Composting – An Alternative To Dumping Kitchen Scraps

This is a video tip for “composting,” a better way to discard cooking scraps. Rather than toss into the garbage and contributing to land fill waste, why not compost? It’s easy and efficient and actually smells good if done correctly. This series was shot and edited by Jeff Samaha, NBC stage manager/director and hosted by Annie Hauck-Lawson, Associate Professor at Brooklyn College and published PhD with a book called “Gastropolis.” (Columbia Press)(Amazon.com)

Duration : 0:2:57

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Posted on February 18th, 2010 by admin and filed under kitchen composter | 1 Comment »

Kitchen Compost Bin Minus The Worms

I started a kitchen compost bin since I’m done with worm composting.

For more information, please visit www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com

Duration : 0:2:55

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Posted on February 15th, 2010 by admin and filed under kitchen composter | 6 Comments »

Naturemill Automatic Indoor Composter – Part 3

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/autocomposter.html

In part 3 of the series, we show you the Naturemill Automatic Indoor composter as we have been at it through the first week. This video shows the progress that has been made on the original batch of compost, and offers a few suggestions of what to do in case there is a smell to your compost or what to do if your compost is a little too green-rich.

Watch the entire series of videos from the start, and check back for part 4 to see how we are coming along with our batch of compost!

Duration : 0:1:3

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Posted on December 11th, 2009 by admin and filed under kitchen composter | 1 Comment »

Kitchen Composter Program

Having a compost pile in your backyard is good for you but it is also very good for the environment. It is not troublesome or time consuming if done right. There is also a misconception that compost is smelly and messy , but if the pile is put together right this is not the case.

There are those that would buy their fertilizer and soil amendments from their local garden store. I believe it is best to stay as natural as possible, stay away from chemical fertilizers. Really there is no hassle in making a compost in your backyard from items that were destined for the trash can.

When you start a kitchen composter program the materials that you will need and the items that you will use are free. The cost of chemical fertilizers and other items from the local gardening store are constantly on the rise. With a little bit of time and the right ingredients you can produce the best fertilizer known to man in your own backyard.

Compost will provide more of the nutrients and minerals that your plants need. The effects of natural compost will last longer than chemical fertilizers. Compost is also better for the soil structure. It will make the soil more resistant to erosion, improve its retention of water, and in many cases it will prevent the soil from becoming compact.

This factor can be important to large gardens as it will cut down on tilling time and reduce fuel that is used to run machines. The right composting technique can kill weeds, pests and other disease causing organisms. High temperature composting is the technique that I am referring to. This technique usually involves some type of an enclosed structure, it will possibly spin to allow a small amount of aeration into the compost.

There are studies that show that using compost can suppress the growth of diseases in crops. Crops grown over compost rich soils are resistant to pest or insect attacks. There are also observations that crops grown in a field with compost fertilizer can be stored much longer. Compost has a benefit for the environmentalist as well. Using compost along with the soil can build soil carbon which can eventually reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It will take a lot of compost to have a positive effect on the greenhouse gases.

Starting a kitchen composter program is very great for your wallet but it is also great for the environment. It is also recognized that compost works well as a antidote for soils that have a high toxic level from chemical fertilizers. There are some very good reasons to motivate the start of a kitchen composter program.

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Posted on November 30th, 2009 by admin and filed under compost | No Comments »

Indoor Composting Tip: Blend Down Your Food Scraps

A great indoor composting tip that I got from one of my grandmother’s friends is to put the food scraps in a blender before putting into the compost.

This helps to break the food down and makes it easier to break down in the compost.

You can put lettuce leaves, fruit peels and anything soft that the blender will break down. Stay away from pits or anything that will get stuck in the blender.

The scraps are then put into the composting bin and covered with shredded newspaper and old potting soil.

For more information, visit www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com.

