Risk of Using Compost
Introduction Compost is widely used to improve soil, but many gardeners underestimate the risk of using compost that isn’t mature, clean, or well-made. When compost is unfinished or sourced from questionable materials, it can bring more harm than good to your soil-introducing weed seeds, pathogens, chemical residues, nutrient imbalance, and pest problems. In the Delta…
Organic Matter in Soil: The Secret to Healthy, Living Soil
Organic matter in soil is the lifeblood of a living, healthy soil. The term organic matter gets thrown around a lot in the gardening world. This will help you understand what it’s all about. Why do you want organic matter? Organic matter is the living heart of your soil. It includes compost, worm castings, plant…
Soil Structure for Home Gardeners
There are three Elements of Healthy Soil; In this post we discuss the element of soil structure. Soil Structure definition: soil structure is the arrangement of solid soil particles (mineral and organic matter), grouped together in aggregates depending on the shape, size, strength, and extent of adhesion to another. The perfect soil structure is provided with…
🪱 DIY Worm Chow Recipe (Basic & Effective)
Worm Chow is a finely ground, all-natural mix of grains and plant-based ingredients that provides protein, carbohydrates, and minerals essential for worm growth and reproduction. It’s the perfect supplement to kitchen scraps or bedding, ensuring your worm bin stays active and balanced. 🧂DIY Worm Chow Recipe Ingredients: 🥣 Worm Chow Recipe Instructions: ⚠️ Feeding Tips: 🧪 Pro…
Top Tips for Growing Vegetables in Extreme Warm Weather
Growing vegetables in extremely warm weather (e.g. 90–110°F or 32–43°C) can be a challenge, but it’s absolutely doable with the right strategies. Here’s a full breakdown to help your garden thrive despite the heat: 🧢 1. Choose Heat-Tolerant Vegetables 🌿 2. Provide Shade During Peak Heat 💦 3. Water Deeply & Consistently 🧱 4. Improve Soil with Organic Matter 🍂 5. Mulch…
July – What to Plant in Your Northern California Vegetable Garden.
July is a great time to plant heat-loving crops and start preparing for your fall harvest! ✅ Warm-Season Crops 🌱 Fall & Late-Summer Starters (Start from seed or transplant) 🧑🌾 Pro Tip: Shade cloth can help tender greens survive the heat. And don’t forget to compost, compost, compost for healthy soil!
Application Rates: Compost, Vermicast, and Mulch
Here’s a clear guide on application rates for compost, vermicast (worm castings), and mulch, depending on your setting—garden beds, lawns, or farm acreage. 🌿 1. Compost Compost improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient levels. Application Rates: 🪱 2. Vermicast (Worm Castings) Vermicast is nutrient-rich and biologically active—ideal as a soil amendment or fertilizer. Application…
Meet Chris & Robin Choate of Delta Worms
Chris and Robin Choate take years of engineering and gardening experience and use them to regenerate local soil through vermicomposting and community education. Meet Chris – Solid Waste Industry Leader & Sustainability Advocate After a 40-year career in the solid waste and recycling industry, Chris Choate decided it was time to dig deeper-literally. As a…
Volume/Area Calculator
To find out how much garden area a cubic yard can cover at a depth of 6 inches, here’s the breakdown: Quick Answer: 1 cubic yard covers about 54 square feet at a 6-inch depth.
Mulch Use
Using mulch in the garden is simple, but knowing how and where to use it can maximize its benefits. Here’s a quick guide on how to use mulch effectively in the garden: Where to Use Mulch How to Apply Mulch Types of Mulch to Use