AZ Herb Forum2024-03-29T13:23:49Zhttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/feed/allgreenhouse, shredder, Back To Eden Organic Gardeninghttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/greenhouse-shredder-back-to-eden-organic-gardening2017-05-15T13:40:15.000Z2017-05-15T13:40:15.000Znetty wisbaumhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/nettywisbaum<div><p><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#000080;"><strong>Searching for used greenhouse and shredder/chipper as well as those familiar with</strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#000080;"><strong><span style="font-family:Garamond, serif;font-size:12pt;">Back To Eden Organic Gardening Film | How to Grow a Vegetable Garden <a href="http://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/back-eden-organic-gardening-film-grow-vegetable-garden/187890"><span style="color:#000080;"><font color="#0000FF">http://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/back-eden-organic-gardening-film-grow-vegetable-garden/187890</font></span></a> Thank you</span></strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#000080;"><strong>Netty Wisbaum</strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#000080;"><strong>602 826-5652</strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#000080;"><strong><a href="mailto:netty@tasteofaz.com">netty@tasteofaz.com</a></strong></span></p><p></p></div>Need to borrow worm farm for two monhshttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/need-to-borrow-worm-farm-for-two-monhs2016-01-19T00:15:02.000Z2016-01-19T00:15:02.000ZChuck Holmeshttps://azherb.ning.com/members/ChuckHolmes<div><p>In condo in Fountain Hills to end of March. Hate to put kitchen waste in trash or disposal. Can anybody loan me a small bin with worms? I will feed apple cores, banana peels, carrot/celery trimmings, crushed egg shells. You will get everything back incl compost. Doing vermiculture in MI over 5 years.. Thanks.</p><p>Chuck</p></div>Composted Manure for Salehttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/composted-manure-for-sale2016-01-09T19:30:52.000Z2016-01-09T19:30:52.000ZAlison McKeehttps://azherb.ning.com/members/AlisonMcKee<div><p>We have a large batch of composted manure ready. $3 per bag - stacked and ready for pick up. These are reused 50 lb. feed bags. $2 per bag - bring your own bag & you bag it. Or, $40 per truck bed or trailer. We'll fill YOUR truck or trailer with our small tractor. Sorry, we don't deliver! This is a combination of horse, donkey, goat, chicken and turkey manure with associated bedding, straw & wood shavings. We hot compost, manage the temps and moisture. Our animals are immunized, wormed and medicated as needed. Please read about how these vermicides & antibiotics degrade here, <a href="http://www.santacruzwire.com/index.php/maria-gaura/162-is-horse-manure-safe-for-organic-gardens.html">http://www.santacruzwire.com/index.php/maria-gaura/162-is-horse-manure-safe-for-organic-gardens.html</a> We do hot compost and each bin is a minimum of 4 months old, leaving minimal residue in our finished product. Located in North Phoenix off of 13th Ave & Happy Valley Rd. Call or txt me at 602-702-3676 ~ Alison</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020539892,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020539892,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="5020539892?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>Bin on the left is what we start with, bin on the right is our finished product. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020540889,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020540889,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="5020540889?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>We hot compost, managing temps and moisture too kill any harmful pathogens & seeds.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020540666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020540666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="5020540666?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We have many repeat customers that are happy with their garden results. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020576056,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020576056,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="5020576056?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>One of our adorable contributors to our compost! Hoss says, thanks for your interest in our poop! </p><p></p></div>Water harvesting series with urban soils class!https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/water-harvesting-series-with-urban-soils-class2016-01-04T14:57:07.000Z2016-01-04T14:57:07.000ZLindsay Ignatowskihttps://azherb.ning.com/members/LindsayIgnatowski<div><p>Hi all, I work for VPA partner Watershed Management Group, and I'd like to let you know about an upcoming project series we're holding to help people learn about using rainwater harvesting, greywater, native plants, and more to build healthy urban soils. If you're interested in coming, please make sure to pre-register online. The course fee allows you to bring a friend or other members of your household. Feel free to message me with any questions. Thanks and happy new year!