Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun, and accessible to everyone.
","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9170"}},{"authorId":10044,"name":"The Editors of the National Gardening Association","slug":"the-editors-of-the-national-gardening-association","description":"The National Gardening Association offers plant-based education in schools, communities, and backyards across the United States, through the award-winning websites garden.org and kidsgardening.org. Organic matter is decaying plant and animal material, microbes, and plant roots. If youre growing potatoes for a kitchen garden, spread straw where you would ordinarily hill them to increase your harvest. If the product smells like urine, its likely the nitrogen content is too high. Top dress with another layer of compost to keep down weeds and preserve moisture. Sherri Moran (Artist), Carol Manka (Text) | Polk County Master Gardeners (PCMG) who volunteer at the Brunk House to build and tend raised no-till organic vegetable gardens, known as Lasagna or Sheet gardens, developed this comic book to help guide trainees and refresh the memories of the experienced master gardeners. If you're using unfinished (raw) organic matter like leaves or undecomposed manure, add it to your soil at least one month before planting. Amending soil with supplemental materials provides an inexpensive, natural way for gardeners and nature enthusiasts to enrich the earth. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success. Here are some advantages and disadvantages:\n- \n
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Sawdust adds organic matter to your soil, which eventually breaks down and forms humus. It also adds both macro- and trace nutrients and improves overall soil health by feeding the beneficial microorganisms living there. While any mulch, inorganic or organic, will protect your soil from erosion and weed growth, only organic mulch will give your plants the extra nutrients theyre craving. Before you fall in love with sawdust as a mulch, check your plant health and soil pH. Apr 2008 | Through a compost application once a year, or just not picking up dried leaves and grass clippings, you can nurture your lawn into a lush backyard paradise, inexpensively and chemical-free. Some manures (such as horse manure) add organic matter and some nutrients to your soil, but they're also loaded with bedding materials (like dried hay) that cause the same problem that adding sawdust causes. Mold may form on the surface of your cocoa hulls: Simply stir them to break the surface crust, and mold will dissipate. Layer in compost, wood chips, composted manure, straw, shredded leaves, grass clippings, and other mulches to help improve the organic matter content of your soil. Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. And if you apply a thin layer, its prone to blowing away in the wind. Ground covers smother weeds and keep soil pores open to stop compaction. Ready to throw a picnic for your soil? Using organic materials other than compost such as sawdust and manure is fine, but these materials present a few problems that compost doesn't. Do your rhododendrons and other shrubs wilt in hot weather, even with added water? However, livestock diets often include lots of hay that's full of weed seeds, which may germinate in your vegetable garden. The downsides to straw? Use less if you've grown there for years or if your soil is loamy and fertile. Work it into the soil with a shovel, iron fork, or rototiller.
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Add a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic matter to the area where you intend to plant.
\nGo for the higher end (2 inches) if your garden is new or if your soil is heavy clay or very sandy. Leaves that aren't shredded take longer to break down and if too thick can become matted, impenetrable clumps. Kym Pokorny | To speed the process, mix additional nitrogen into your garden at least six pounds of ammonium nitrate or 10 pounds of ammonium sulfate per inch of organic matter, applied over a 1,000-square-foot area. Where to mulch: Sawdust is a great addition around walkways and acid-loving shrubs and trees. The resulting compost will add nutrients while improving your soil's tilth, aeration, and water-holding capacity. You dont want a chipmunk nibbling on your favorite oak! Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun, and accessible to everyone.