Duration : 0:3:11

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Posted on November 27th, 2009 by admin and filed under kitchen composter | No Comments »

Garden Storage Boxes – A Few Tips To Think About

If you enjoy gardening, you have presumably found out about how useful storage boxes are. A garden storage box is a multipurpose item that can be really useful when you run into storage and organization troubles. They are sometimes called garden storage seats or deck storage boxes. Besides the fact it camouflages a storage space, it could also serve as something to sit on in your own garden or back-yard. These days though, there are lots of fancy looking garden storage boxes on the market and these include – plastic storage boxes, wooden storage boxes, aluminum and fiberglass, as you can see, you can also apply them to lend character to your garden also.

If you’re intending to buying a garden storage box, it’s advisable to understand its various functions. The best thing about garden storage boxes is that they can be employed as storage space so that your garden or back-yard would not appear to be cluttered. It is a good way to organize your equipment and garden tools. Even if you own a shed in the garden to keep particular tools, sometimes, you may forget about some garden equipment and leave it lying around. That is hazardous especially if you have kids around you’re home. Having a garden storage box is much more convenient because you can easily access it.

Garden storage boxes aren’t meant for only gardening tools. You may store a lot of things in it such as binoculars, old stuff, tennis racquets, and a lot more. With the use of storage boxes, you can easily carry things around the compound. Another good thing is that you could have tailor-made storage boxes constructed for your own garden. If you do not have time to make your own storage box, you will be delighted to know that there are many “ready made” garden storage boxes available for purchase. Before you run off to buy your garden storage box, it’s advisable to consider the following things.

What’s really important is the materials that the storage box is made of. While you may suppose it’s unimportant, it plays a large role, especially if you’re intending to situate it outside. Also, check to see the storage box is waterproofed. It is advisable to obtain storage boxes that are made from materials like aluminum, plastic and fiberglass. These Days, there are also patterns made from rattan, bamboo, and various other softwoods. This will add to the artistic value of your wooden storage boxes or plastic storage containers.

Aluminum is a good alternative because its lightweight and you can move it with ease. However, the problem is that you can’t place metal objects in it because it might encourage corrosion. Possibly a plastic storage box will be best for this. If you do not like to deal with problems of erosion, then it is best to choose fiberglass, plastic or perhaps simply just wooden storage boxes. They are the best because there is no need to worry about corroding effects. Fiberglass, plastic and wood are a good deal more versatile as you can make large storage boxes from them also but not metal storage boxes. Another great thing about these 2 materials is the fact that they are cheap as compared to other materials. Fiberglass garden storage boxes have attractive colors, but you have to realize that they can crack easily due to temperature and mishandling. It’s best to consider the disadvantages and advantages of each and every material before you settle on your garden storage boxes.

Nowadays though, there are lots of fancy looking garden storage boxes on the market and these include – plastic storage boxes, wooden storage boxes, aluminum and fiberglass. For more information log onto our cheap garden sheds internet site.

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Posted on November 15th, 2009 by Colin Greensands and filed under horticulture | No Comments »

Finding Garden Play Houses For Children

Every so often, youngsters require a point of their very own, where they can hide away from their guardians to make their very own pretend worlds. There is in all likelihood not enough room within the house for them to acquire the cosiness and privacy they desire, and their sleeping rooms may not be an ideal point for them to escape. If you have a spacious back garden, it would be a great idea to look at the various garden play houses that are on the market

An outside gardens play house offers a grand place of ease for your toddlers. It is their own small world where they can escape from realness for a spell and act out their fairy tale fantasies. Nevertheless, it does not have to be all fun in the household; they can as well do their homework or study there if they feel cosy enough. If you have friends invited over and they have minors of their own, a play house is the perfect spot for your minors to amuse themselves. Possessing a back garden play house will as well make your kids a lot more self-sufficient, as they will get the chance to spend time by themselves. With the absence of fully grown supervision, children will besides learn to be accountable for their personal safety.

