lawn can play an essential role in preventing soil erosion.

What are some tips for watering my lawn?

Some tips for watering your lawn include using a sprinkler system or soaker hose to water the grass deeply but less frequently. It is also important to water early in the morning so that the grass has time to dry before nightfall. Additionally, you should avoid watering during windy conditions to prevent evaporation.

When should I fertilize my lawn?

The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the spring and fall. Fertilizing during these times will help the grass to grow strong and healthy.

What should I do if I have a problem with my lawn?

If you have a problem with your lawn, the best course of action is to contact a professional lawn care service. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of treatment.

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Beginners Guides

Hydroponics for Beginners – How to start with Hydroponics?

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Hydroponics is a method of gardening that eliminates the need for soil, allowing plants to grow in a nutrient-infused water solution instead. This method presents numerous benefits, including the reduction of required space relative to traditional gardening practices, and the capability to cultivate plants indoors. For those interested in delving into hydroponic gardening, it’s important to note some key considerations. Firstly, choosing the right growing medium plays a vital role.

There are many options available, including gravel, sand, and perlite. You’ll also need to purchase a pump and timer, as well as some, grow lights if you’re growing indoors. Once you have all of the supplies you need, you can start setting up your hydroponic system. There are many different ways to do this, so it’s best to do some research to find the method that’s right for you. With a little patience and effort, you can have a thriving hydroponic garden in no time.

Hydroponics Is Growing Plants without Soil

Did you know that you can grow plants without soil? Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based solution. This type of gardening has many benefits, including decreased water usage, fewer pests and diseases, and faster growth rates.

Plus, hydroponic gardens can be set up indoors, making them perfect for year-round gardening. If you’re interested in starting your own hydroponic garden, there’s no need to invest in expensive equipment. With a few simple supplies, you can start growing healthy, vibrant plants.

Anyone who’s ever been interested in growing plants knows that hydroponics can be a great way to do it. Not only does it allow you to grow plants in a small space, but it also allows you to control the environment in which they grow. However, one of the downsides of hydroponics is the cost.

How to start with Hydroponics?

The equipment necessary to set up a hydroponic system can be quite expensive, and if you’re only growing a few plants, it can be hard to make a profit. Nevertheless, many hobbyists find the investment worthwhile, as it allows them to grow healthy plants in a controlled environment. So, if you’re an amateur gardener looking to get into hydroponics, don’t let the cost deter you. The investment may be worth it for the satisfaction of growing healthy plants.

My advice is to keep things simple.

What do you need to start with hydroponics?

You need four things to start basic hydroponics:

  1. A Waterproof Pot
  2. An Inert Substrate or Growing Medium
  3. A Specialized Fertilizer for Hydroponics
  4. A Water Gauge (optional)

That is all there is to it! There’s no need for pricey materials like testers, grow lights, or a growing chamber or prefabricated containers.

Hydroponics – Waterproof Pot

When growing plants in a hydroponic system, it is important to use a pot that is waterproof and made of inert material. This helps to prevent the roots from coming into contact with any harmful chemicals or toxins.

Additionally, using an opaque pot helps to discourage the growth of algae, which can compete with the plants for nutrients. While a transparent pot may be adequate for a temporary setup, it is best to use an opaque pot whenever possible. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your plants thrive in a hydroponic system.

Hydroponics – Substrate

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based solution instead of soil. While it has many benefits, one of the challenges of hydroponics is choosing the right substrate, or growth medium. Inert substrates such as expanded clay aggregates or coco peat are often used in hydroponics because they do not contain any nutrients. This can be beneficial, as it allows the grower to control the nutrient levels more precisely.

However, it also means that the substrate must be carefully chosen to provide the right mix of drainage and aeration for the plants. In addition, substrates that are too dense or too fine can lead to problems with plant growth. As a result, it is important to select a substrate that is both appropriate for your plants and easy to work with.

Hydroponics – Fertilizer

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution. Unlike traditional gardening, hydroponics does not require soil. Instead, plants are grown in a substrate, such as gravel or sand, and their roots are suspended in a nutrient-rich solution. Because hydroponics substrates contain no or very few nutrients, a specialized fertilizer must be added to the water on a regular basis.

This fertilizer is usually sold in hydroponics shops or online. It is important to carefully follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as over-fertilizing can damage plants. With careful planning and attention to detail, hydroponics can be a successful and rewarding way to grow plants.

Hydroponics – Water Gauge (Optional)

A water gauge is a tool that allows you to measure the level of water in a container. It is most commonly used in hydroponic gardening, where plants are grown in water rather than soil. Opaque pots can make it difficult to tell when watering is necessary, so a water gauge is essential in these cases.

Transparent pots do not require a water gauge, as the level of the water can be seen through the sides of the pot. While water gauges can be purchased, they are also relatively easy to build at home. This makes them a great option for anyone who wants to save money or is looking for a DIY project. Whether you buy or build a water gauge, it is an essential tool for any hydroponic gardener.

Plants that Can Grow Hydroponically

If you’re interested in growing plants hydroponically, you’ll be happy to know that there are many different types of plants that can be grown using this method. For example, I recently transferred a banana plant to hydroponics and it seems to be doing just fine.

Most of my orchids are also in hydroponics and they seem to love it. You can even sow seeds directly in hydroponics – big seeds like avocado pits can be planted in clay granules, while smaller seeds can be sown in vermiculite or coco peat. So if you’re looking to get into hydroponic gardening, rest assured that there are plenty of plant options to choose from.