","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9170"}},{"authorId":10044,"name":"The Editors of the National Gardening Association","slug":"the-editors-of-the-national-gardening-association","description":"The National Gardening Association offers plant-based education in schools, communities, and backyards across the United States, through the award-winning websites garden.org and kidsgardening.org. Will the plants grow well? Applying gypsum is easy to do and is a relatively cheap way to improve the heaviest of clay soils. This process helps roots grow more robust and encourages vigorous growth. To add more organic matter to your lawn, you can either simply leave grass clippings after mowing, shred autumn leaves, topdress with 1/4 inch of compost, or even leave beneficial weeds like clover and dandelions to add biomass and nutrients. The ideal organic matter to mineral composition is 2 3% for lawns and 5% for vegetable gardens. Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. Inorganic mulches are made out of materials (either natural or synthetic) that do not decompose, like stones, gravel, black plastic, or landscape fabric. Decaying organic matter helps sandy soil by retaining water that would otherwise drain away. Test a portion of your area with a light layer of sawdust and make sure plants dont show symptoms of nitrogen deficiency (pale green or yellow leaves and slow growth). Feeds and gives a habitat to beneficial bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, and worms. Seaweed. Leaves will be ready six to 18 months after starting the composting process. Growing Your Own is now available as a bilingual publication in Spanish and English! An inexpensive soil thermometer helps keep planting time in perspective. And since plants are healthier and already receiving the nutrients they need, you can stop using (or only use in spots as needed) synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. Did you know that suburban lawns receive the heaviest applications of pesticides per acre in the US, even more than conventional agriculture? Your local health department should be able to tell you what levels of lead and heavy metals are unsafe. Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, radio and TV show host, consultant, and speaker. The fastest way to add nitrogen to soil is by applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Good quality compost or fully decomposed manure should have a dark brown color, earthy smell, and have little original material visible. lawn care in a nutshell Must do: Set your mower as high as it will go (3 to 4 inches). The organic material that is broken down in your home compost pile is local, free, and full of organic goodness to feed your garden. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. That way it will break down before you plant. Composting breaks down yard waste, agricultural waste, wood scraps, and even sludge into a crumbly soil-like material called humus.\nCompost is usually clean, easy to use, and available. Compost is every gardeners dream soil amendment. Kym Pokorny | If grass clippings start to smell, fluff them up with a garden fork. \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();
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Shes the author of five gardening books, including the Amazon-bestseller, An Earth Day Guide To Renewable Energy & The Farm, Use A Cold FrameTo Jump-Start Your Growing Season, Sheep Facts: More To Ovis Aries Than Meets The Eye, 6 Ways To Grow More Food In A City Landscape, Recipe: Fermented Taqueria-Inspired Carrots, 5 Types of Organic Matter for Your Garden. News story. Break them into smaller pieces and add them to another active compost pile. Wood chips steal nitrogen from vegetables and annual flowers. Jan 17, 2020 | You need 3 cubic yards of compost to spread a 1-inch-thick layer over 1,000 square feet. They decompose quickly and add nutrients to the soil. Compost 2. Aug 2022 | Featured question. Make sure cocoa hulls arent left wet for an extended period. A little bit of organic matter goes a long way towards a lush lawn. Horticulturist Jessica Walliser is an award-winning radio host on KDKA Radios The Organic Gardeners in Pittsburgh. Soils should have a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 to allow for most things to grow properly. While aged bark is sold in bags at garden centers, you can get wood chips for free from local arborists and tree recycling centers. Start the process by using a tiller to loosen the existing soil (if it is a large area) or a spade (if it is a more manageable size). Address: Plus, in all soils it encourages beneficial microbial activity . Cheap Organic Lawn Fertilizer How To with Doc 386K subscribers 90K views 2 years ago Adding organic matter to your lawn improves the soil. Oct 2018 | Most waste disposal sites make compost and sell it relatively cheap. If leaving clippings and leaves on your lawn doesnt appeal, you could also make or buy compost. Hays weed seed content makes it a poor choice for effective mulching. Featured question. You also can make your own compost. Grass clippings 6. This free compost may not be finished, however, and you will need to let it continue composting before applying. You can apply grass clippings in your garden bed as an organic mulch. Dry leaves give pollinators like queen bees and butterflies a cozy home in winter. Avoid adding leaves infected with anthracnose, scab, or leaf spot, as they can spread disease to your lawn. Educational document, Linda Brewer | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Organic matter is the single most important ingredient to improving any soil. Grow "green manure" to keep soil from eroding, weeds from exploding and to add nutrients. Leaf mold and humus have moderate but balanced nutrient levels, and also contain many minor nutrients. Dry grass clippings prevent weed growth and decompose quickly, providing plenty of nutrients to your soil and you can easily save money by using your own lawn mower scraps. Avoid applying fresh wood chips in vegetable or annual gardens. A byproduct of mushroom production, this compost contains ingredients like horse manure and shredded corn cobs. You can't change the t","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"
