Compost, composting or not

OK... I love gardening and playing in the dirt but the “Black Gumbo” we have here in Frisco and most of North Texas can take the excitement out of the task at hand. Luckily there are solutions that will bring back a smile to your face and life back to your shovel. Some solutions cost more than others but you will be able to get very positive results at an affordable price.

The most affordable option is inorganic ground covers such as gravel and mulches that can be artistically placed on the surface without amending the “soil”. We have been very successful mixing this option with strategic plantings creating a unique client customized, low maintenance solution. The minimal bed preparation was solved by amending with organic matter, compost, before placing our accent plants. Compost for the most part is used to improve the soils structure and texture which will in turn improve its workability.

For bed preparation, I buy affordable quality bulk compost that has been turned and mixed to “cook” the mixture which destroys most weed seeds and pathogens which may be in the raw materials they start with. 6” of compost turned into the new bed with existing soil is all that is needed to provide a workable bed both for you and for your plants. Mulch this bed with 3” of wood mulch initially to help retain moisture, prevent weed growth and keep the soil cooler in the summer. This is all that is needed to have great beds. The bottom 1” of the 3” layer turns to compost each year; so top off with just 1” mulch as a replacement, keeping that protective 3” layer.

Some of my earthy clients were provided a simple wire mesh bin to put odd and end weeds (no seed heads), leaves and cuttings they find while playing in their yard. They can also add raw vegetables, coffee grounds even egg shells. You do not need to mix or turn it to eventually get compost, just water it once in a while if no rain (typical here). In a year or so you can compost off the bottom for your potted plants or small projects. I call this the lazy method but it works, takes minimal effort and gives you a sense of satisfaction. I have 9 compost bins of various designs, save all my organic refuse and will usually get a few yards of lazy compost each year for my beds. I sprinkle on top of the mulch or use in a new bed. Once in a while I'll get a pumpkin or squash coming up somewhere because the lazy method doesn't cook those seeds, oh well.

So whether you make your own or buy compost from a repretable source, compost is a very effective and affordable solution to our “Texas Gumbo” challenge.

Please contact Jeff Platt at Rock Paper Shears Design for environmentally friendly landscaping or any other landscaping needs. 214-226-5706