A few years ago, a gardening friend suggested I place a layer of compost in my flower beds before mulching with my usual shredded bark mulch. As my garden seemed happy and required less care that ...

One of the most commonly asked questions in gardening is ‘what’s the difference between mulch and compost?’ Both are usually brown and soil-like, both help nurture plant growth – so how come they are ...

Many folks are now improving new and established gardens with mulch, but be wary of where you get it. It is possible to spread insects like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, sugarcane borer and fire ants ...

1. Fill a Bucket: Place a handful of compost or worm castings in a porous bag (like an old pillowcase) and submerge it in a ...

A rose by any other name may still be a rose, but mulches need defining. There are 17 different materials considered on the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management website, and ...

A mound of compost with a hoe sticking out and a gardener's boots in the background - Annick Vanderschelden Photography/Getty Images So you've got your compost ready for the next gardening season.

Composting involves decomposing organic materials to create nutrient-rich soil. A compost pile needs a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Maintaining proper moisture, ...

Think twice before throwing your lint away.

Compost is a great way to recycle kitchen and garden scraps. It takes organic waste and turns it into nutrient-rich humus that can be used by plants. Composting is a way of returning to the soil what ...

Plain shredded paper is a safe and budget-friendly material when used correctly. Apply in thin layers and top with natural mulch to prevent matting. Shredded paper can also be used in your compost bin ...