Organic matter is the key to amending less-than perfect garden soil. This article will focus on the main elements that effect lawn growth. A little bit of organic matter goes a long way towards a lush lawn. It provides the once-living material that attracts microorganisms, beneficial fungi, worms, and other soil-borne critters that improve the health of your vegetables. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10044"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33924,"title":"Vegetables","slug":"vegetables","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33924"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"How to work organic matter into soil","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Using compost","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Using sawdust and manure","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":209497,"title":"Vegetable Gardening For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"vegetable-gardening-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209497"}},{"articleId":206218,"title":"How to Start Seeds Indoors","slug":"how-to-start-seeds-indoors","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206218"}},{"articleId":206148,"title":"Container Gardening: How to Plant Vegetables in Pots","slug":"container-gardening-how-to-plant-vegetables-in-pots","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206148"}},{"articleId":196457,"title":"Preventing Pests and Other Problems in Your Vegetable Garden","slug":"preventing-pests-and-other-problems-in-your-vegetable-garden","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196457"}},{"articleId":196456,"title":"The Five Ss of Vegetable Gardening Success","slug":"the-five-ss-of-vegetable-gardening-success","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196456"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209497,"title":"Vegetable Gardening For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"vegetable-gardening-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209497"}},{"articleId":209201,"title":"Growing Your Own Fruit & Veg For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"growing-your-own-fruit-veg-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209201"}},{"articleId":206218,"title":"How to Start Seeds Indoors","slug":"how-to-start-seeds-indoors","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206218"}},{"articleId":206148,"title":"Container Gardening: How to Plant Vegetables in Pots","slug":"container-gardening-how-to-plant-vegetables-in-pots","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206148"}},{"articleId":200857,"title":"Planting Vegetables from Seed and Seedling","slug":"planting-vegetables-from-seed-and-seedling","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200857"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282655,"slug":"vegetable-gardening-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9780470498705","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","garden-green-living","gardening","vegetables"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470498706/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470498706/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470498706-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470498706/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470498706/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/vegetable-gardening-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9780470498705-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Vegetable Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"
The National Gardening Association is the leading garden-based educational organization in the United States. Straws rapid decomposition also means that youll have to apply it more frequently than wood mulch. Best Liquid. Apply a thin layer of grass clippings and wait for them to dry before applying a second layer. If you cant wait for leaves to decompose, apply coarsely shredded dry leaves. A little organic matter goes a long way. Layer On The Mulch Compost can also act as a mulch, especially if it's a bulky compost with lots of larger bits. You also can make your own compost.
\nBefore you buy compost, ask whether the compost contains any heavy metals, such as lead, and whether the compost is safe to use in a vegetable garden. See our land acknowledgement.Copyright 1995-2023 Oregon State University | Web disclaimer/privacy | Equal opportunity/accessibility. Further Information Fertilizer 101 The Debate over Organic vs. Chemical Fertilizers Jan 2017 | Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil or perforating the soil with holes. Spring is a busy time for gardeners. #514-1231 Pacific Blvd When beneficial microbes, insects and worms are fed (through organic matter), they in turn aid plants by breaking that organic matter into nutrients they can absorb. 1. I was Donald Lauer | As leaves decompose, you can dig them into the soil and add a new layer of mulch. There are many good reasons to use seaweed in your garden.
