Gardening: Building a compost pile, planting roses and fertilizing ferns

This photo from Nov. 2, 2022, shows green waste that is decomposing into compost. Construct the pile by alternating 2-inch layers of brown and green material, moistening each layer before adding the next. When the pile is 3 feet tall, cover it with a thin layer of soil. Soil contains the aerobic bacteria that will accelerate the decomposition process. Soil will also help the pile hold moisture, keep down odors and slow decomposition of the vegetation, making the pile easier to manage.

2. Cut a sweet potato in half and place the two pieces in a pot of moist soil, cut side down, leaving the pointed ends uncovered. Keep soil moist and you will soon see slips reach six inches in length, a good size for planting. When detached from the tuber, some slips may have roots and some not. Those with roots attached may be planted in the garden while those without roots can be rooted in a glass with two inches of water at the bottom prior to planting. Plant slips 12-18 inches apart in full sun and you will have large tubers in the ground sometime in the fall.

This will ensure more side branches and a greater abundance of flower buds next winter and spring . Also make sure to remove all withered flowers, whether they are still on the plant or have fallen to the ground, as these can harbor fungus diseases. As for fertilization, camellias should receive their first dose now, another dose in six weeks, and another dose six weeks after that for maximum bloom next year. Azaleas should be fertilized now and in later September.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Here are bulbs that are excellent for a shade gardenJoshua Siskin writes about gardening in Southern California.
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »

Why this rainbow-colored succulent will make a bold statement in your gardenJoshua Siskin, who writes about gardening in Southern California, explores the many advantages of Salvia plants.
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »

What to plant, prune and protect in the garden this weekJoshua Siskin writes about Southern California gardening.
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »

What to know about Southern California’s iconic palm treesJoshua Siskin writes about gardening in Southern California.
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »

May is the month to plant summer vegetables. Here’s how to do it.Joshua Siskin offers five suggestions a week for Southern California gardeners.
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »

Building fire that killed 76 in South Africa was caused by building negligence, report saysA report on a deadly building fire in South Africa that killed 76 people blames city authorities for neglecting safety concerns at the building for years prior.
Source: FoxNews - 🏆 9. / 87 Read more »