One of the most important components of successful compost production is the presence of sufficient amount of air.

Too little or too much will cause your compost materials to decompose too fast or too slow, thus, virtually defeating the purpose of the whole activity. Or at least, you will need to restack the whole pile.

You also need to learn how to aerate compost for many reasons. For one thing, aerating re-heats the compost heap and keeps it in an aerobic state. This is very important in the decomposition process as air keeps the brown and green materials burning, so to speak. For another thing, turning eliminates and solves many composting problems such as bad odors and large partially decomposed materials.

Turn Regularly

The general rule is that the compost pile must be turned once every 7-10 days although the type of pile will affect said rule. If you have a batch pile, you need to turn every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks and then just once weekly for the succeeding 4-8 weeks. If you have an add-as-you-go pile, you have to turn it every few time as the scraps are mixed in or when the pile appears matted than it should be. Always remember to seal the top of the compost pile with soil and other brown materials so as to hide the food scraps from unwanted insects and animals.

Use the Correct Tools

The tips on how to aerate compost will not be complete without mention of the appropriate tools. These will keep you safe from insect bites as well as make the work easier and faster. You can either use a garden fork and shovel or purchase a compost aerator tool, either of which will do the work just fine.

You must thoroughly turn the inner part of the compost pile out into the sides of the bin and turn the outer parts of the compost heap into the center. This process will allow the cooler compost materials to provide heat to the center.

Or you can always transfer the pile from one bin to another or from one location to another. This is especially true when the compost pile is ready for use.

Check Moisture

Before turning the compost pile, always check for the moisture level by taking a handful of the compost and squeezing normally. It should have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge - wet but not dripping with water. If it is too wet, you need to spread the materials to dry them or mix in dry brown materials like straw and leaves. It also helps to transfer your pile into a well-drained location. If it is too dry, you have to water layers every 6 to 12 inches during the compost pile's initial building stages. You should also spray water when turning the compost pile until it attains the desired moisture level.

When you know how to aerate compost, you are assured of an organic fertilizer that will provide for abundant crops, save the environment from chemical fertilizer run-off and lessen your planting costs. All these benefits because you took the time to turn your compost pile!

Italian cuisine is enjoyed all over the world. The distinctive array of herbs that tradition has mixed for flavoring has gendered the unique blend that Italian meals are always a pleasure to the pallet.

Adding Italian herbs plants in the vicinity of an already existing vegetable garden adds flavor to them, especially tomatoes and peppers. You will also enjoy the unmistakable scent of the Mediterranean anytime you stroll by that area.

To achieve this authentic Mediterranean taste to your meals, you first need to know which herbs to add when cooking Italian. Although the necessary herbs can be bought at your local store, they can be grown in your Italian herb garden, preferably near your kitchen area or directly in the kitchen itself in a small interior garden.

Better known herbs such as basil, fennel, rosemary, oregano, and parsley are commonly found in kitchens all over the world. Some might even be already growing in your garden.

The use of these herbs in Italian cooking is due specifically to the abundance of them growing naturally in this specific weather condition so that the transition easily found its way in Italian kitchens. Pasta, pizza, bruschetta, salad, soups, veal and chicken are among the meals that comes to life with the addition of these herbs.

Growing these herbs in your garden to accompany your cooking will ask for a bit of planning. Plants need to be planted with some specific care and some accommodations must be taken into consideration.

An important point to consider is to make these plants accessible. Remember, when you are cooking or preparing a meal, you will certainly prefer being able to collect the needed leaves at arms reach, or at least a easily accessible area of your garden at near proximity of the kitchen.

Also, the nearer the plant are for you to gather from to flavor your food, the more likely you are to take care of their growing needs. The more tendering to give to your plants, the healthier they will grow. Having them at a nearby location also surrounds you with their distinct aromas.

Another factor that will deeply influence the quality of growth of your Italian herb garden is the soil that is to be used. A loose soil which is low in nutrients and lime is ideal and you should definitively avoid hard packed soil. It is equally important that the soil retains a proper amount of water after it has rained or after watering your garden. Water must nor log into this soil under any circumstance. This can be accomplished with a proper balance of soil, gravel and sand. This will result in healthier, happier plants.