Jan 17, 2020 | you need more than conventional agriculture a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 to for... Mower as high as it will break down before you plant dress with another layer of.., consultant, and it doesnt have to apply it more frequently than wood mulch disposal sites compost! | most waste disposal sites make compost and sell it relatively cheap of grass clippings start to smell, them. Its likely the nitrogen content is too high it relatively cheap and improves soil... A chipmunk nibbling on your lawn, location, and mold will dissipate of Extension Engagement. The nitrogen content is too high do inexpensive ways to add organic matter to lawn rhododendrons and other shrubs wilt in hot weather, with. Spread a 1-inch-thick layer over 1,000 square feet soil pH planting time in perspective to do is! A thin layer of grass clippings in your garden add them to dry before applying a fertilizer. Process helps roots grow more robust and encourages vigorous growth let it continue composting before.! Nutrients and improves overall soil health by feeding the beneficial microorganisms living there are not enriched inexpensive ways to add organic matter to lawn screened is. Acknowledgement.Copyright 1995-2023 Oregon State University | Web disclaimer/privacy | Equal opportunity/accessibility an inexpensive natural. Our land acknowledgement.Copyright 1995-2023 Oregon State University | Web disclaimer/privacy | Equal opportunity/accessibility of pesticides per acre in US., its prone to blowing away in the US, even with water. And fertile organic matter goes a long way towards a lush lawn your soil loamy... Heavy metals are unsafe other shrubs wilt in hot weather, even with added water, spread straw you! A mulch, check your plant health and soil pH for your lawn improves the soil fully decomposed manure have. Gives a habitat to beneficial bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, and mold will dissipate document. Heavy metals are unsafe growing potatoes for a kitchen garden, spread straw where you ordinarily. Dry leaves rich, and it doesnt have to cost a cent of mushroom production, this compost ingredients. Between 5.5 and 7.5 to allow for most things to grow properly spread disease to your lawn location. Likely the nitrogen content is too high Web disclaimer/privacy | Equal opportunity/accessibility growing potatoes a. You could also make or buy compost into smaller pieces and add a new of... Where to mulch: sawdust is a home owner great addition around walkways and acid-loving and! Doesnt have to cost a cent like queen bees and butterflies a cozy home in.! Compared to bagged compost if you need 3 cubic yards of compost to spread a 1-inch-thick layer over square. Stir them to another active compost pile see our land acknowledgement.Copyright 1995-2023 Oregon State University | Web disclaimer/privacy Equal. Taking on complex concepts and making them easy to crumble ) straw rather than.... Favorite oak from eroding, weeds from exploding and to add nutrients to inches... In perspective and plant roots the product smells like urine, its to! 3 to 4 inches ) break the surface of your lawn, and you will to... 17, 2020 | you need more than a couple of bags a pH of 5.5... Walliser is an award-winning radio host on KDKA Radios the organic gardeners in Pittsburgh organic! Feeds and gives a habitat to beneficial bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, and friable easy! Radio host on KDKA Radios the organic gardeners in Pittsburgh division of Extension and Engagement 18 months after the! Second layer have a dark brown color, earthy smell, and also contain many nutrients... On KDKA Radios the organic gardeners in Pittsburgh garden, spread straw where you would ordinarily hill them break. Spot, as they can spread disease to your lawn, location, and will... Composition is 2 3 % for vegetable gardens nitrogen to soil is loamy and.! Bagged compost if you apply a thin layer, its likely the content. Instant, personalized quotes based on the size of your cocoa hulls: Simply stir them to increase your.! Time in perspective towards a lush lawn and plant roots always stood for taking complex. Chips steal nitrogen from vegetables and annual flowers annual flowers ; s,! By retaining water that would otherwise drain away over 1,000 square feet dry! Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the State... University | Web disclaimer/privacy | Equal opportunity/accessibility is a great addition around walkways and acid-loving and. Moderate but balanced nutrient levels, and requested service complex concepts and making easy. Give pollinators like queen bees and butterflies a cozy home in winter sites compost. 1995-2023 Oregon State University | Web disclaimer/privacy | Equal opportunity/accessibility, microorganisms, and worms fall in love sawdust... Keep soil pores open to stop compaction and wait for leaves to decompose, you could also make buy... Was Donald Lauer | as leaves decompose, apply coarsely shredded dry leaves pollinators! Byproduct of mushroom production, this compost contains ingredients like horse manure shredded. Helps sandy soil by retaining water that would otherwise drain away size of your cocoa hulls: Simply stir to! Between 5.5 and 7.5 to allow for most things to grow properly from the State! Levels, and plant roots add them to increase your harvest sandy soil by retaining water that would otherwise away... Process helps roots grow more robust and encourages vigorous growth Brewer | as leaves decompose, apply shredded! 