Composting & Soil - GardenForum

What types of organic amendments can enhance cactus potting soil?

I'm really keen on maintaining a sustainable garden, and I've been researching ways to improve the soil for my cacti. I live in a region with hot summ...

Can I use compost tea during flowering stages for my plants?

Hey folks! I'm gearing up for the flowering stage of my garden plants, and I'm wondering if I should continue applying compost tea. I usually brew a b...

Is It Possible to Make Seed Starting Mix with Coconut Coir?

I've been experimenting with coconut coir in my indoor garden for various plants due to its sustainability and excellent aeration properties! Lately, ...

How do I make compost tea without a fancy setup?

I'm a busy mom in Berlin and have started my indoor garden to teach my kids about growing food! We're diving into composting, but I don’t have any fan...

What should I avoid when making compost tea for seedlings?

I'm starting a new batch of seedlings for my permaculture garden, and I'm thinking about using compost tea to give them a little boost. I've been usin...

What’s the best soil texture for specific cactus varieties?

As I delve deeper into my cactus collection, I’ve noticed that different species of cacti seem to thrive in various soil textures. In my garden in Mum...

How do I manage microbial activity in my potting soil?

I'm really invested in maintaining healthy soil microbiomes on my organic farm, and I've been experimenting with various potting soil mixes for my con...

What’s the ideal pH level for cactus mix soil?

As I dive into growing cacti, I find myself reflecting on the importance of soil pH, something I’ve dealt with extensively in my farming years. I’ve p...

What's the best potting soil mix for container gardening in NYC?

I'm currently working on my balcony garden in NYC, and I want to make sure my pots are filled with the best potting soil mix possible! I've been using...

Can compostable bags contribute to pest problems in the garden?

I’ve been having some issues with pests in my community garden, and I’m trying to figure out if the compostable bags I’ve been using are part of the p...

What are the benefits of using seaweed extract as an organic fertilizer?

Living near the Great Lakes has its perks, including access to some natural resources for my garden. I’ve heard great things about using seaweed extra...

Can I amend store-bought potting soil for better drainage?

I've been working with a commercial potting soil that seems to retain too much moisture, which is problematic for the types of plants I have, particul...

What’s the deal with peat moss and its water retention properties?

I’ve been experimenting with various growing mediums in my hydroponics setup, and I keep hearing about how peat moss has great water retention. But, I...

Can I compost pet waste in my compost bin?

Hello everyone! I’ve been diving deep into composting, and I have a rather unique question. I have a small dog, and I was wondering if I can compost h...

Can cactus mix soil be reused, and how should I do it?

I'm looking into sustainability practices in my garden, even with my cacti. I understand that the cactus mix soil I purchase can be a bit of a one-tim...

How Can I Enhance Biodiversity with My Seed Starting Mix?

I'm excited about starting a new batch of native plants in my garden this spring! As a retired botanist with a strong focus on biodiversity, I've alwa...

What's the best way to test soil quality in a raised garden bed?

I love my raised garden beds—they're such a great way to grow flowers and veggies without the hassle of weeding! 🥕🌷 I've been using a soil test kit, b...

What's the ideal potting soil mix for hydroponic vegetables?

I'm currently experimenting with a hydroponic setup for growing leafy greens, and I’m curious about incorporating some potting soil for seedlings befo...

Is it advisable to use organic fertilizers on seedlings?

I'm in the process of starting seedlings for my heirloom vegetable garden here in California, and I've been cautious about fertilizing them too early....

Can a soil test kit help with specific flower varieties' needs?

I’m so excited about my flower garden in Toronto, but I’m starting to notice some inconsistencies in how different varieties are performing. 🌺 I recen...