Got Compost: FALL PLANTING - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

Got Compost: FALL PLANTING - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!: Winter may be right around the corner, but that’s no reason to put your gardening tools into storage. November's cool fall eveni...

FALL PLANTING - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

Winter may be right around the corner, but that’s no reason to put your gardening tools into storage.

November's cool fall evenings and normally warm sunny days give Central Coast gardeners one last opportunity to plant vegetables and flowers for the year.

Plant Hearty Flowers: Plenty of cool-season flowers are durable enough to withstand heavy rains, near freezing temperatures and even hot Santa Ana winds--almost anything that Mother Nature can throw our way this month. Check local nurseries for pansies, primrose, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, California wildflowers and calendula so they will be in full bloom in fall and winter. Flowers may last until spring.

Divide Existing Perennials: Divide perennials including Shasta daisies, daffodils, callas and yarrow. To divide, begin digging around the roots at the drip line so there is less chance of root damage as more roots will remain intact. Replant in well-composted soil and water generously until roots take hold.

A Vegetable Garden in November? Yep, gardeners who want fresh vegetables year-round have a variety of cool-season vegetables to plant in November. Beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, strawberries, celery, cabbage and broccoli can all be planted in November and will produce vegetables one to two months after planting.

Mulch Gardens:

Mulch is just as important in fall as it is in spring and summer. Spread a two-inch layer around gardens, bushes and trees. Weeds use any amount of rain to begin to grow. The layer of mulch keeps weeds in check. Mulch will also stop rain-producing mud from splashing onto garden plants. A layer of Harvest Blend Compost is the perfect material to use! Make sure to keep compost a few inches away from plant stems.

Top Dress Lawns:

When done the right way, the technique of “top-dressing,” or adding a thin layer of compost over lawns, can improve the soil without harming the existing turf. Top-dressing gradually improves soil over time. As organic matter breaks down, it filters through the existing soil to improve texture and overall health. 

To learn more about top dressing your lawn with compost (and other compost uses) email our friendly field reps, check out our website or call 805.925.2771

Got Compost: "KETCHUP" on the Million Tomato Campaign (pun inte...

Got Compost: "KETCHUP" on the Million Tomato Campaign (pun inte...: Back in April we shared news of the US Composting Council’s Million Tomato Compost Campaign - a nationwide drive to boost the soil hea...

"KETCHUP" on the Million Tomato Campaign (pun intended)

Back in April we shared news of the US Composting Council’s Million Tomato Compost

Campaign - a nationwide drive to boost the soil health and growing power of community gardens across the country – just by adding compost to the soil.
Since then, the team from E&G and Harvest Blend has joined with 10 Central Coast community gardens; donating more than 2,500 cubic feet of premium Harvest Blend Compost, nearly 1,000 tomato seedlings (plus additional veggie transplants and gardening supplies) to this project!

Of course the main focus of the campaign was to grow fresh, healthy produce for donation to local food banks, and we’re happy to report some gardens will be harvesting soon, but there’s another side to this story. We’ve watched organic matter (in the form of compost) transform dry, compacted areas of land into nutrient rich soil; creating productive gardens that will soon be bursting with ripe, red tomatoes!

 

Participating in this campaign has been exciting and rewarding, and we thank all the hard working men, women and children who’ve joined together to help us reach our goal. Folks at the US Composting Council will keep us posted on ‘The Count,’ and let us know when we’ve reached ONE MILLION TOMATOES, so stay tuned.

Email for more info on this program, or to find out if your community garden qualifies for a compost donation.

 

 

 

 

Got Compost: PROTECT PLANTS FROM SUMMER HEAT - MULCH!

Got Compost: PROTECT PLANTS FROM SUMMER HEAT - MULCH!: Summer has arrived on the Central Coast! We may enjoy the warm (hot!) weather but our overheated lawns and gardens need protection from s...

PROTECT PLANTS FROM SUMMER HEAT - MULCH!

Summer has arrived on the Central Coast! We may enjoy the warm (hot!) weather but our overheated lawns and gardens need protection from soaring temps. In other words, it’s time to mulch.

Mulch is any material that protects the soil surface and allows air and water through. Organic mulches –mulches derived from plant materials, such as compost –not only protect the soil but add nutrients over time while enriching overall soil composition.

