Click here to open Composting Powerpoint: composting(2)
See also the University of Minnesota Extension Composting and Mulching Guide
Click here to open Composting Powerpoint: composting(2)
See also the University of Minnesota Extension Composting and Mulching Guide
Soil Health/Cover Crops will be presented by Thomas Steger from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 P.M. in the Red Wing High School-Courtyard Cafe. The class will cover soil health including discussions on “soil critters”, recognizing healthy soil and the long-term ramifications of poor soil health. Tom will also discuss the use of cover crops, mulch and plant diversity and how they can benefit soil health. Soil glomalin effects on soil aggregation as well as soil stability and water infiltration will be demonstrated.
This class is sponsored by Goodhue County Extension Master Gardeners and Red Wing Community Education. The cost is $5. To register, call Red Wing Community Schools at 385-4565.
You know the saying: “think globally, act locally”. Honoring the earth can be as simple as being greener in your garden.
As gardeners we get to celebrate Earth Day all year. As Master Gardeners and educators we are fortunate to have opportunities to multiply that appreciation.
I came across an article by Jennifer Davit (Director of the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park) on Celebrating Earth Day by Sharing Gardening Tips in the Chicago Sun Tribune. Her six suggestions are as applicable for Goodhue County as they are to Millennium Park in downtown Chicago:
We can do that!
I am sure Karen would add a seventh bullet promoting no till gardening to reduce weeds and protect soil. We can do that too!
The University of Minnesota Soil Lab will give you recommendations to make your lawn or garden more productive for just $17. Download the form at http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/files/2012/08/LawnGardenInfoSheet.doc and follow the instructions. You simply collect five trowels of soil from throughout your lawn or garden, mix it together and mail one pint of your sample to the University of Minnesota Soils Lab with the form and a check.
Two or three weeks later you will receive a summary of your soil texture, percent organic matter, pH, nutrients and suggested fertilization needs. With this information you are on your way to improving your garden soil.