Now, there are umpteen different varieties of back garden play houses for you to pick from. Depending on the size of your garden and your budget, you can opt for a tiny cottage with a door and a couple of windows or you can go for a showy two-storey play castle with a playground. You can also get a tree house with a lookout tower. Most playhouses and wooden climbing frames are made out of high-quality sanded wood with curved edges to reduce the chance of splinter injuries; and they are sound structures that can stand firm the stomping and tough energetic actions of youngsters. Plain one-storey play houses are also quite easy to set up, but professional installation may be required for complex structures with steps, decks, balconies, or other features. A childrens play house can as well come with connected play frames such as fireman’s pole, Wobble Bridge, rope ladder, scramble net, swing, slide or monkey bars.

It is advisable that you get your garden play house from a reputable producer, because such a manufacturing business will meet the most strict safety standards. Of course safety must be one of the important cares when you construct a wooden play house, because it is the point where minors will get less adult supervision. Garden play houses that conforms to safety regulations will not be highly flammable. It is understandable that items such as a wooden climbing frame can ignite, but it shouldn’t be ignitable that kids do not have ample time to get outside. And, a play house that is safe will not carry any deadly material, such as lead paint, and it will not have mechanical components that can trap, stab, or asphyxiate a kid.

Getting a back garden play house can bring a lot of fun and happiness to your youngsters, and it will for sure make their young lives most memorable and meaningful.

Wooden climbing frames will last a life-time if properly cared for so, when you are considering to buy, have a good look at the options. Visit:-cheap garden sheds.

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Posted on November 11th, 2009 by Colin Greensands and filed under horticulture | No Comments »

A Childrens Play House Gives Hours Of Fun

When it comes to a childrens play house, the choices you have are practically as varied as when buying a home. They come in many different styles, sizes and materials. Before you try to sift through all the options, there are some decisions to be made first.

Size is a good place to start. Do you want a small playhouse that can be used indoors? Or would you prefer a larger one that can only be used outdoors? How many children need to fit in the house? It should be large enough for your own children plus at least one friend each.

You may choose to either build your playhouse from the ground up, or purchase one that you only need assemble. This will partly depend on how comfortable you are with a hammer and saw. If you are not really handy, you will have far more options with a prefabricated house. If you are handy, then you are far less limited by building your own.

If you choose to go with a prefabricated playhouse, you need to decide what type of material you want it built from. The typical choices are either wood or plastic. The wood variety will last longer and be sturdier. Wood houses are also easier to add your own personal touches to. Seeing what is available to buy can give you some ideas, even if you prefer to build your own.

Style is probably going to be the most difficult choice, particularly if more than one child is involved. The choice will be even more difficult if you have boys and girls. Boys often want something along military lines while girls usually want something a bit daintier. If you will have both using the playhouse, you will want to find something that appeals to each, such as a pirate den or a ranch house.

Try to get everyone to take part in the project. Although it can open you up to all kinds of impractical ideas, actually ask the children what kind of playhouse they would like. You will get points for listening if you at least try to use some of their concepts.

If you build the playhouse yourself, you can really get them involved. Ask for their input on colours and have them help paint. Your kids will feel like it is really their place and, if you are lucky, they may take better care of it as well.

Once the structure is completed, it is time to furnish and accessorize to fit the theme that you have chosen. Accessorize the playhouse outside and inside. You cannot possibly have a proper pirate den without a Jolly Roger, for example.

Whichever way you decide to go with your childrens play house, one thing is for sure. You will be giving your children endless hours of fun whether by themselves or with their friends. And it is a type of fun that will encourage their imaginations to soar.

There are nearly as many choices for a childrens play house as there are for one’s home. They vary according to material, size and style. If you’re stuck for options check out cheap garden sheds first.

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Posted on November 6th, 2009 by Joe Strong and filed under horticulture | No Comments »

Garden Play Houses Beat Video Games

Did you have a father like I did? He built me garden play houses, forts, and a train I could sit in and play locomotive engineer. I have a picture of me sitting in that train with a big smile on my six year old face. Of course he was a skilled general contractor with a lot of spare lumber.