Mulch reduces evaporation from the soil surface, moderates soil temperature, and insulates roots from summer heat (and winter cold). Mulch suppresses weeds, reduces soil compaction, prevents erosion, and adds organic matter to the soil.

Summer mulch -

Apply 2-3” of compost around plants at midsummer to protect plants from hot weather and reduce the soil temperature by 10°F or more. Soil temperatures greater than 85°F can slow plant growth. The temperature of soil under mulch changes much more slowly.

Mulch protects bare soil from being compacted over time by the drying of soil particles in the sun and the beating of rain or irrigation. A thin layer of mulch will protect soil microorganisms and other beneficial soil borne organisms from cooking in the summer heat.

Almost all plants benefit from the protection of mulch. Vegetables that most benefit from summer mulching are eggplants, tomatoes, cauliflower, celery, potatoes, currants, and gooseberries. These crops especially appreciate cool, loose, well-drained soil.

Applying mulch -

Two cubic feet of compost mulch can cover an area of 8 square feet to 3 inches deep; one cubic yard of compost mulch covers an area of 108 square feet to 3 inches deep.

Mulch should be applied loosely and not compacted. Mulch should be kept back a few inches from the stems or crowns of plants and trunks of trees. If placed too closely, mulch can retain moisture and cause plant stems and trunks to rot.

Water can be delivered to plant roots through mulch into the soil. Drips systems set under mulch will more directly apply water to the root zone. Mulch can control insects and diseases, reducing or eliminating the spread of fungal spores often spread by the splashing of irrigation water or rain.

For more info visit GotCompost.com 

Got Compost: Here Comes the Sun!

Got Compost: Here Comes the Sun!: It’s June 21, summer solstice! The first day of summer and the longest day of the year!   In sunny California, we should enjoy balmy t...

Here Comes the Sun!

It’s June 21, summer solstice! The first day of summer and the longest day of the year! 

In sunny California, we should enjoy balmy temps until September or October; but gardeners must consider one more factor - the number of actual daylight hours. 

Less sunlight during the day means soil has to rely on stored heat to maintain proper conditions to support plant growth. Simply speaking, when the weather is warm plants will grow a little faster and when it’s cold they will grow a little slower, but the one consistent factor affecting plant growth is the change in day length. 

For example – if you’re planting lettuce and you want to harvest lettuce every week:

• During summer and fall, your planting would be five or six days apart.
• In late winter and spring your plantings would be ten or twelve days apart. 

Of course this is just an example; if you plan on evenly spacing your garden harvest, there are a number of internet references that can take the guess work out of planting.

Before getting started be sure to check the condition of your soil. Working a few inches of Harvest Blend Compost into garden plots will building healthy soil for fresh, healthy vegetables.

Now get out there and enjoy this lovely summer weather; enjoy prepping, planting and picking!

For more info, feel free to contact one of our field reps, or visit GotCompost.com

Got Compost: FRESH TOMATOES - Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Got Compost: FRESH TOMATOES - Enjoy the fruits of your labor!: Homegrown tomatoes VS store bought varieties – there’s just no contest. We make due with lower quality supermarket specials when necessary...

FRESH TOMATOES - Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Homegrown tomatoes VS store bought varieties – there’s just no contest. We make due with lower quality supermarket specials when necessary but come spring and summer, we have no excuse to settle for less.

Temps are perfect for tomato planting now, so let’s get growing!

