Gardening
Grow Your Own Food; Grow Your Own Revolution
Growing your own food is such a simple idea. It makes sense that people should try to be more self-sufficient, self-sustaining and simplistic in this multi-national, corporate owned, complex world. And what could be simpler than having a garden?
Introduction to Worm Composting (Vermiculture)
Domestic vermicomposting is the art of using captive earthworms to transform kitchen waste into earthworm castings (aka poop). Those in the know often refer to earthworm castings as "black gold". Vermicompost is extremely lively; it contains more than 100 times as many beneficial bacteria and fungi as can be found in the surrounding soil. It also contains plant growth factors and B vitamins, as well as high levels of soluble calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Vermicompost is concentrated and considered by many to be nature's most perfect fertilizer.
Water Doesn't Have to Kill Your Houseplants
It is often said that over-watering is the number one killer of houseplants. On the other hand, depriving them completely of water will have the same disastrous result. Understanding the appropriate amount of water to give to your plants can be confusing. Some people consider it a simple matter and water their houseplants whenever they think of it while others may water once or twice a week regardless of their plants' needs. Neither of these methods is best for the plants.
Organic Lawn Care
Lawns originated in the Middle Ages, around castles, as a place for defensive and community activities like archery practice and grazing sheep (not recommended simultaneously!). Nowadays every home is a castle; unfortunately these village greens do not come with a mob of peasants to do the work. That's why we've become dependent on chemicals; it's perceived as being much easier! The information below is the organic equivalent of "the mob of peasants in a bottle."
Organic lawn maintenance is easy if you are aware of the specific needs of lawn grasses.
Gardens for Winter Beauty
I know people who love winter and I think they're weird. Yes, fine, winter has its good points, like fires and s'mores, but as a gardener who loves to be outdoors, all that white-on-white iciness gets to me after awhile. Happily, there are plenty of landscaping strategies for people like me (and you, too, if you're nodding right now) who want to keep our yards from turning into a scene from a Coen-brothers film every winter.
Community Gardens: Deep Rooted in Community
A community garden is any space where plants are grown and maintained by a community to meet the needs of that community. It can serve many congruent purposes, often with community building being a central need. They can be designed for any or all of four major purposes: food production, neighborhood beautification, environmental education and horticultural therapy.
Native Prairie Plant List
Here is a list of native prairie plants that would be appropriate for most urban gardens in the Minneapolis area. The key is to buy plants that are gathered from local seed sources. You can get “prairie in a can” at Menard’s that includes little bluestem, or an aster at Bachman’s, but these plants are from another part of the Midwest and adapted in those particular conditions. If you’re going to “go native” it’s worth the extra effort to purchase from a reputable local grower.
Most plants and grasses will grow to 2–3´ and require full sun:
Rain Gardens are Growing in Minnesota
