Winter - It's Not Over Yet
Author: Bonnie P. Carrier

While reading the news on the Internet this morning I came across an article on that furry little groundhog, better know as Punxsutawney Phil.

As happens every year at this time, the little fur-ball emerged from his burrow, as he’s done since 1886 - wow, he must be really old by now – to give us the updated winter forecast.

Yes sports fans it’s official, good old Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter.

Now your reaction to this news will vary depending on what part of the country you live in. Here in the Northeast, many of us – this author included – do not jump for joy.

If you happen to be one of the winter sports people you know the ones who ski, ice skate, snowmobile etc. this was probably welcomed news.

However, speaking strictly for myself – and anyone else that might agree - the thought of having to continue going out into a cold morning and cleaning off my car or having to dress like I’m crossing the tundra just to take my dog out for a walk doesn’t exactly excite me.

Even my pets have had enough. Paths have had to be shoveled out in the yard for Toby – our little Shetland Sheepdog – if we didn’t do this a red flag would need to be attached to his tail so he would not get lost in the snow.

Now the cats, you’ve heard the expression “Cat Fight”, well it’s happening a little more frequently here these days. Normally the four of them get along fairly well, but I think they have had just about enough of these close quarters

I can totally relate to how they feel, so I’ve come up with a plan to help make the next six weeks – give or take – go by a little more smoothly.

1)Every day that is sunny, I’m going to open the curtains as wide as they will go, place a chair in front of it and sit facing out for as long as possible. Sound funny, well not really, there is a medical benefit from this as anyone who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder – or SAD – knows.

2)Purchase every Home Decorating & Garden magazine that has any articles or pictures dealing with spring that I can find.

3)Looking through the Home Decorating magazines, I’m going to begin making a list of all the projects I want to do, to change my décor from winter to spring.

4)Since moving from our large home into a townhouse, I don’t have an opportunity to do a lot of gardening anymore. But I love looking at garden magazines anyway; the pictures are always so beautiful. Now I do have planters outside the back door, so I can still plan on some flowers and getting my hands dirty.

5)Begin watching the Travel Channel a little more frequently. I’m not planning on taking any trips, but to sit for a half hour to an hour looking and imagining myself in some warm, sunny places will be wonderful.

Well, I think this is a pretty good start. Oh, one more thing, every morning after getting up, going to the kitchen to pour my first cup of coffee I’ll then stand at the back door look out at the mounds of snow and repeat several time

“This will not last, Spring is coming”.

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 bonnie carrier

Turning yard waste into gold.
Author: Steve Enlow

Organic Composting

What is Compost?

Composting is the transformation of organic material
through decomposition into a soil-like material called
compost. Insects, earthworms, and bacteria help in
transforming the material into humus.
Composting is a natural form of recycling, which
continually occurs in nature.

A compost pile is actually a fast-track method of
changing crude organic materials into something
resembling soil, called humus.
Compost making is a simple process.
Done properly it becomes a natural part of your
gardening or yard maintenance activities, as much so
as mowing the lawn.
Making compost does not have to take any more effort
than bagging up yard waste.

Composting is not a mysterious or complicated process.
Natural recycling (composting) occurs on a continuous
basis in our environment.
Organic matter is broken down by microorganisms and
consumed by invertebrates. The resulting nutrients are
returned to the soil to support plant growth.

Composting Basics

Keys to successful home composting.

Organic materials: A good mix consists of three parts
"browns" (materials such as dead leaves that are high in
carbon) and one part "greens" (such as fresh grass
clippings and garden prunings that are high in nitrogen).

Moisture: Composting materials should feel moist but not
overly soggy.

Temperature: Compost should feel warm to the touch except
in the cold winter months.

Air: To prevent unpleasant odors that can occur when
materials decompose without oxygen, compost should be
turned regularly to ensure that air is reaching the center
of the pile.

What Do You Need to Home Compost?

All you need to compost is enthusiasm, yard or food waste
(except meat or dairy products), and some space. Compost
piles don't need to be enclosed, although many people use
a bin or similar enclosure.

Compost bins can be purchased, or you can easily
construct one with common materials such as chicken wire,
snow fencing,lumber or used pallets. Other tools that come
in handy for composting are a garden hose, wheelbarrow and
common garden tools.

A very simple and easy compost bin can be built from
shipping pallets,(available free at most warehouse stores).
Use four pallets and hinge one side to open and you have a
very inexpensive compost bin.

Getting Started
A 4 x 4 x 4-foot area out of direct sunlight is ideal for
your compost pile.

Choose an easily accessible spot on a grass or soil base.
Composting can begin any time of the year, but many people
start in the fall when leaves are abundant.

Organic materials should be mixed, adding water as needed
so that the materials feel like a moist, wrung-out sponge.
The compost pile should be turned after a few weeks so that
the outside layers are mixed with the center of the pile.
Turn compost piles about once a month, except in cold
winter conditions. Water can be added during turning,
if necessary.

Be patient. Different materials will decompose at different
rates but they will all break down eventually. If you want
to speed things up, use smaller pieces.

Another trick to speed up the process. Add some horse or
cow manure. Be sparing in this ingredient, too much will
kill the good bacteria doing their work for mother nature.

Generally, a well managed compost pile with shredded
material under warm conditions will be ready in about
2-4 months. A pile left unattended and material not
shredded may take over a year to decompose. Piles prepared
in the late fall will not be ready for use the following
spring. When the compost is finished, the pile will be
about half its original size and have an earthy smell to it.

About the Author

Steve Enlow is the author of this article. Visit Steve's
most interesting web site at http://www.gardenprofit.com
and download your free copy of Easy Plant Propagation.
How to start all of your landscape plants with free cuttings.