</p><p>Lindsay</p><p></p><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><strong>Quench Your Thirst for Knowledge with <em>Hydrate Tempe</em></strong></div><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><p></p><p><font color="#000000">Time/Date: January 19 – February 23, Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. </font>Location: 24 Carrots Natural Café and Urban Juicery, 1701 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe </p><p>Learn how to create a sustainable backyard oasis at WMG’s six-part <em>Hydrate Tempe</em> project series. Each presentation includes a mini-project to create an action plan for your home. Hydrate with fresh smoothies and juices, and soak in knowledge about greywater, composting, and building a rain garden. Join us for your favorite topics or attend the full series to build a comprehensive site plan.</p><p>$20 registration fee per household includes project folder and activities, a rain gauge at the first session you attend, and a fresh fruit smoothie from 24 Carrots. Sign up for the first session on January 19 to be entered in a raffle to win a free 55-gallon rain barrel! Learn more and sign up online at <a href="http://watershedmg.org/hydrate" target="_blank">watershedmg.org/hydrate</a>. </p><p><strong>Series Schedule</strong></p><ul><li><strong>January 19 – Hydrate Your Home & Community</strong><br />Convert our yearly 8" of rainfall into thousands of gallons of rain for your plants. </li><li><strong>January 26 – Hydrate Your Plants</strong><br />Create a beautiful landscape with native plants and trees</li><li><strong>February 2 – Hydrate Your Yard</strong><br />Harvest the rain with only a shovel</li><li><strong>February 9 – Hydrate Your Food</strong><br />Use rain tanks to support your vegetable garden</li><li><strong>February 16 – Hydrate Your Soils</strong><br />Turn waste into resources and build healthy soils</li><li><strong>February 23 – Hydrate With Greywater</strong><br />Harvest greywater to complete your backyard oasis</li></ul><p></p></div></div></div></div></div><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020570895,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">Hydrate-tempe-webgraphic_2015-11-13.jpg</a></p></div>Compost & Rain Barrel For Sale or Free to Good Cause!https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/compost-rain-barrel-for-sale-or-free-to-good-cause2015-08-15T23:56:08.000Z2015-08-15T23:56:08.000ZHelen E. Raleighhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/HelenERaleigh<div><p>Be water smart and eco friendly with this easy and fun way to try your hand at composting. Simply put in some soil from your yard, add your food waste, shredded paper or brown leaves and spin the barrel. A great treat for your garden and landscape plants plus it has a 47 gallon rain barrel in the bottom that turns rain water into compost tea. Originally paid $280 including tax and shipping. Will sell for $50 or donate to a good cause i.e. school, community garden.</p><p><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020565853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-full" alt="5020565853?profile=original" /></p><p>Here are the details from the place I purchased it:<br />Good Ideas EZCJR-BLK 7-Cubic-Foot Compost Wizard Jr.<br />7-cubic foot capacity - 100% Recycled Material - BPA Free<br />Made from 98% post industrial polyethylene<br />Recessed handles and wheeled base make turning almost effortless<br />Child and pet safe<br />Black color provides heat for quick compost</p></div>Broad Fork For Sale at Super Duper VPA Fellow Gardener Discount!https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/broad-fork-for-sale-at-super-duper-vpa-fellow-gardener-discount2015-08-15T23:46:23.000Z2015-08-15T23:46:23.000ZHelen E. Raleighhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/HelenERaleigh<div><p><span>A Broad Fork is the way to open up your compacted or caliche soils so you can landscape or plant a garden here in the desert. We got rid of both our front and back lawns using this tool, our soil is rich now (earthworms are doing the work now) so we don't need it anymore. I hope some one else can use it. I'd just like to get a little something for it, $75 but am open to offers!<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020567660,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020567660,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" class="align-full" alt="5020567660?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p>Here is the description from the website where we bought it. <br /><span>Made in the USA this Broad is from Valley Oak Tools and retails for $250. </span><br /><span>The broadfork is a gardening tool that is widely used in Europe and is growing in popularity in the USA. Broadforks are excellent for breaking open compacted soils deeper than with a rototiller or a spade. This tool will deeply aerate your soil, increase water percolation, and preserve soil structure. In comparison, a rototiller pulverizes soil into a fine dust that compacts and hardens after the first rains. The 12" tines are 2" longer than the main competitor's broadforks. It is best to broadcast compost and soil amendments prior to broadforking, as the amendments will trickle down into the cracks. This is especially useful for rock phosphate, since phosphorus is leached very slowly.