Tasks to Tend Your Old-Fashioned Garden in September
Get ready to transform your green space with some practical tips! This article will walk you through the process of building a compost bin and rooting cuttings, all using recycled materials and simple methods.
Building a Compost Bin
First, let's discuss composting. Autumn is an ideal time to create a compost bin, and one popular method is to use old pallets. By arranging three pallets at a 90-degree angle, you can create a 3-bin system for efficient compost management. Alternatively, you can opt for other recycled materials such as hay bales, old bookcases, reclaimed bricks, or layered cardboard pieces.
When constructing your bin, ensure it's placed on bare earth or mesh for drainage and to allow worms and microorganisms access. Maintain a balance of "green" (fresh food scraps, grass clippings) and "brown" (dry leaves, cardboard) materials for effective composting. Don't forget to ensure airflow by making holes or using spaced pallets for ventilation.
Rooting Cuttings
Now, let's talk about rooting cuttings. If you're looking to preserve your container annuals for winter, taking cuttings now is beneficial. Most of those plants will root easily in water. Instructions for this process can be found in "Rooting Cuttings in Water on Your Windowsill".
Preserving Tomatoes
Lastly, let's not forget about tomatoes. Utilizing freezing as a method for preserving extra tomatoes as paste is a great way to ensure you have tomato paste on hand for the colder months. Start by paring out the stems and any rotten spots from tomatoes. Liquefy them in a blender for easy processing, then simmer the strained tomato paste until it reaches the desired consistency. Freezing tomato paste in individual portions, such as ice cube trays, before transferring to freezer bags, makes for convenient size blocks.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a thriving garden and a well-stocked pantry!
[1] Recycled Materials Compost Bin [2] Small Space Compost Bin [3] DIY Pallet Compost Bin [4] Composting Basics [5] Composting Tips
['Enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by building a compost bin using recycled materials such as pallets, hay bales, old bookcases, reclaimed bricks, or layered cardboard pieces.']['Transform your lifestyle with easy home-improvement projects like rooting cuttings in water for winter preservation of container annuals.']