The best surface to grow the herbs is on level ground. In a depression, water will collect in a pool and drown the plant or rot the roots. On a slope will cause the protective topsoil to eventually wash away. To assure the right amount of water, a leveled ground is the way to go, it will also contribute to the height of the growing plants.

Italian herbs are attracted to hot and dry climates. Of course, not watering the plants is not an option to achieve this type of weather. It might be a good idea to plant these herbs near other plants that tends to absorb moisture or use box hedges can also contribute at reducing moisture out of the air and can also provide shade when needed. The rule of thumb is to carefully read the instructions on the seeds envelope.

At the same time, verify the height that each plant can achieve during growth to properly plan your planting arrangement. The amount of sun and root structure of the different herbs you will be growing are other factors to keep in mind Hedges might cause partial shade during the latter part of the sunlit hours and shorter plants, that required maximum sunlight, might suffer if not placed accordingly. Also, avoid planting too many shrubs to closely for they will be competing for the water in the ground which might starve other herbs of that same water and the nutrients that they need to grow strong.

If you take into consideration the sunlight, the watering and wind conditions along with these tips, you can give your plants everything they need to grow well and healthy without sacrificing other plants.

If you found this information useful, you may wish to visit my website and continue learning how to start a great Italian herb garden.

Modern lifestyle with its hectic pace and space confines makes it difficult to provide dedicated territory for herb kingdom. However container gardening is an easy option for people who are living in apartments. This can brighten patios, indoors and gazebos. Many herbs grow reasonably well in pots if due care is taken. The herbs need more attention as they are confined to the pots that restricts their growth. The small leaves and fewer blooms are obvious due to constraint in space. However with a lot of love and tender care, the herbs will be happy and bring greenery,fresh aroma to your small patio or windowsill home herb garden.

Elementary Requirements Of Container Gardening

To prevent water clogging, raise the level of the pots from the ground by inserting wooden planks or water-proof material to avoid damaging the floor. Good drainage and air is required for a healthy growth. For very hot climates, use a mist spray to cool your herbs or wrap them with wet Hessian. Alternatively, save your herbs from icy cold weather by bringing them to a warmer location or providing covers. A container with wheels is ideal for porting pots from one place to another. A trolley is also a good idea to transport the pots without disturbing the herbs. The pots and the plants should be in harmony. The texture of pots should complement the colors of herbs. Some hues do not go well together, get bright colored terra-cotta or earthen pots that go along with the green, purple color of the herbs.

Terrarium for Growing herbs in Pots

A Wardian Case which is also known as a plant Terrarium is excellent for growing herbs indoors. It was invented by Wardian Case and is terrific for humidity loving tropical herbs like ferns. It is so easy to use that you will get hooked to it. The Terrarium is generally a glass case that holds moisture so you can conveniently forget to water the herbs. The moisture is sustained for days and sometimes weeks. Almost any type of herb that is not very hungry for space will survive in Terrarium.

Tools for Container Gardening

Regardless of your size and choice of your container garden, you will need durable gardening tools. Container gardening tools range from and are not limited to gardening sieves, pruner, watering cans, trowels, wrist-easy hand rakes, and soil-testing kits for measuring pH value and moisture content. Any garden store provides a great selection of quality garden tools, and you can even purchase that little garden Gnome you've been dreaming of. According to a European folklore, Gnomes are often depicted as having beards and usually wear red hats. They are known to smoke pipes and help with your garden secretly at nights.

Plants for Container Gardening

Now that you are equipped with a list of garden pots and tools, it is time to choose the herbs. Start small with a few of your favorite herbs - Mint, Basi, Thyme and Coriander. And then after 2 to 4 weeks, your garden will be ready to add more from the thousand of varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs. Keep in mind the climate and the garden layout while selecting herbs. Read about them and you are sure to have beautiful sprouts and blossoms in your little herb garden very soon.

Mint Frost

Mint frost is a good choice for pots. This herb grows 15 inches tall with white flowers on red petioles. Mounds of cool, soft, shimmer sliver mint with undertones of olive green, chartreuse color will flock the pot when fully grown.