</span></p></div>NEED SOIL PLEASE I AM 12 YEARS OLD.https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/need-soil-please-i-am-12-years-old2015-04-04T05:05:50.000Z2015-04-04T05:05:50.000ZErnestohttps://azherb.ning.com/members/Ernesto224<div><p>I moved to a new house i need soil to get a new garden started. I would appreciate it thank you. I have been gardening for almost 6 years now.</p><p></p></div>Making mulchhttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/making-mulch2015-02-16T22:37:13.000Z2015-02-16T22:37:13.000Zheather rutterhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/heatherrutter<div>Hello,We live in a neighborhood of acre lots and as a result there are a ton of tree trimmings every time bulk trash is scheduled. We were thinking of getting a shredder/wood chipper and gathering the debris to make our own mulch. Does anyone have experience with chippers? We are thinking a 3" diameter would be about the right size. I think we would mostly be doing branches rather than leaves. We aren't sure which would be the best chipper for us.ThanksHeather</div>Worm Towerhttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/worm-tower2014-10-19T20:21:55.000Z2014-10-19T20:21:55.000ZMaryMcPhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/MaryMcP<div><p>Has anyone tried this? <a href="http://midwestpermaculture.com/2012/11/how-to-build-a-worm-tower/" target="_blank">How To Build a Worm Tower from Mid-West Permaculture</a></p><p>The following begins as a sad story but has a happy ending. I've been wanting to try this idea but there's so many projects on my list I just hadn't got around to it - yet. We recently took our little dog, Maggie, to the vet because she was in obvious distress with breathing difficulty. We found she has fluid on her lungs due to a heart murmur which caused an enlarged heart and congestive heart failure. The vet gave us some meds to relieve the fluid on her lungs and to make her more comfortable. Another med had to be ordered and would take time in arriving.</p><p>Last Sunday morning when we all got up Maggie would not come out of her crate and when finally I got her moving she was dragging her right rear leg. We feared she'd had a stroke overnight. I gave her the meds an hour earlier than scheduled and sat with her on my lap. Unbeknownst to me, hubby had started digging her resting place.</p><p>An hour after getting the meds, she perked up and bounced outside with me where we both surprised hubby at his task. He laughed heartily at spunky little Maggie. The new meds came 2 days later and now she is as perky as a pup. We're so happy. [in hindsight I think I must have forgotten to give her the meds the night before, she gets them every 12 hours. I have a new system so that won't happen again!!]</p><p>Enter the worm tower. We had these 10' long pvc pipes that had *some* holes drilled in one of them so hubby drilled a bunch more, we cut it into three equal pieces, placed in the no-longer-needed grave site, filled with straw, decomposing compost and dirt. Will start adding kitchen scraps over time.</p><p>Should I transfer some of the red wigglers from my indoor bin or, now that I've built it will the worms just come? Anyone have comments?</p><p>Thanks for listening and Long Live Maggie McDog!<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020550263,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020550263,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="5020550263?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Rats in composthttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/rats-in-compost2014-10-05T15:29:48.000Z2014-10-05T15:29:48.000Zjeanettehttps://azherb.ning.com/members/jeanette321<div><p>This summer we had quite a thing with rats & mice. Yech, not so good for me. There were small field mice--not roof rats--in my orange tree. We quickly got rid of all of the fruit we had not picked and the neighborhood cat took care of any remainders. </p><p></p><p>I have 3 chickens, each 4 years old now. I had a City of Phoenix recycle container for a compost bin (no wheels, open bottom) in the back near the coop for the same time frame. We ended up with RATS in there who also took up nesting in it and somehow not bothering the girls. The only way we could get rid of them was to empty all of the compost (on top of the roses) and set traps. We ended up killing about 8 of them. Later we found out our neighbor on the other side of the fence had 'vermin' (her words). </p><p></p><p>I would like to set up the compost again and use the same container in the same spot. It's convenient to the coop, set in the back part of the yard, has shade, the pool. That part of the yard is blocked off by a fence and it keeps the dogs separate from the chickens. I am loathe to repeat the rat or mice scenario. There are other parts of the yard, but it is quite busy--trees garden areas, gazebo. I also have 3 dogs and believe if I moved the compost then the corgies would be in a digging frenzy.</p><p></p><p>Certainly a first world problem. I welcome any thoughts on restart the compost or move the compost. Thanks!