• Check local garden centers for a selection of tomato transplants. If you have a certain tomato in mind and are unable to find seedlings, check out the seed dept. for heirloom and specialty types. Growing from seed will lengthen the process, so unless you just have to just have that "Darby Pink-Yellow Striped" Heirloom variety, you’re better off planting a reliable ‘Early Girl’ transplant.
• Now that you have your tomato seedlings in hand, it’s time to plant! Choose a site that gets full sun and has soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Tomatoes need plenty of warmth to taste their best - give growing plants protection from cool breezes with a windbreak of trees, a garden wall or a vine-covered trellis.
• Plants need a healthy foundation, so make sure to amend the soil with plenty of compost. Tomatoes need soil rich in organic matter, and the best, most affordable method of increasing soil organic matter is through a good application of compost.
• Harden off seedlings, whether store-bought or homegrown, and move them to the garden when nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees F.
• Dig a hole the size of a basketball for each plant. Add a shovelful of compost to each hole.
• Set the plants 12 to 18 inches apart depending on variety (see the seed packet or plant label). Plant them deeply - up to the fourth branch from the top - to encourage new root development.
• Place a paper collar around each plant to deter cutworms, and cover the plants with cloches or floating row covers to protect them from insects and cool temperatures.
• Remove the covers when the weather has warmed, mulch the soil and install any supports the plants will need as they grow.
• Make sure plants get between one and two inches of water every two weeks after transplanting; after the first flowers appear; when the fruits reach the size of golf balls and when you spot the first ripe tomato.
• And finally - pick tomatoes when their color is glossy and even, and their texture midway between soft and firm.

We don’t have to tell you what to do next, do we? Enjoy your tasty tomatoes fresh from the garden, as the 'T' in a BLT or as a fresh topping for homemade pizza.

Need compost for your garden? Contact one of our helpful Field Reps at 805.925.2771

 

 

 

Follow @chefnathanlyon and @gotcompost

Check out USCC's #MillionTomatoes compost campaign

Got Compost: Can You Dig It - Twice?

Got Compost: Can You Dig It - Twice?: Double Digging,  just like it sounds,  is the process of digging a plot of ground to twice the normal depth and transferring soil from th...

Can You Dig It - Twice?

Double Digging, just like it sounds, is the process of digging a plot of ground to twice the normal depth and transferring soil from the lower level to the top in order to revitalize it before planting.

Double digging helps the soil hold more water, improves aeration and places organic material at a depth that enables plant roots to fully extend. The technique of double digging and adding compost to build humus and soil fertility, is described as "growing the soil."

Double Dig Instructions

1. Dig a trench one shovel-length deep (nine or ten inches) and the length of your planting area.
2. Pile the soil in a wheelbarrow. You can also place soil in front of first trench, although the wheelbarrow method makes it easier to transport to last trench at end of double dig.
3. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the trench another nine to ten inches. (Spading fork works great for this)
4. Add organic material, such as compost, and using a spading fork, thoroughly mix compost into the subsoil.
5. Dig a second trench parallel to the first and repeat steps 2 and 3.
6. Use the topsoil from the second trench to fill the first one, adding more organic matter and mixing it in.
7. Repeat the procedure until you've dug, enriched and amended the entire planting area.
8. Fill the last trench with the topsoil you put in the wheelbarrow when you dug the first trench, enriching it with organic matter as you did before.

We know, the process of double digging involves more time and muscle, but your efforts will be rewarded when you harvest the tastiest, healthiest vegetables ever!

STA Certified Harvest Blend Compost is the perfect soil amendment; supplying vital nutrients and oxygen; improving soil structure and water-holding capacity, creating a healthy foundation for gardens and landscapes. Naturally! Click for a dealer near you.

 

Got Compost: Artichokes Are Here!

Got Compost: Artichokes Are Here!: 1st artichoke planted 3/3 - we'll keep you posted on it's progress! Artichoke plants are now available in nurseries and garden ...

Artichokes Are Here!

1st artichoke planted 3/3 - we'll keep you posted on it's progress!

Artichoke plants are now available in nurseries and garden centers on the Central Coast! 

Planting is simple: space transplants 4 to 6 feet apart, adding plenty of compost into the soil.  Shoots should be just above the soil surface. 

Be sure to add a layer of compost as mulch around the base of the plant to keep the roots cool in the summer and retain moisture. 

Water whenever the soil beneath the mulch dries out.  Cut the plants almost down to the ground after harvesting the first crop in June and they will regrow, giving you a second crop in the Fall.

They might not be the prettiest, and they may be a tad prickly but artichokes remain some of our favorite veggies! Treat 'em right and they keep on giving, naturally! Click for more info.

 

When Life Hands You Lemon Trees - Prune 'Em!

Lemon trees grow fast but that doesn’t mean we have to let them rule the yard. Pruning is vital to maintaining a healthy tree (and they’re very forgiving), so if you make what you feel was a major mistake, fear not. Give it a little time and the tree will grow past it. 