Chives

Chives require moist, rich soil and plenty of sun. Pruning will result in healthy chives. Common chives are mostly evergreen in mild climates, but become dormant in harsh winter season.

Basil

Many types of this tender, tropical annual herb exist, but most varieties of Basil grow quickly and easily in warm climate with soil that needs fertilizing.

Thyme

Common Thyme which adds great aroma to meat dishes and soups, thrives in warm sun and fairly dry soil.

Cilantro (Coriander)

Cilantro is an annual herb which thrives in just about any type of garden soil. For best results use home compost or organic fertilizer.

Sweet Marjoram

It is a rich, sweet tasting herb and has tender leaves and stems. It grows well just about anywhere from seeds or cuttings and is a great kitchen windowsill garden choice.

Anise

Anise needs consistent watering, but you must not over water it. Plant it in full sun and make sure the soil drains well.

French Tarragon

This perennial herb enhances the growth of surrounding vegetables and prefers sandy loam. Tarragon is tolerant to full or partial shade.

Grow the home herb garden with glowing pride and complete confidence, it will very soon become 'Neighbour's Envy' and 'Owner's Pride'.

Although most tomato plants enjoy long, hot, dry seasons you can grow them successfully in moderate climates.To do this, first learn how to plant tomatoes in cooler vegetable gardens and give them a healthy start to life. The following steps will help you get your tomato plants off on the right foot.

Select the best variety of tomato plants

I find sweet tasting cherry tomatoes do well in vegetable gardens where summers are short. They tend to crop early and they continue to fruit for an extended time. Cherry tomato seedlings are available from nurseries and best planted in spring after the end of frosts.

Select a full sun site

This is even more important in cooler vegetable gardens than in those in warmer climates.

Create a rich, healthy soil

All vegetable garden soils should be filled with adequate nutrients and organic matter, but especially when tomatoes grow there as they 'hungry plants' and need the benefits of a healthy soil to thrive best. Add well rotted compost, a few handfuls of potash for extensive flowering and fruiting and animal manure pellets to release additional nutrients slowly across the season.

Construct a stable, growing structure

Cherry tomatoes grow to considerable heights and need to be supported as they inch skywards. There are different ways to support tomato plants.You cab buy wire tomato cages hat serve this purpose but a less expensive and time-proven method is to construct a tomato stake. Push 3 stakes of similar length into the ground (bamboo or other timber stakes are best) approximately 12 inches apart. Tie the stakes together near the top with a piece of string.

Plant deeply

Dig a hole next to each of the stakes. Cherry tomato plants can be planted a little deeper in the soil than other vegetables. By burying the stem as deeply as possible, the tomato plant root ball increases. Tie the seedling loosely to the stake using string. To best master the art of how to plant tomatoes like these, always remove any lateral stems that may be present. This will support the development of a strong, healthy main stem.

Water well

After planting, water heavily allowing the soil to dry considerably before watering again. Irrigate wherever possible keeping water off the leaves of the tomato plant.

Keep the soil warm and moist

One of the best tips as you learn how to plant tomatoes in cooler vegetable gardens is to place a layer of 3-inch thick straw or grass mulch over the soil between the plants.

I can remember at being very excited about a new project I was starting. At first I had already foreseen a long stimulating future at enjoying this hobby. I bought all what deemed to me as necessary to start digging in this new adventure. Unfortunately after a while I slowly varied my activities, the latter ending up occupying more and more of my time than my beloved pastime until I went on to new points of interest. A lot of the material is still in the garage, certain items still in their unopened packaging.

The same can be applied to gardening, especially if it is a new found interest or a lack of experience. It could be wise to begin this hobby with a miniature version and give you the opportunity to test how much you enjoy this activity and how well it may blend in your day-to-day routine.

Happily herb garden kits are a simple solution to get you up and running in a very short time and let you set the limits to how much time and efforts you are willing to devote yourself to this past time. Here are some instances when these ''kits" comes in handy.