</p></div>Soil Testinghttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/soil-testing2014-08-24T18:47:13.000Z2014-08-24T18:47:13.000ZRachel Brumitthttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RachelBrumitt<div><p>Can anybody suggest who offers soil testing? I am mainly worried about a painted wall and weather there had been some lead paint used at any point. Thanks.</p></div>Building Good Soil For Raised Bedshttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/building-good-soil-for-raised-beds2014-08-08T21:18:44.000Z2014-08-08T21:18:44.000ZRachel Brumitthttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RachelBrumitt<div><p>Hello All. I am completely new to AZ gardening and plan to start some raised beds in the yard of the home I am renting soon. I was given some hints about having to "build" a more suitable, water-holding soil here for the garden to thrive but all I can remember is the advice to mix in coir (coconut husk fiber) with the soil.</p><p>I have, luckily, some compost that will be ready to use when I build the beds, which so far I am planning in a full-sun patch of the yard because that spot is convenient. I am assuming I will need some shade over the garden too...Anyhow. I am interested in any hints to build a suitable soil for this garden! This will be a vegetable/ herb garden.</p><p></p><p>Thanks! - Rachel</p></div>School Composting Projecthttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/school-composting-project2014-07-23T17:22:24.000Z2014-07-23T17:22:24.000ZOlga Gilchristhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/OlgaGilchrist<div><p>I am new to this forum. I am a special education teacher wanting to start a composting program at my school for my students. I need bins that are easy for my students to "stir" the composting material. My students have intellectual disabilities, but are capable of moving and learning through hands-on projects. My school is located in the Isaac School District. We have a lot of second language learners, along with families with very limited resources. My hope is to inspire the entire community to help our environment by reducing, reducing, and recycling. The area is in dire need of GREEN vegetation. If anyone wants to help, please contact me. Thank you. I am including a PDF file that I want to use in order to design my program.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020548873,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">Composting Project.pdf</a></p></div>unused bedshttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/unused-beds2014-06-29T20:57:17.000Z2014-06-29T20:57:17.000ZJoanna Bentonhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/JoannaBenton<div>This is a two part question: 1. How should I be caring for my unused beds during the summer? Do I keep watering them? 2. How do I amend a bed that was used by a neighborhood cat?Thank you!Joanna</div>Testing your soil for Verticillum and/or Fusarium Wiltshttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/testing-your-soil-for-verticillum-and-or-fusarium-wilts2014-05-19T00:10:10.000Z2014-05-19T00:10:10.000Zgreen shoeshttps://azherb.ning.com/members/greenshoes<div><p>Does anyone know of a place one can get their soil tested for V or F?</p></div>Looking for bulk Perlite, Humus, and course sandhttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/looking-for-bulk-perlite-humus-and-course-sand2014-05-07T18:10:18.000Z2014-05-07T18:10:18.000ZDennis j.l. Hagoodhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/DennisjlHagood<div><p>Hello, I am looking for perlite, humus and course sand, any one know of any where I can buy it local?? I have contacted Therma-Rock west in chandler and they said I have to buy 10 pallets of perlite to even look there way, only looking for a pallet or and a truck load of both humus and course sand. Thanks for any help</p></div>Bokashi Composting!https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/bokashi-composting2013-09-15T21:52:48.000Z2013-09-15T21:52:48.000ZMorgan Coffingerhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/MorganCoffinger<div><p>Hi Soil Lovers!</p><p>My name is Morgan Coffinger, Founder of Bokashi Evolution (<a href="http://www.bokashievolution.com">www.bokashievolution.com</a>) based out of Tempe, AZ. For those of you that love Bokashi, EM, food waste fermentation, beneficial fungi and micro-organisms or want to learn more, I would love to connect/answer questions/brainstorm regarding soil remediation for our AZ soil on a large scale with compost.</p><p>If you or someone you know is interested in local, handmade with Love, Bokashi, or Kitchen Compost Kits I am happy to assist. I will be doing classes on Bokashi Composting, Soil Health, and Bioremediation options here in the Valley in the near future, as well as hold a booth at a farmers market (most likely Downtown PHX). In the meantime, I am back in Tempe and VERY excited to be a part of this incredible grassroots movement for a healthier planet through local food production and responsible waste management. Thank you VPA for your amazing classes and a big thank you to YOU! </p><p>-Morgan </p><p></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020485889,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">1146255_420367261414046_2071005569_o.