My Head is Spinning!

[GreenGoddess]

Who knew gardening can be so complicated and confusing! LOL, I have gardened for awhile now, but I am trying to be much more conscious about the products I am using these days. It is all so complicated!

Right now, I am trying to decide what to do for a growing medium and mulch. I had picked out a planter's mix that is popular here until I learned it has human sewage in it. Regardless of whether it is tested safe, that just creeps me out. I don't know what to do (haven't purchased it yet). I have found a few other alternatives for things that can be bought separately, but the delivery charges are going to be a killer.

Then, comes the issue of the mulch. I just can't decide what is the least toxic and yet attractive and maintains its appearance for more than a season. I wanted to try to use the same mulch in my raised beds as on the ground around them. It is actually becoming stressful thinking about it! LOL

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Don't stress out! LOL This is gardening after all, it should be soothing and relaxing. Note, I did say should.

I would avoid the humanure too. Usually that stuff is contaminated with heavy metals, which I don't think they can get out . . . but I don't know for sure.

If you can find some clean loam (soil -- not sand, not clay) and some compost or composted manure you can make your own mix. Just mix about 2/3 loam to 1/3 compost or composted manure and that should be satisfactory. Mess around with that formula to get exactly what you want or add other amendments if need be.

Mulch is kind of a personal matter. I have always wanted to try the ground up cocoa beans, but it is supposed to be expensive. Straw works for me, but it does look a little redneck. LOL But that is what we have available, so it is relatively cheap for us. Each mulch has different benefits and drawbacks . . . maybe start making a list of them. That will help you narrow your choices down.

 

[patandchickens]

You know what? It really doesn't matter much (within very broad bounds, anyhow). Put yer seeds or starts into something basically soil-like, provide for their water needs, and chances are pretty decent you will have something to show for it in the end.

Fine-tuning and optimization and philosophical dilemmas and so forth are fine as hobbies but the plants don't really care that much. They just grow

Have FUN (although, if worrying and planning *is* fun, and for some it *is*, then of course knock yourself out <g>),

Pat

 

[mtn_penny]

I have found it really does not matter for example here is what I am growing in this year and it is doing great.

 

[curly_kate]

Are you in an area where there are any farmers? My neighbor raises cows, and he is always more than happy to drop of manure to us. Sometimes I have to let it sit for a while so it's not so 'fresh', but he's not going to do anything with it.

 

[GreenGoddess]

Thank you all. I am going to try to set up a compost area at my new place. I just don't have time to do it for this year. I would much rather know exactly what is in the compost I use than to buy it somewhere. As far as mulch, I would like to try coconut coir. It is just so expensive.

That is really cool, Penny! I was just reading about growing in straw. I hope it goes well. Kate, actually, our neighbors across the street have several horses. I have thought about asking them if I can come get some manure for my compost pile when I get it going.

 

[mtn_penny]

this is the first year I have tried it and noticed this morning the zucchini and tomato's are flowering. Plus I have already harvested a few english peas.

 

[big brown horse]

mtn_penny, that is really neat how you just planted in the hay bales! This is the first time I've seen that!

 

[mtn_penny]

instead of hijacking I will post a thread on the straw bales.