Questions:
1. I know I should compost, but I'm not sure how to get started. What's your
suggestion?
2. I told my wife I'm planning to start composting and she's afraid it will
smell. Will it?
3. I know there are a lot of expensive commercial composters, but are there less
expensive versions I can make myself?
4. I rake and bag all my grass clippings after I cut the lawn, but my neighbor
just told me it's best to leave it on the lawn. Is that true?
5. If I'm not currently composting, but I feel guilty throwing away my yard
debris. What are my choices?
6. I noticed my garden store sells lady bugs for the garden. Are they just for
looks are do they have a purpose?
7. I have a toddler and I'm worried about using pesticides on our lawn, but I
have so many weeds! Any suggestions?
Answers:
Q: I know I should compost, but I'm not sure how to get started. What's your suggestion?
A: You can get a free booklet Home Composting Made Easy. The 31-page pamphlet
that includes simple step-by-step instructions, illustrations and answers to
frequently asked questions on composting. Pick up this and other helpful
resources at the solid waste management office in the county planning
department, 401 NE Evans Street in McMinnville, or call 503.434.7445 to receive
a copy by mail.
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Q: I told my wife I'm planning to start composting and she's afraid it will smell. Will it?
A: Compost piles won’t have an odor as long as they maintain the right mixture of green material (grass clippings, etc.) to brown material (leaves, newspaper, etc.). If there is too much green matter, the pile will give off an ammonia smell or if it’s too wet it may give off a sulfer
smell ... but it is easily fixed by simply adding more dried brown materials.
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Q: I know there are a lot of expensive commercial composters, but are there less expensive versions I can make myself?
A: Yes, there are many different types:
haybales,
wooden pallets, or
cement blocks and
vermicomposting.
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Q: I rake and bag all my grass clippings after I cut the lawn, but my neighbor just told me it's best to leave it on the lawn. Is that true?
A: Your neighbor is right on this one! Just leave grass clippings on your lawn. It's great for the lawn, replacing nutrients, and good for the environment. It's also less time consuming and saves your back from all that raking! There's a free helpful pamphlet that can answer any questions you might have about "grasscycling." Pick your copy up at the solid waste management office in the county planning department, 401 NE Evans Street in McMinnville, or email
info@ycsw.org to request your copy.
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Q: If I'm not currently composting, but I feel guilty throwing away my yard debris. What are my choices?
A: There are several drop-off places where you can take your yard debris, guilt-free, because it will be recycled into compost. Also, you may want to check with your neighbors. If they have a compost pile, they might actually welcome your yard debris.
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Q: I noticed my garden store sells lady bugs for the garden. Are they just for looks are do they have a purpose?
A: Ladybird beetles, better known as ladybugs, eat aphids and other soft-bodied pests. They are great friends to the gardener. Other helpful insects, although not as cute as ladybugs, are wasps and spiders. If you use chemical pesticides you may be killing helpful insects that actually control pests naturally.
Email
info@ycsw.org to request your free copy
of Natural Gardening, a 63-page guide that includes a pictorial reference of
both beneficial insects and pests.
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Q: I have a toddler and I'm worried about using pesticides on our lawn, but I have so many weeds! Any suggestions?
A: Your wise to be concerned! Pesticides and fertilizers are poisonous and not only pose a concern in your yard, but can be brought into your house on shoes and pet's paws. There are many tips to rid your yard of weeds naturally. Our articles
Dandelion Wishes and
We Want You for Spring Training! will
give you some specific tips. For more detailed information, email
info@ycsw.org to request your free guide to
natural gardening that includes section on natural weed control. Another great
online resource is
http://extension.oregonstate.edu and click on “gardening information.” There
are hundreds of articles written by experts that will answer your questions …
from aphids to zucchini.
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