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020486293,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">_99A1297.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020486896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">2013-08-22_16-57-04_870.jpg</a></p></div>Sulphur for pH reductionhttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/sulphur-for-ph-reduction2013-07-30T13:49:07.000Z2013-07-30T13:49:07.000ZKevin Dukeshttps://azherb.ning.com/members/KevinDukes<div><p>According to my recent soil test I need to reduce the pH of my soil which puts me in the same situation as most new gardeners in the valley. I've been advised to use elemental sulphur. I bought some "Soil Acidifier" at HD, $10 for a 6 lb. bag which only covers 50 sq ft. This is too expensive, not practical for a 250 sq ft. vegetable garden. Does anyone know of a better/cheaper supplier or another option?</p></div>Worm castings vs. bat guanohttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/worm-castings-vs-bat-guano2013-07-14T22:00:04.000Z2013-07-14T22:00:04.000ZRobert Fenchakhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RobertFenchak<div><p>I've always heard that the two best fertilizers are worm castings and bat guano. I know worm castings are great from my experience with farming worms, but does anyone know anything about bat guano?</p></div>Help I have created a snail farm, can I undo the soil damage?https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/help-i-have-created-a-snail-farm-can-i-undo-the-soil-damage2012-09-02T18:22:40.000Z2012-09-02T18:22:40.000ZGrace Marie Newtonhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/GraceMarieNewton<div><p>Hello All,</p><p>I think I might have created the perfect conditions for a snail farm in my soil. Can this be fixed?</p><p>I don't know how to link a snail post I had started earlier but Catherine wrote " are you on irrigated land? They usually are more of a problem there or in heavily watered gardens which do not dry out on the surface."</p><p>Well the above conditions do not describe my soil, but yesterday I had watered, then started digging a shovels length to pull weeds. There were still some pool of water underneath. This got me to thinking this year I put <span class="st"><em>Sphagnum Moss</em></span>, gypsum, cow manure and a little sand in the soil and maybe this started my snail problem.</p><p>I have had my property for 3 yrs and have only seen a few dead shells. This year I have live snails in the garden. I use beer, they go through a 12 pack/week. I am afraid to use salt in the soil and I am worried if I use DE it will kill my worms and the good bugs.</p><p>This fall I want to start using hay and leaves but it might make matters worse.</p><p></p><p></p></div>Unwanted pests in the worm bin.https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/unwanted-pests-in-the-worm-bin2012-08-21T18:23:40.000Z2012-08-21T18:23:40.000ZSteven Tweitohttps://azherb.ning.com/members/StevenTweito<div><p>I have a City of Scottsdale Compost bin which is in the shade under my trees to keep it cool enough for the red worms I have in there eating my kitchen and yard waste. Trouble is I have created the perfect incubator for other undesirables. What is the best way to get rid of roaches and not compromise the compost?</p></div>Corn in Compost?https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/corn-in-compost2012-07-28T02:11:27.000Z2012-07-28T02:11:27.000ZGrace Marie Newtonhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/GraceMarieNewton<div><p>It is okay to put your dried up corn plants and cobs in the compost and to use as mulch? I planted some non GMO corn and suspect it is diseased. I looked at the cobs they were black and powdery. Would corn add diseased to the soil?</p><p>Thanks, Grace</p></div>Name this insecthttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/name-this-insect2012-07-04T19:30:54.000Z2012-07-04T19:30:54.000ZJeff Kushhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/JeffKush<div><p><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', 'sans-serif';font-size:10pt;">Two pictures are attached.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', 'sans-serif';font-size:10pt;">From what I could find stated that these insects do not harm the garden. However, they thoroughly enjoyed eating my tomatoes and I consider that harm since I was not the one enjoying them.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', 'sans-serif';font-size:10pt;">The reason I am looking to identify them so I can understand what other bugs find these guys delicious or what plant they do not like so I can keep them at bay. This way I can enjoy more of my tomatoes in the fall/winter.</span></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020416493,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMG_0461.JPG</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020416875,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMG_0460.JPG</a></p></div>Growing plants for mulch?https://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/growing-plants-for-mulch2012-07-02T04:38:27.000Z2012-07-02T04:38:27.000ZGrace Marie Newtonhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/GraceMarieNewton<div><p>Does anyone grow plants just to use for mulch. I live in central Phoenix so access to bales of hay is not that easy, so I am thinking of growing my own plants to use for mulch. I want a plant that will not attract bad bugs to the gardens. Any ideas on what plants would be the most benificial?