Time

People are busy rushing from home to their jobs and everything in between. It is a great idea to cultivate herbs for whatever reason it is appealing to you and it is also fairly simple. How much time do you have to keep you herbs happy and healthy. Any herb that you plant has to be tended to, from beginning to end including harvesting. Does your time frame permit outdoor gardening or will it be more convenient and time saving if you choose the indoors gardening option?

Space

Another factor that can greatly influence your choice is space. City dwellers might not have a large space for gardening and are often limited to the confines of a small apartment, or perhaps outside temperatures would not be very friendly to the young plants. A small kit can be composed of a set of 3-4 plants of different herbs that can set on that sunny windowsill in the kitchen. You will find one plant of an herb is enough to fulfill the need. Know your herbs and how to tend to them because some plants can start spreading from a single sprout when out of control.

Commodity

Herb garden kits comes complete with everything you need except for the water and sunshine. Some kits might even contain grow lights that control photosynthesis. You can even get a kit with plants that grows submerged in water, this solution even eliminate the possibility of dirt spilling and creating a mess in your home.

All kits include step-by-step instructions on how to set-up everything, how to plant and care of the herbs, harvesting, characteristics of each individual plants and tips for best results.

Choice

Another pleasant aspect of buying a kit is that there is a tremendous amount of variation offered. You need to choose which category of herbs you plan on growing. Will the harvested leaves be used for culinary reason or, perhaps, you tend more towards medicinal herbs? The quantity that you will need depends largely on the usage you are aiming for. Remember that with herbs 1 plant will go a long way.

Prices is also a factor but it should not be exclusive. Seed-based kits are less expensive than the sprout version but can be a bit more time consuming and even fragile. Also some herbs can be quite a challenge to a beginner when started from seeds.

Overall, available space and the time you can devote to its care are deciding factor for a kit that is best for you. A small kit containing 4-5 herbs that can grow on your windowsill and may require only simple occasional watering. A large kit offers all that you need to cultivate a 10x10 feet garden.

Take the time you need to plan your garden whatever the size, you will be happy that you did later. List the herbs that you wish to grow and visit a few places to compare prices and options that may suit you best. There is a herb garden kit waiting for you that thoroughly meet your need.

When you have basic information on properly caring and growing your particular variety of orchid then you can get started on the adventure that is growing beautiful orchids. It is important that you get useful information for your individual orchid type.

Rather than grouping your orchid's types together and taking in some general information about them, it is important to get specific information about individual orchid species. This article is going to be providing you information on the Cattleya Forbesii orchid variety.

Why is this article discussing this particular type of orchid? One reason is that it is best to understand individual orchid species rather than combining species and getting only general information. However, the more important reason for discussing this particular orchid is that it is the easiest to grow, order over the internet and provides you with fun in growing orchids. So take the time to follow the orchid information in this article so you can enhance your experience of growing orchids.

First, you need to consider the plant itself. The generic name of the plant is Cattleya and its species name is Forbesii. It is a medium sized plant typically found in large quantities throughout the swamps of Rio de Janero in Brazil. C. Forbesii is a common member of the bi-foliate group. While it isn't a colorful species, it is a showy genus that exhibits some peculiar features.

There are four flowers that are buff in color and have star-shaped segments that are thin and quite flat. The colors of this plant range from green to light tan with the occasional pink tint. This plant has an albino type that is apple green in color. The plant has an attractive lip that is white with red stripes and yellow throat. This is the most colorful part of the orchid. The flowers are born inflorescences and have a very long lasting fragrance.

Seven of these flowers have a waxy texture, but four are observed in most plants. This orchid is easily available and can be grown outdoors in a warm to intermediate condition in Brazil. This is why you often find this orchid in mixed collections. This species grows best near rivers and streams as an epiphyte, but can sometimes grow as lithophytes. When near the sea the orchid grows as an epiphyte on small trees or within thick, shrubby vegetation. It can also grow as lithophytes on rocks that face the sea.

When away from the sea, the plant can grow as an epiphyte on larger tress in a swamp. Further away from the sea and this plant species can be found growing as epiphytes on large trees in slopes no matter where they are located. C. Forbesii often prefers protection unlike C. Harrisonia, which is another part of the genus. This plant species requires high humidity and air movement. It is a specific of orchid that needs winter night temperatures of 50 degrees. As a fast growing plant, the C. Forbesii can quickly become a specimen-sized plant with flowering leads.

