I just think that nature is so beautiful on its own and incorporating that into your décor or celebrating the season in a more natural way with the rythyms of nature and the cycles that she brings and the different plants that we appreciate at different times of year is really important to me.
But back to Biochar. Apparently if made and used properly it is a more or less a permanent solution to soil drainage problems, soil fertility, soil chemical problems and almost anything that ails you.
I line up the tools and take them apart to clean them. Yes- you can also sharpen the blades leaving them on the handle and if you have a cheaper pair they might not come apart. But I don’t believe in half measures. I loosen the main bolt on my 35-year-old Swiss Felco’s. Into soapy water they go.
Calgary Gardener Jack Wootliff asked me earlier this summer how to get rid of his red aphids. I suggested he just spray them with water. He did that and he also sprayed them with soap and water. Well something was paying attention and this week he sent me this updated photo. He still has aphids, but he has added to his diner
Thanks to some sage advice and the willingness to try again, my worm population has again become the thriving environment it once was. I still add coffee grounds to the mix, but as just a small part of the overall blend, making sure, just like humans, they eat a well rounded diet full of fruits, vegetables, and the occasional coffee to boost their early morning productivity!
It’s the most common problem Jean-Mathieu Daoust sees on trees. An an ISA certified arborist and owner of Tree Frog Tree Care in Calgary ( http://treefrogtreecare.com/.) Daoust sees a lot of tree trouble. Here he tells me about a problem most gardener’s wouldn’t even think about :