</p></div>Eggplanthttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/eggplant-22012-07-01T01:15:12.000Z2012-07-01T01:15:12.000ZRobert Brownhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RobertBrown<div><p>My lovely Black Beauty eggs plants (26 of them) not fully grown yet are all turning orange on the out- side and don't look nice at all. Is it the heat? Any ideas. I never dreamed I could come up with so many questions until I started arid gardening in Phoenix!:)</p></div>Eggplanthttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/eggplant-2-12012-07-01T01:15:11.000Z2012-07-01T01:15:11.000ZRobert Brownhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RobertBrown<div><p>My lovely Black Beauty eggs plants (26 of them) not fully grown yet are all turning orange on the out- side and don't look nice at all. Is it the heat? Any ideas. I never dreamed I could come up with so many questions until I started arid gardening in Phoenix!:)</p></div>Eggplanthttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/eggplant-12012-07-01T01:15:01.000Z2012-07-01T01:15:01.000ZRobert Brownhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RobertBrown<div><p>My lovely Black Beauty eggs plants (26 of them) not fully grown yet are all turning orange on the out- side and don't look nice at all. Is it the heat? Any ideas. I never dreamed I could come up with so many questions until I started arid gardening in Phoenix!:)</p></div>Eggplanthttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/eggplant2012-07-01T01:14:56.000Z2012-07-01T01:14:56.000ZRobert Brownhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RobertBrown<div><p>My lovely Black Beauty eggs plants (26 of them) not fully grown yet are all turning orange on the out- side and don't look nice at all. Is it the heat? Any ideas. I never dreamed I could come up with so many questions until I started arid gardening in Phoenix!:)</p></div>My gardenhttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/my-garden2012-06-26T16:04:19.000Z2012-06-26T16:04:19.000ZRobert Brownhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RobertBrown<div><p></p><p> This a picture of the garden at first planting in March. It is 40' x 12' box 12" deep. I tilled the dirt on the ground 6-8" deep and tilled in mulch prior to adding the soil mix. The soil is 1/3 mulch, 1/3 native soil and 1/3 manure (supposedly). </p><p>The ph was up near 8 when I started so I added organic sulphur to bring down the pH. When startedplanting it was down to 7.5. A little high yet, but sulphur was not completly dissolved.</p><p>As you can see I installed a watering system. There are four stations that I manually operate to water the plants. Each row of sprinkler tubing has 14 spray heads. The watering system cost over $160.00 and I think I could have done the watering different and saved a lot.</p><p>To the left of the box, along the wall, I put up trellis. My idea was to grow zucchini, cucumbers, and beans on the treillis. For some reason it did not work. The plants would wither and die. Some of the squash and cucumbers did produce a little on the ground.</p><p>I get sun from the right to left of the picture. No shade! I have lots of peppers, some tomatoes, 12 eggplants and had one mellon. Not much for the time and money inveted except I have a lot of enjoyment. I'm looking forward to "getting it right".</p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020416056,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5020416056,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="5020416056?profile=original" /></a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020415861,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMG_0011.JPG</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020416661,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMG_0008.JPG</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}5020416274,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMG_0007.JPG</a></p></div>Shading a vegetable gardenhttps://azherb.ning.com/groups/soilbuilders/forum/shading-a-vegetable-garden2012-06-24T14:26:58.000Z2012-06-24T14:26:58.000ZRobert Brownhttps://azherb.ning.com/members/RobertBrown<div><p></p><p> The hot sun is brutaly attacking my tomato plants laden with tomatoes. Other plants are being effected as well.</p><p>I went to Home depot this morning and looked a heavy duty sun screen. They want $79.00 for 6 x 50' roll. My garden is onebox 12 x 40 and to cover it all would be real expensive. I had an idea of making 4 x 6 six frames covered with cloth and and mounting the frames on uprights so that they could be tilted at various angle above the plants depending on need.</p><p>Does anyone have a better idea of both the method and material to be more effective and to keeping the cost lower? Are there not less expensive materials to use for shade?</p></div>