The seedlings of this unique orchid species can flower in two to three years. This orchid information is basic knowledge that will help you grow C. Forbesii. You can't completely know what this orchid is about until you actually try to grow one. However, in order to protect and care for your orchid you need to check the internet or go to the library in order to read about improving the plants health.

Be sure to look for strange signs or anything that is deviating from the perfect orchid. How the orchid look is the only way that plant can communicate with your regarding what is happening. Carefully watch your plant and try to help it when it needs it.

When homeowners say they are going to prune their shrubs, they often mean they are going to 'shear' their shrubs. Although shearing has its uses in landscaping, it is usually done for aesthetic reasons and seldom results in a healthy plant. Pruning on the other hand, if done correctly, leaves the plant healthier and shaped more true to its natural form.

Shearing, sometimes called heading, is used to form shrubs into desired shapes as in a hedge or as a topiary. Although the plants are aesthetically pleasing, they are seldom healthy. Shearing results in stimulating a lot of new growth at the very outside of the plant where the cuts are made. This thick growth then prevents light from reaching the inside of the plant, causing the interior to be limited in foliage and contain mainly branches. The growth at the point of shearing will be very fast, resulting in the need for constant shearing to keep the plant in the desired shape. If you feel you must have that manicured hedge, when shaping the hedge, leave the base wider than the top. This will allow sun to reach the lower branches with the end result of maintaining a healthier plant.

Another reason plants are sheared is that the wrong size plant was chosen for a location. Always remember when purchasing plants to take into account its' mature size. Since most plants come in a varieties of mature sizes, take your time and choose a plant appropriate for the allocated space. If you chose a variety that will grow larger than you need or have allowed space for, you will be constantly shearing it back to the appropriate size. However, if you find yourself in this situation, actual pruning, not shearing, will be easier on you and the shrub.

Proper pruning always results in the healthier more vigorous plant. Proper pruning also leaves the shrub in its true form, not shaped into something it isn't. Take the Crepe Myrtle for example. For years, Crepe Myrtles were cut back to the main trunks every winter, causing the plants to sprout multiple arching stems on each trunk. This shape became associated with the Crepe Myrtle and soon became the norm. Only now are landscapers learning to use different varieties in different locations and allowing the plant to grow as nature intended. These Crepe Myrtles require minimal, care just the removal of unwanted sprouts on the major stems and around the base, and are just as beautiful, if not more so, than the ones that have been "Crepe Murdered".

Any pruning should begin with removal of any dead or crossing branches. Crossing branches are branches that grow inward toward or crossing the inside of the shrub. These are of no use and can inhibit the growth of desired branches by shading the inside of the plant. Once the dead and crossing branches have been removed, you will need to determine what type of pruning the shrub needs: maintenance or rejuvenation.

Maintenance pruning is only required a couple of times a year and involves just removing unwanted branches to maintain a natural shape. Look for long branches that look out of place. When removing, reach into the center of the plant and find the point of natural branching. This is the place you want to make the cut. The cut should be at a 45 degree angle to allow water to run off. Make the cut 1/4 inch above a bud node. The bud node is where new growth will begin, so choose a node pointing in the direction of the desired growth. Choosing a node pointed toward the center of the plant will result in a crossing branch. If the shrub is a flowering variety such as azaleas, remember the old adage "Prune after Bloom" if you still want your yearly bloom.

Rejuvenation pruning should be reserved for older plants. As plants age, major stems or branches lose their vigor and become unproductive. Rejuvenation pruning means exactly what it says, it rejuvenates older plants by returning them to their prior vigor and form. There are two ways to do this, one drastic and the other is less severe.

Sometimes called renewal pruning, this drastic pruning involves cutting the plant completely back to a height between 6 to 12 inches. Since this can be very hard on a plant, it is not suitable for all shrubs, so check with your local nursery, extension agent or research it yourself before cutting. Timing is also critical with this type of pruning as the plant will need time to recover. Late winter or very early spring is best as the plant is still dormant. Pruning is late Fall or mid-Winter may actually stimulate growth that can then be damaged by the cold. Renewal pruning will result in vigorous growth and by summer stems can then be thinned and trimmed to encourage lateral branching.

