COOKING FOR YOUR GARDEN §Give your plants the natural nutrients they are dying to get…..

§It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3... §And best of all it’s, free...

TODAYS RECIPE: §JOHN RAY’s §COMPOST STEW

WHY COMPOST §When added to your soil, it can create the perfect medium for sustained plant health, by…. §Improving soil structure, texture, and aeration, and increase the soils capacity to retain water... §Help loosen compacted soil… §Promote soil fertility and stimulate root development in plants… §Create a favorable environment for micro-organisms and larger creatures such as earthworms, and insects that are nature’s soil builders...

WHAT SIZE CONTAINER §Before you start, consider how much compost you will need. §An easy rule of thumb: the smaller your yard, the smaller the container, & the larger your yard, the larger the container. §Note that some developments in the area may have regulations on composting, and may not allow it at all. It is always best to check with your association first.

VARIOUS CONTAINER OPTIONS

INGREDIENTS §Grass clippings. §Leaves. §Small sticks. §Any trimmings from around the yard.

INGREDIENTS §Weeds, but not seeds. §Vegetable plants that have been harvested. §Raw vegetable peels, scraps, egg shells, coffee grinds, etc... / no dairy, meats, or bones. §Manure.

MIXING INGREDIENTS §After you have added all your ingredients, you need to mix in adequate measures of: moisture, oxygen, and nitrogen/carbon (grass clippings and leaves) sources, to generate the right conditions for decomposition. §For the ultimate compost the ingredients should be turned, and stirred on a weekly basis, in the warm weather. Poke at the pile with a pipe, or rake handle to aerate the mixture.

MIXING INGREDIENTS §Add enough liquid to keep the pile moist, like a rung out sponge, but avoid getting the mixture soggy. On a hot day, a beer tastes great, and your compost will love it. §Cover, and let simmer, at a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, for as little as 4-6 weeks, or up to a year or two.

SERVE TO YOUR PLANTS §After your compost is finished cooking, you may serve it to your plants, but remember, Presentation is more appetizing. §A perfect presentation is to rake back the mulch, carefully from your plants, use a large server, and give each plant a generous portion. Rake back the mulch, and give them a nice after dinner drink. §I’m positive your plants will return year after year, for your healthy and tasty meal.

BON APPETIT

/ Fort Pierce / Port St Lucie

THANK YOU §JOHN RAY §MASTER GARDENER §ST. LUCIE COUNTY