So why go to the trouble of pruning a lemon tree? To improve the health, beauty and growth of the tree, of course! Removing branches that appear sickly will stimulate growth in sparse areas of the tree, slowing down unwanted growth and conserving energy for fruit production.

This is also your chance to shape the tree any way you like (remember, it’s a forgiving tree.) Cut any sucker growth from below the graft and any growth on the trunk up to the first main branch.  Trim any branches that are growing cross ways in the tree and clean out branches in the center of the tree so air can circulate and light can get in. Click for a glossary of prunning terms.

Remove the growth that grows straight out of the top of the tree. Trim the limbs that hang down around the lower part of the tree so the 'skirt' of the tree is a couple feet above the ground. Most of your fruit will come from growth that has occurred in the last couple of years. By opening the center of the tree you will get bloom and fruit on the inside that is excellent quality.

Now, back up and look at the tree - if you can still see a few stray branches that need trimming, give 'em a *snip, snip* and you’re finished. When all looks good, take a seat, pour a glass of fresh lemonade and enjoy the view!

Of course, it's always a good idea to spread some high quality Harvest Blend Compost around the base of the tree to replenish soil organic matter, adding nutrients and increasing soil structure. Click for more info.

Got Compost: Bare-Root Roses - It's Now or Never (or next year)...

Got Compost: Bare-Root Roses - It's Now or Never (or next year)...: With the planting season continuing through February, there's still time to buy bare-root plants. Those of us on the central coast can...

Bare-Root Roses - It's Now or Never (or next year)

With the planting season continuing through February, there's still time to buy bare-root plants. Those of us on the central coast can find a nice selection of bare-root roses at local garden and landscape centers on the Central Coast.

When you're ready to plant, follow these instructions to ensure healthy plants and vibrant blooms:

Prune any broken of dead stems and soak plants in a bucket of water for an hour or so before planting.  Dig a hole twice the size of the root length, mix compost into the soil you remove from the hole and build a small hill at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots evenly around the hill and fill the hole with the compost-amended soil.  Spread its roots, then backfill while adding water. Firm the soil around the plant. Note - Adding organic matter to soil supplies oxygen and nutrients important for a healthy root system.

Make sure the rose bush is planted at the same level in the new hole as it was in the ground originally (the bark will be lighter below the ground level on the trunk).  Build a basin around the plant and water thoroughly to settle soil. 

Last but not least, place a 2 inch layer of compost around the base of the rose as a mulch to conserve moisture, add organic matter and protect the soil. Naturally!

Click for more on compost uses and benefits│Need expert help? Contact Jim or Chuck

 

Got Compost: Plan BEFORE You Plant

Got Compost: Plan BEFORE You Plant: Most seed packets offer planting recommendations – advice that is definitely there for your plants’ health! Make sure to check planting i...

Plan BEFORE You Plant

Most seed packets offer planting recommendations – advice that is definitely there for your plants’ health! Make sure to check planting info regarding ‘frost dates.’ Yes, frost does happen in warmer climates, like California, so don’t go thinking your landscape is exempt from the cold.

This advice is important to follow since one frosty night can totally destroy tender seedlings. But how do you know when there's no more chance of frost?

Check out Victory Seeds' super easy to use calendar! All you have to do is click on your state for a list of larger cities and their average first and last frost dates.

Spring and fall frost dates are based on averages compiled over time. But remember—the type of frost those averages are referring to is known as a light frost/freeze, which means 29°F to 32°F.

Those of you in the know are aware there are plants that can be sown as soon as the soil is ready to be worked; spinach, peas and onions can withstand cooler soil temps. But you’ll need to wait for soil to warm up, and there’s no chance of frost, before planting tomatoes and peppers.

Note – soil takes a beating during winter months; cold temps and rain can destroy vital soil organic matter, leaving few nutrients behind to nourish growing plants. The easiest and most affordable fix is to add bulk compost to soil – allowing hard-working little microbes to build healthy soil for spring and summer gardens. Harvest Blend Compost is the perfect solution for problem soils! Click for a dealer near you.