If the plant is still fairly vigorous, if the shrub cannot handle a drastic cutback or if you want to rejuvenate the shrub but still maintain its form in the landscape, you can do a less drastic long term rejuvenation. This process spans a three year period, so only one third of the plant is removed at any time. Begin by determining which are the oldest, least productive stems and cut them back to the ground but do not remove more than one third of the plant. The second year, once again review and remove the oldest one third of the stems. Finally in the third year, you will remove the remaining old stems. Now you have a completely new vigorous plant and yet you maintained your desired landscaping during this process.

Following these simple techniques will keep your shrubs healthy, vigorous and, in the case of flowering shrubs, covered in blooms year after year.

Established perennial flowerbeds offer a variety of textures, shapes, sizes and above all colors throughout the growing season. When people envision what a flower garden should look like they usually imagine a lush and beautiful bloom filled perennial flowerbed. It takes patience, a lot of trial and error and time to establish a perennial flowerbed but the rewards are plenty.

What are Perennials?

Perennials are plants that die back in the winter (except for their roots) and comeback in the spring. They send up new shoots every year, then flower and once again die back to their roots in the winter time. Some perennials like delphiniums live for only a few seasons whilst others like peonies can live indefinitely.

Choosing the Right Perennials for your Zone

There are thousands of perennials to choose from. Luckily the choice is narrowed by your gardening zone. You zone determines your local climate specifically freeze dates and average temperatures. Soil type, garden design (cottage, formal, woodland) also help narrow your perennial plant choice. Local nurseries can help decide which plants are suitably adapted to your region.

Starting your Garden Right

People say that plants grow in spite of the soil but growing healthy plants requires healthy soil. Take the time to learn your soil type and pH. Amend your soil when necessary. If you have time and your soil is sub par, take the time to build your soil fertility. Add manure for nutrients and compost for organic matter. Well developed soil retains moisture and nutrients which means less watering and feeding for the perennials. If you don't have the time to develop your soil consider purchasing quality top soil.

Other Considerations

Choosing a location with optimal light allows for a wider choice of plant types. However, there are many different plants that are suited to grow in less sunlight. These perennials are just as colorful and also offer interesting textures to the shaded garden space.

Getting Started with your Perennial Garden

Once you've amended your soil, determined your zone, chosen your garden design and plants, its time to get started planting. Use the standard rule of planting; short plants in the front and taller ones in the back. Space the plants are directed. Initially the garden bed may look sparsely populated but perennials will grow and spread and fill in the gaps. In the meantime you can buy annuals which are fast growing to fill in the gaps.

Mistakes in Gardening are Allowed

If you notice that some of the plants are not doing well, it is okay to remove them and plant them elsewhere. Mulching the flowerbed can help keep the weeds down but will stop the self seeding perennials from multiplying. Mulching also benefits the flower bed by adding much needed organic matter to soil. Some plants may fair better than others and become invasive. In those cases, keep invasive plants confined to containers within the flowerbed. Invasive plants include plants such as mints and ajuga.

It may take a couple of years to establish a perennial garden, but once established the garden will need little or no maintenance as it grows the way nature intended.

The benefits of compost gardening go beyond saving the environment from further ruin caused by the build-up of chemical fertilizers in the soil. As humans, we can also benefit from compost gardening in terms of looking after the health of our pockets and the health of our bodies. Keep in mind that in these recessionary times, our financial status affects our mental health and, consequently, our physical well-being.

Physical Health

Gardening is an exercise in itself. Just imagine the weeding and rowing, digging and shoveling, transferring and transplanting, among other activities, that goes into each hour spent gardening. While you are at it, you enjoy it, too, which cannot be said of other forms of exercises-cum-physical torture.

And that's just for gardening as a whole! The benefits of compost gardening may be greater because you have to make your own fertilizer instead of buying it ready-made from the store. Doing so means new activities like transporting buckets of compost material to the pile, aerating the pile with a fork, turning the compost tumbler, shoveling compost from one bin to the next, and then placing the compost in the soil. You can just imagine the number of calories burned doing all these activities.