But unless you are like my dad, skilled and licensed to build things, you probably will go to your local store that specializes in garden play houses. With all of these electronic gizmos on the market which keep kids playing on their computer or in front of their televisions a play house is a great idea. Is the complaint about kid’s video games over? Have parents simply given up the fight against violent video games?

Parents figure this is what kids want these days. But kids want what they have wanted since the beginning of time. They want to use their imaginations. They want to play pretend. This is a way a child builds his creativity. This is part of all children. You might complain about the video games of death and destruction. But you need to offer something in exchange. Give your child an opportunity to use his or her imagination and you will not have to yank the video game from his hands.

A playhouse provides your kids the chance to own their own house. Your little girl can have her friends by for a tea party. Your son can have his own library of his favourite reads. He can have a desk where he might write his first short story. Today play houses come with roofs that do not leak. They have safety glass windows to keep out the bugs. For your kids there is a kid door in front and an adult door on the side for you to visit.

And talk about variety. Does your child want a Victorian style house or does she prefer a Cape Cod look. Or you can customize it to look like your real house.

Surprise, a play house offers your children pride of ownership. A video game cannot do this. A play house will aid him or her plan having his or her own real house someday. This is responsibility growing in your child. No video game builds responsible unless you talk about responsibility for killing on the video screen.

I remember that when I had my own play house I was happy to invite my friends over and see it. We spent time in there just as if it was my own home. But what difference was that compared to what we as adults do in our own homes? A play house is simply done on a smaller scale.

You give your children a chance to prepare for their future. A time when they will have a home like the one their parents own and it helps them prepare and plan for that time. Compared to killing and destroying things on their video computer garden play houses are a sound investment.

Compared to TV and computer games garden play houses are a good investment for your children. Much More information at our cheap garden sheds website.

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Posted on November 5th, 2009 by Colin Greensands and filed under horticulture | No Comments »

The Compost Tumbler As The Best Compost System

Bury your problem of where to throw the perishable waste materials by composting. Compost is consisting of waste materials like dried leaves, kitchen food scraps, vegetable and fruit scraps, dead flowers, and other perishable and decaying items. These materials are then used as part of the decomposition process. The process is done by mixing them and keeping them damp by adding water, soil, and the combination of these waste materials. The entire heap is then turning about every other week and in two months time it produces fine rich compost. This is how compost works.

The compost tumbler is a superb piece of equipment that can assist the self-sufficient gardener in making the waste materials into useful fertilizers for the garden. It provides both benefits to the gardener as well as to the environment as a whole. It gives a good sense of balance between nature and the ecosystem. A good gardener can have his own way of making this rich and good compost by using a compost tumbler.

A compost tumbler has a lot of advantages as compared with other compost systems available in the market. Some of the common features of the tumbler include the easy locking latch, double wall construction and the vents. It is effortless to turn, and you can quickly transport it to your garden. It is garden equipment that provides a speedy, neat and clean processing of the compost materials.

Some of the best compost tumblers in the market are the tumbleweed, spinning horizontal typed, envirocycle spinning tumbler composter bin and a lot more. These different compost systems are designed to meet your expectations. They are made of high quality materials using the best composting technology today. They make composting processing easier and effective.

And one of the best reasons for purchasing one is that it not only helps in conserving the environment but it saves more time, energy and money. Imagine making the plants, vegetables, and fruits in your garden healthy looking, bountiful and abundant by owning a compost tumbler. You do not have to spend a lot of money in buying expensive fertilizers because the tumbler is the answer to all your garden needs. That is why buying a compost tumbler is a must for any gardener.

You might need organic plant food and fertilizers for your growing plants. One good way to furnish these is to secure compost tumbler that will help you produce what you need for your plants and at the same time help you cut costs on expenses. Having this will prove beneficial in the long run. Visit www.ourcrazydeals.com to know more about it.

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Posted on October 27th, 2009 by Benedict Perez and filed under compost | No Comments »