If your efforts were too late (or too little) to protect plants from a frost, your first reaction will probably be to cut off the damaged parts of the plants. Do your best not to trim dead stuff, since these damaged leaves and stems will provide a little insulation from cooler temps. Hey, you’ll have to go back and re-prune your plants in spring anyway.

For more compost info please visit www.GotCompost.com

Feel free to contact Jim or Chuck for expert advice. Naturally!

Got Compost: Don't Let Soil Go Bankrupt

Got Compost: Don't Let Soil Go Bankrupt: Our garden soil is like our bank account: In the long run, we can't afford to withdraw more than we deposit. When we harvest fruits, vege...

Don't Let Soil Go Bankrupt

Our garden soil is like our bank account: In the long run, we can't afford to withdraw more than we deposit. When we harvest fruits, vegetables or flowers, we're making withdrawals.  Whenever we add organic matter to the soil or mulch to the surface, we're making deposits. Organic amendments fatten up the soil bank. They literally add life to poor soil, allowing excess water to drain away while leaving enough moisture for roots, and retain nutrients until feeder roots need them.

The weather we’ve experienced on the Central Coast this winter has been fierce and our poor soils’ bank balances have to be feeling the pinch. But there is a simple solution to this situation; just add compost!

Compost is the most nutrient rich, readily available soil amendment you can choose to improve soil conditions and replenish lost nutrients. It’s jam packed with beneficial microbes tired, sandy and compacted soils are lacking. The organic matter opens up the soil structure, increasing oxygen to plants’ root systems, helping them grow strong.

Compost is composed of the decaying remains of plants and animals. As it decomposes, organic matter releases nutrients that are absorbed by soil-dwelling microorganisms and bacteria. The combination of these creatures' waste products and their remains, called humus, binds with soil particles. In clay, it forces the tightly packed particles apart; drainage is improved, and the soil is easier for plant roots to penetrate. In sand, it lodges in the large pore spaces and acts as a sponge, slowing drainage so the soil stays moist longer.

Though the particular organic amendment you use is often decided simply by what's available at the best price, many experts favor compost over all other choices. Harvest Blend Compost is simply your best choice! It’s registered with the United States Composting Council Seal of Testing Assurance program (STA) – a compost testing, labeling and information disclosure program designed to give you the information you need to get the maximum benefit from the use of compost.  Only the highest quality compost is awarded the STA label. It’s your guarantee of excellence!

Adding amendments: when and how

Newly established beds should be amended with compost before any plants go into the ground.

In vegetable and flower beds: amend the soil before each new crop is planted. Compost is preferred by most gardeners, since it dramatically improves the soil's structure; adding oxygen and nutrients, improving soil structure for a healthy root system. Un-amended soil may dry into hard clods that small roots cannot penetrate, and plants may grow slowly, be stunted, or die as a result.

To add amendments to unplanted beds, spread the material evenly over the soil, then work it in by hand or with a rototiller to a depth of about 6-8 inches. If your soil is mostly clay or sand, spread 4 to 5 inches of amendment over it; once this is worked in, the top 8 inches of soil will be about half original soil, half amendment. If the soil is loamy or has been regularly amended each season, add just a 2- to 3-inch layer of amendment; you'll have a top 8-inch layer of about three-quarters original soil, one-quarter amendment.

For tired lawns, a fine layer of compost may be added 2x a year to bring grass back to life. The simple process of top dressing makes all the difference! If soil is compacted, you might want to aerate before adding compost - but either way you will enjoy a lush, green lawn in no time at all.

Permanent or semi-permanent plantings of trees, shrubs, or perennials benefit from added organic matter too, but you need to make sure not to damage plant roots. Most of the time all you need to do is to spread the compost over the soil surface as mulch; earthworms, microorganisms, rain, and irrigation water will all carry it downward over time, gradually improving the soil's top layer. If the plant isn't a shallow-rooted type (that is, if it doesn't have many roots concentrated near soil level), you can speed up the improvement process by working the amendment into the top inch or so of soil with a pitchfork. 

Bottom line – pay attention to soils’ ‘bank’ balance. The health and quality of your landscape depends on it!

For more info, visit www.GotCompost.com. If you have questions or concerns about compost and its uses, we’re happy to help. Naturally!