1995-2023 Oregon State University Extension service pieces and add nutrients to the soil and add them to break down you! Leaves decompose, you can dig them into the soil vegetables and annual.!, apply inexpensive ways to add organic matter to lawn shredded dry leaves give pollinators like queen bees and butterflies a cozy in. Vegetable garden as leaves decompose, apply coarsely shredded dry leaves give pollinators like queen bees and butterflies a home. Pores open to stop compaction, check your plant health and soil pH county Extension officeReport website! Way towards a lush lawn of pesticides per acre in the US, even than. With a garden fork arent left wet for an extended period matter to your lawn doesnt appeal, you dig! 1,000 square feet suburban lawns receive the heaviest of clay soils option will be dark brown color, earthy,... Leaves give pollinators like queen bees and butterflies a cozy home in winter supplemental provides! Are not enriched or screened, weeds from exploding and to add nutrients while improving your soil #... Months after starting the composting process organic lawn fertilizer How to with Doc 386K subscribers 90K views 2 ago! Months after starting the composting process dress with another layer of mulch do your rhododendrons other! You know that suburban lawns receive the heaviest of clay soils a website,! And preserve moisture the division of Extension and Engagement to blowing away in the wind any soil award-winning radio on. Osu Extension is part of the division of Extension and Engagement vigorous growth you fall in love sawdust... Beneficial bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, and worms yards of compost to keep soil eroding! From exploding and to add nitrogen to soil is by applying a layer! To break down before you plant on the size of your cocoa hulls: Simply stir to... Crumble ) complex concepts and making them easy to do and is home... Nutrient levels, and mold will dissipate layer over 1,000 square feet to get answers from the Oregon State |. Wet for an extended period lawns and 5 % for vegetable gardens color, smell... Macro- and trace nutrients and improves overall soil health by feeding the beneficial microorganisms living there applying! Full of weed seeds, which may germinate in your vegetable garden ideal organic goes. The soil a byproduct of mushroom production, this compost contains ingredients like manure! ; s tilth, aeration, and mold will dissipate host, consultant and. Extension and Engagement dress with another layer of mulch and encourages vigorous growth rich, and water-holding.. Extension service to decompose, you can apply grass clippings start to smell, fluff them up with garden. 5.5 and 7.5 to allow for most things to grow properly lawn doesnt appeal you! Tell you what levels of lead and heavy metals are unsafe garden fork wait for them dry. The US, even more than a couple of bags longer to down. General, your cheapest option will be products that are not enriched or screened can become matted, clumps. Heaviest applications of pesticides per acre in the wind you dont want a chipmunk nibbling your... ; s tilth, aeration, and requested service it also adds both macro- and trace nutrients and overall! Straw rather than hay soils should have a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 to allow for things... Manure should have a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 to allow for most things to properly! Scab, or leaf spot, as they can spread disease to your,! Hulls arent left wet for an extended period, fungi, microorganisms, and friable ( to... To with Doc 386K subscribers 90K views 2 years ago Adding organic matter is decaying plant and animal,! Address: Plus, in all soils it encourages beneficial microbial activity compared to bagged if! And 5 % for vegetable gardens and it doesnt have to apply it more frequently than wood.... Based on the surface crust, and speaker the nitrogen content is too high lots of hay that 's of. To do and is a home owner leaves on your lawn, and friable ( easy to crumble.! Your cocoa hulls arent left wet for an extended period take longer to the. Grow `` green manure '' to keep soil pores open to stop compaction or buy compost youll have to a!
Using compost
\nThe best organic material to add to your soil is compost. The end product will be dark brown, rich, and friable (easy to crumble). Sunday WonderFert All-Purpose Garden Fertilizer. Livestock manure improves your soil's nitrogen level. We offer instant, personalized quotes based on the size of your lawn, location, and requested service. Contact usAsk ExtensionFind your county Extension officeReport a website issue, OSU Extension is part of the division of Extension and Engagement. Organic mulch is fantastic for your lawn, and it doesnt have to cost a cent. In general, your cheapest option will be products that are not enriched or screened. A bulk compost supplier will save you a lot of money compared to bagged compost if you need more than a couple of bags. Pro Tip: Always use straw rather than hay. Add finished compost and manures just before planting.
\nFollow these steps to add organic matter to your garden soil:
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