Focal Point Friday: Composting Basics

Focal Point Friday: Composting Basics

Author: Karin Velez April 21, 2023 Duration: 10:21

This is the time of year when we not only start to have a lot of yard waste and garden waste but we generally have food waste coming out of our kitchens year round, so now is the perfect time to put all that waste to good use. The average American produces about 1,600 pounds (726 kg) of garbage a year and approximately 75% of this garbage is organic material. That means 1200 lbs of the 1600 pounds of waste produced could be composted. Per person. We don’t want that organic material going to the landfills and causing methane gases to add to the atmosphere, so let’s talk about the basic ingredients of a compost pile.

Resources:

Ep. 80 - Creating and Managing a Compost Pile

Ep. 81 - Talking Compost with Stan "The Compost Man"Slaughter

Ep. 82 - Compost Systems for Home Gardeners

Ep. 106 - Introduction to Vermicomposting (Worm Farming!)

What is Vermicompost and Why Should We Care?


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Ever find yourself staring at a seed packet or a struggling tomato plant, wondering what it really needs to thrive? Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening digs into those questions, moving beyond folklore and guesswork. Host Karin Velez believes that understanding the science behind gardening-the "why" as much as the "how"-empowers you to become a more confident and successful grower. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, one who sifts through research and practical experience to offer clear, actionable advice. You’ll hear detailed discussions on everything from soil health and specific plant varieties to managing pests and planning your garden layout effectively. This podcast is designed for anyone with a patch of dirt or a few containers, whether you’ve been cultivating for decades or are just planting your first herb. Karin’s approach demystifies the process of growing your own food, making it accessible and deeply rewarding. The ultimate aim is simple but profound: to equip you with the reliable knowledge needed to harvest something delicious from your own space, season after season. Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful take on home gardening that celebrates both the triumphs and the learning moments inherent in getting your hands dirty.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 333

Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 12 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Broccoli [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:17
On this Garden Talk Tuesday episode, we are talking all about broccoli. This is the first in many episodes to come where we dig deep into one particular crop and discover its origin, what conditions it grows best in, com…
Ep. 11 - Can You Dig It? Vol. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:17
It's our first "Can You Dig It" episode! Karin has a couple interesting gardening news stories to share and answers gardening questions from listeners about frost protection, growing tomatoes in containers, and the diffe…
Ep. 10 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Weed Prevention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This Garden Talk Tuesday we talk strategies for weed prevention, control, and removal. A pound of cure is worth an ounce of prevention is certainly true in the garden. Weeds can take up much of our time and resources if…
Ep. 9 - Eight Garden Trends for 2021 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:30
This Focal Point Friday we’re looking at garden trends for this year, both for the veggie gardener and the flower gardener or home landscaper. 2020 and pandemic life saw crazy upticks in the number of people working from…
Ep. 8 - Growing Zones and Frost Protection In The Garden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:17
This Garden Talk Tuesday we define what a growing zone is, according to the USDA Hardiness Zone map, and talk about what items you should keep on hand to help protect your tender garden seedlings from and unexpected fros…
Ep. 7 - The Science Behind Why Gardening Is Good For Your Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:02
Let's dig into the science behind why gardening is good for you. There are nutritional benefits, for sure, of growing your own food. But, what about the non-nutritional benefits? Join Karin as she "geeks out" just a litt…
Ep. 6 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Seed and Plant Selection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
This episode we talk about plant nomenclature, define different terms surrounding types of seeds and plants, and dig a little bit into starting your own transplants versus purchasing started plants. The MU Extension guid…
Ep. 5 - Experimenting in the Garden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:01
How can you do things a little differently in your garden? Today we'll talk about the numerous ways you can experiment with planting dates, varieties, and techniques in the garden once you've got a couple of seasons unde…