Strelitzia reginae: I purchased this little one a few years ago. It’s robust and developing on a daily basis. Now if only it would bloom…

The seedling of a Monstera deliciosa plant. This is the most basic hydroponics scheme imaginable: a plastic bottle combined with clay aggregate. The level of water in the pot may be observed by looking at the bottom of the container.

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Beginners Guides

Phyllostachys edulis: The Perfect Bamboo for Your Garden

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Looking for a beautiful and versatile bamboo for your landscape? Look no further than Phyllostachys edulis! Perfect for any garden setting, this bamboo provides multiple uses. Keep reading to learn more about this amazing bamboo species!

Phyllostachys Edulis

Phyllostachys edulis, or moso bamboo, is the only hardy giant bamboo. It is one of those fast-growing species that can grow 1 meter in 24 hours in its habitat.

Though it is a giant bamboo that can reach over 20 meters high, it usually doesn’t get this big in colder climates: 7-8 meters in about 15 years if well-watered and fed. The strain is important as well: offspring from hardy specimens are usually equally hardy. So be sure to select seeds or shoots from plants with proven hardiness.

It is also important to know that it might take more than 10 years before you get a decent height that qualifies as a giant. As a rule of thumb: plenty of fertilizer, plenty of water, and a nice warm spot will encourage growth. Phyllostachys edulis is an impressive plant that is well worth the wait for those who want to add a bit of wow-factor to their garden.

Phyllostachys edulis: The Perfect Bamboo for Your Garden
Phyllostachys edulis: The Perfect Bamboo for Your Garden

Important Remark

The Phyllostachys Edulis, more commonly known as the moso bamboo, is a species of bamboo native to China. Growing up to 60 feet tall, this fast-growing plant is often used in landscaping and construction due to its strength and flexibility.

However, the Phyllostachys Edulis can also be very invasive, spreading easily by seed and its running rhizome. If left unchecked, it can quickly overrun a garden or yard, damaging other plants and disrupting the natural ecosystem.

To prevent this, it is important to regularly prune the moso bamboo’s rhizomes and install a rhizome barrier if necessary. With proper care and management, the Phyllostachys Edulis can be a beautiful and useful addition to any landscape.

Phyllostachys Edulis – Description

Phyllostachys Edulis, more commonly known as the Moso bamboo, is an evergreen that grows rapidly. It is a running bamboo, meaning that it can quickly spread through an area via its shallow roots system. The culms, or stalks, of the plant, can grow up to 20 meters tall and 40 centimeters in diameter.

They are blue-green when young but turn yellow with age. The internodes, or spaces between the nodes (where branches emerge), are typically about 40 centimeters long but can be shorter and swollen nearer to the base of the culm. The nodal ridge, which is the raised portion of the node running longitudinally along the culm, is not very pronounced unless the node bears branches.

Phyllostachys Edulis
Phyllostachys Edulis

A newly emerged node, there is a white powdery substance that covers them densely; this eventually disappears with age. The Moso bamboo is also covered in hair-like structures called pubescence. These are most dense near the base of young culms but lessen as they grow taller. The culm sheath is the protective layer that covers new shoots as they emerge; it is typically yellow-brown or purple-brown and also covered in hair.

The Phyllostachys edulis is a species of bamboo that is native to China. The plant grows to a height of about 15 meters and has leaves that are light green in color.

The leaves are 4-11 cm long and 0.5-1.2 cm wide. The plant flowers every 50-100 years, and the flowers are hermaphrodites. After flowering, the plant does not die, and not all individuals flower at the same time. This bamboo species is used for timber and paper production in China.

Phyllostachys Edulis

Phyllostachys edulis, also known as bamboo, is a popular ornamental plant. It is also used as food and medicine. The young shoots are edible, and the wood is used for eating utensils, brooms, poles, water pipes, umbrellas, scaffolding, and other purposes. It is said to have medicinal properties. The plant is native to China, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world. In China, it is considered to be an auspicious plant.

Usage:

  • food: young shoots are edible
  • medicinal
  • ornamental
  • wood: For eating utensils, brooms, poles, water pipes, umbrellas, scaffolding…

Nomenclature:

Phyllostachys Edulis Common names:

Moso bamboo, tortoise-shell bamboo

Synonyms:

Bambos moosoo, Bambusa heterocycla, Bambusa pubescens, Phyllostachys edulis var. heterocycla, Phyllostachys heterocycla, Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens, Phyllostachys pubescens, Phyllostachys pubescens var. heterocycla

Etymology:

Phyllostachys: from Ancient Greek phúllon (leaf) and stákhus (ear of grain)

Edulis: from the Latin edūlis (edible)

Moso: from the Chinese words Mao Zhu (hairy bamboo)

Origin:

China, now widely cultivated in East Asia and Europe

Habitat:

Mountain slopes; below 1.600 m or more

Hardiness:

USDA zone 6-10 (ideally USDA zone 8-9)

Phyllostachys Edulis – Care

Phyllostachys Edulis – Soil

  • Light to heavy

Phyllostachys Edulis – Light

Sun, partial shade

Phyllostachys Edulis – Water

Keep soil constantly moist

Phyllostachys Edulis – Feed

Fertilize abundantly during the growing period, with organic matter or fertilizer

Phyllostachys Edulis – Propagation

Seed, division in spring, basal cane cuttings in spring

Phyllostachys Edulis – Sowing instructions

  • surface sow in moist sowing substrate
  • 20 °C
  • keep moist
  • germination time: 2 weeks up to 3-6 months
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