Speaking of calories, you burn the following number of calories with each activity:

• Watering or weeding the plants - 60 calories for every 30 minutes
• Mowing with the manual mower - 230 calories per 30 minutes
• Planting seeds - 170 calories per 30 minutes
• Turning the compost - 150 calories per 30 minutes

Now, if you add up all these burned calories, you can truly see the physical benefits of compost gardening in the form of a toned body. Better yet, you can have better health where obesity, high cholesterol and blood pressure levels and other cardiovascular diseases are concerned.

Your mental health also improves with compost gardening. There is something almost meditative about turning the compost, weeding the beds and even digging into the soil. Also, gardening is a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the maddening crowd.

Pocket Health

Did you know that for every hundred dollars you spend on vegetable gardening, you can harvest at least a $1,000 worth of fresh produce? Yes, you can save your money from the cashier's box at your neighborhood supermarket when you harvest from your own garden. And you need not even engage in large scale gardening to reap its financial benefits.

Consider these: If you grow your own tomatoes by buying a packet of 30 seeds of tomatoes at $3.45 each and plant just 6 seeds, you can harvest tomatoes valued at $450! This is also true of crops like polo beans, herbs, squash and other fruits and vegetables. Also, you can save on gifts these holiday season when you can harvest from your garden, make them into gift baskets or cook pies and meals from them. Your recipients will even appreciate your gifts because of the personalized touch.

Indeed, the benefits of compost gardening are many such that it would be shame not to take advantage of them. So, starting today, do look into your backyard and trashcans and see what you can with both things.

As their name implies, compost tumblers function by tumbling the compost materials so as to achieve aeration, aid in decomposition and evenly distribute moisture. As such, composting with the use of tumblers is one of the fastest ways to make finished organic fertilizer. However, before you go buying or building a composite tumbler of your own, it pays to know of some basic things about it. This way, you know what you are getting into especially in relation with compost bins and other alternatives for the use of organic fertilizer like sheet and trench composting.

Choosing Store-Bought Tumblers

There are four basic types of composite tumblers, which you can choose from in gardening supplies stores.

First, center-axle mounted drums have the drum above the ground with a single axle running through its center. To operate, you just manually rotate the drum. You need to look for units with openings at both ends for easier unloading of the finished compost.

Second, rolling drums on a base allow for the collection of compost tea at its base. This time, the barrel is located on top of a base sitting on the ground. You will have to roll the drum to load and unload compost.

Third, rolling spheres are composite tumblers with a difference - these do not have a base. Instead, these are drums that must be rolled around the yard but may also contain flat sides to allow them to stay put.

Fourth and generally considered to be the best, crank-operated rolling drums are driven by gear systems that can be hand cranked. As such, this is the easiest type to operate with the added advantage of easy loading and unloading to a wheelbarrow as well as internal mechanisms that allow for improved mixing action.

If possible, throw in a few dollars more for the crank-operated type since it pays for itself. Keep in mind that it is easier to operate, has larger capacity and lasts longer. Of course, you should always evaluate the pros and cons of the other models since each gardener's needs and budgets definitely differ from the others.

Building Your Own

Now, if you do not have the money for composite tumblers or if you have the knack for do-it-yourself projects, then building your own is an excellent option.

• Look for either a 55-gallon steel drum or a 45-gallon plastic drum, which can be bought from stores or maybe found just lying around in junk shops. If you are using a steel drum, paint it all over with rust-resistant paint.
• Drill 1/4 -inch holes in the sides of the drum to allow oxygen to enter. Of course, make a re-sealable opening at one end.
• Make two holes in the middle of the drum, one on each side, to allow any rust-resistant metal to be threaded through them.
• Erect two poles on the ground such that their distance should be sufficient to place the drum between them with about a foot of clearance on each side. Mount cups on top of these upright poles upon which the drum's pole will be placed on. Make sure that the clearance between drum and ground is not less than 3 feet.
• Mount the drum and place the locks.

With the variety of composite tumblers available, there is simply no excuse not to use them.