Composting & Soil - GardenForum

What's the best ratio of sand to soil for potting my cactus?

I'm always looking to optimize my soil mix for my cacti! I've been experimenting with different ratios, and I heard that adding sand is crucial for dr...

What potting soil is best for my kids’ vegetable garden?

I'm really excited to expand my vegetable garden with my kids this year! We started with some basic herbs and tomatoes, but now I want to try growing ...

What's the best way to store compost tea for later use?

I'm so pumped about my gardening journey, especially with my recent focus on compost tea! However, I sometimes make more than I can use right away. I ...

What role does soil temperature play in cactus health?

I’ve been studying the health of my cacti and have started to think about the conditions of their potting soil, particularly temperature. I live in a ...

How can I use peat moss in my hydroponic system effectively?

I'm really curious about integrating peat moss into my hydroponic setup! I know it's often used in soil-based gardening, but I'm wondering if I can in...

What specific ingredients improve water retention in cactus soil mixes?

I'm currently based in Arizona, where the climate is incredibly arid, and I've been experimenting with different cactus soil mixes for my indoor colle...

How Does Temperature Affect My Seed Starting Mix Performance?

I've noticed considerable variations in seedling success depending on the temperature of my seed starting environment. Given my background in botany, ...

Is it bad to use old peat moss from last season?

Hi all! So, I was going through my gardening supplies and found some leftover peat moss from last season. I’m curious if it’s still good to use or if ...

How to adjust soil pH based on test kit results?

I just tested my rooftop garden soil using a kit, and now I have the results showing my soil pH level is a bit off for the types of flowers I'm growin...

What should I include in my homemade cactus soil mix?

I'm diving into the world of cactus gardening, and I want to make my own soil mix! I've been doing some research, but I'm still a bit confused about w...

What are the best practices for amending coco coir in urban gardening?

As someone deeply passionate about urban ecology, I'm interested in how to best amend coco coir to support biodiversity in my community garden in Chic...

How do I effectively layer compostable bags in my compost heap?

I've been composting for over 20 years and love incorporating new methods into my routine! Recently, I decided to try using compostable bags to manage...

What are the signs that my compost tea is working?

Hello fellow gardeners! I’ve been using compost tea on my indoor plants for a couple of weeks now, and I’m super excited! But how will I know if it’s ...

Is peat moss really worth it for my small urban veggie garden?

I'm living in a bustling area of Milan and I recently started focusing on my small veggie garden. I've heard a lot about peat moss and its benefits, b...

Can I troubleshoot the smell of my compost tea while brewing?

I've been brewing compost tea for about two years now, and while I love the benefits it brings to my garden, I've recently encountered an issue with f...

Can I use garden soil for my potted plants?

I've been curious about this since I have some good garden soil left over from my raised beds. I wondered if I could mix it with my potting soil for c...

What precautions should I take when using compostable bags for bonsai leaf litter?

As a dedicated bonsai cultivator with over two decades of experience, I'm always looking for methods to improve the health and aesthetics of my trees....

What are the long-term effects of using peat moss in orchid cultivation?

Living in a humid climate, I've utilized various growing mediums for my orchids, but I've been hesitant to incorporate peat moss due to concerns about...

How can I improve my potting soil for herbs in limited sunlight?

I’ve got a small balcony garden, and I'm focusing on growing herbs like basil, mint, and dill. The challenge is that my space doesn’t get as much sunl...

How can I assess the nutrient content of my compost for vertical gardening?

As I continue to innovate my vertical garden designs, I’ve started paying close attention to the nutrient content of my homemade compost. I’ve done so...