Transcript COOKING FOR YOUR GARDEN

COOKING FOR YOUR GARDEN
 Give your plants
the natural
nutrients they are
dying to get…..
 It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3...
 And best of all it’s,
free...
TODAYS RECIPE:
 JOHN RAY’s
 COMPOST STEW
WHY COMPOST
 When added to your soil, it can create the
perfect medium for sustained plant health,
by….
 Improving soil structure, texture, and aeration, and
increase the soils capacity to retain water...
 Help loosen compacted soil…
 Promote soil fertility and stimulate root development in
plants…
 Create a favorable environment for micro-organisms and
larger creatures such as earthworms, and insects that are
nature’s soil builders...
WHAT SIZE CONTAINER
 Before you start, consider how
much compost you will need.
 An easy rule of thumb: the
smaller your yard, the smaller
the container, & the larger your
yard, the larger the container.
 Note that some developments in the area
may have regulations on composting, and
may not allow it at all. It is always best to
check with your association first.
VARIOUS CONTAINER OPTIONS
INGREDIENTS
 Grass clippings.
 Leaves.
 Small sticks.
 Any trimmings from around the yard.
INGREDIENTS
 Weeds, but not seeds.
 Vegetable plants that have been harvested.
 Raw vegetable peels, scraps, egg shells, coffee
grinds, etc... / no dairy, meats, or bones.
 Manure.
MIXING INGREDIENTS
 After you have added all your ingredients, you
need to mix in adequate measures of: moisture,
oxygen, and nitrogen/carbon (grass clippings
and leaves) sources, to generate the right
conditions for decomposition.
 For the ultimate compost the ingredients should
be turned, and stirred on a weekly basis, in the
warm weather. Poke at the pile with a pipe, or
rake handle to aerate the mixture.
MIXING INGREDIENTS
 Add enough liquid to keep the pile moist, like a
rung out sponge, but avoid getting the mixture
soggy. On a hot day, a beer tastes great, and your
compost will love it.
 Cover, and let simmer, at a temperature of 130
degrees Fahrenheit, for as little as 4-6 weeks, or
up to a year or two.
SERVE TO YOUR PLANTS
 After your compost is finished cooking, you may
serve it to your plants, but remember, Presentation
is more appetizing.
 A perfect presentation is to rake back the mulch,
carefully from your plants, use a large server, and
give each plant a generous portion. Rake back the
mulch, and give them a nice after dinner drink.
 I’m positive your plants will return year after year,
for your healthy and tasty meal.
BON APPETIT
http://stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu
772-462-1660/ Fort Pierce
772-337-5654/ Port St Lucie
THANK YOU
 JOHN RAY
 MASTER GARDENER
 ST. LUCIE COUNTY