Composting my garden beds in the winter
When is the perfect time to apply compost to your garden beds? – In winter, of course! It may seem a bit strange to be top-dressing gardens during the winter, but if you live in a cold area, as I do, it really makes a lot of sense. I like to make sure that my gardens have a nice, thick layer of composted mulch as they begin their growing season. Experienced gardeners know that one of the best ways to control weeds in a garden is to lay down a blanket of mulch. But, weed control is only one reason for mulching a garden. If you use a fluffy, organic matter, and spread it at least two-inches thick, the mulch will insulate the garden bed, keeping the hot summer sun from heating the soil to a temperature that would inhibit root growth. Mulch is also a wonderful aid to water conservation because that layer blocks the evaporation of moisture off the soil surface. In fact, in arid climates, applying mulch to a garden can reduce the need for watering by as much as a half. And if all this weren’t enough, as it decomposes, organic mulch, adds humus to the soil – a way of continuously composting the entire garden.
So why apply it during winter? – Because the soil in my beds is still frozen and very few of my spring bulbs have made an emergence. This makes it much easier for the ground’s crew to spread that mulch. Plus, they can walk gingerly on the beds without worry of harming plants and the compost can easily be applied in a nice thick and even layer. Try mulching in your garden – I think you will be pleasantly happy.
Martha-
Your garden looks like it is going to be amazing, once again! I look forward to reading your blog every single morning...it is definately my favorite!
P.S. I'm obsessed with your whole Macy's line, and wish your would put out some more KitchenAid products in the Martha Stewart blue!
Posted by: Beth | March 6th, 2009 at 3:08 am
Like you, I mulch in the cold months. I added two inches of mulch in November and now look forward to all the healthy perennials that will soon begin to pop up. We still have snow cover this time of year, so I had to add the mulch earlier in the Winter months.
Posted by: Becky from Wisconsin | March 6th, 2009 at 4:27 am
YES! MARTHA!
Please tell the world! About the plus-side of composting...and could you send a personal letter to the 'bad neighbor' who sawed my HUGE pine trees down...and now he's spraying tank-loads of poison every other day, it seems. This is his way of weed control! Can't wait 'til he starts with the pesticides! There ought to be a law! This guy's got several acres so he's creating a HUGE stink! In My Back Yard!
Thanks, Martha...I really needed to get that off my chest! And thanks for your continued efforts to educate those less informed! (Or those who just don't CARE about our earth and it's soil!)
Posted by: tinay | March 6th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Hi Martha,
I knew compost was beneficial for good gardening but I have never used it. I guess that's why my garden isn't the greatest! When I wondered if it could be purchased, I decided to check out your other Garden blogs and found your Seed Starting Blocks blog from 12/28/07. In the picture was a big bag of compost from Vermont Compost Company that you use to make your seed blocks. I will buy some somewhere and thanks for this informative blog. I am already envisioning your gardens in their usual splendor, and hopefully mine will be more healthier too! Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 6th, 2009 at 5:36 am
For some reason, Martha, your father (whom I don't 'know' at all) popped into my mind - can you imagine how much he would have feasted on your gardens and grounds, with gardening passion running thru HIS veins?!! How could he not?!! It's always heartwarming to me to hear how he taught you these skills at an early age. He must've been a good teacher, too (just like your mom!)
Black gold is right! Man oh day, what a pile of compost - fine, like dirt, but full of rich nutrients! (And) you know, there's nothing like having the proper tools, too, to get a job done! - those, you have! Your farm runs like a well-oiled machine, and I like it I like it! I've said it before, and I'll say it again that you're a magnificent steward of the land and know what's the right thing to do.
Is Dandy and Clover returning this year to Cantitoe Corners, or did they end up...
Sunshine, all!
(...spring up, fall back...)
=^..^=
"I'm tired of hearing so much about maintenance-free gardens. If you aren't going to get out there and live with~including taking care of it~then what's the point of gardening anyway?"--Pamela Lord
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | March 6th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Hi Martha, What an informative, inspiring blog! Oh, how I wish it was spring and much warmer so I could start my gardening projects! I love the work your grounds keepers are doing with your beautiful compost. The area that they covered sure does look fantastic. I see that they don't waste any of that 'black gold' by covering the road with a tarp. Kudos to your guys! I have a big black composting bin that I got at Costco and it's taking a while to fill it on my small property. I'm going to print this information because it is so valuable. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend everyone. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 6th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Insanely jealous of the most delicious looking compost I've seen. Divine.
Posted by: Susie Spaulding | March 6th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Now, I just need to wait six months to apply this in Australia!
Martha, I am such a fan of you and your work. Australian brides and entertainers just adore what you do! My blog - http://www.australiaentertains.com.au is a gorgeous celebration of Australian weddings and Australian entertaining. I would love you to love us as much as we love you!
Happy Celebrating, Martha.
Kathryn
Posted by: Kathryn @ Australia Entertains | March 6th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Wow Martha! You are the Composting Queen! I love your "Cottage in the Wood" as you described it on your show. Are the mushroom stools in there that you made with one of your crafting girls? Would love to see how that cottage looks on the inside. Please do a segment about your "Woods & Trails" on your property. I would love to see that.
Have a fantastic weekend. Blessings to all those farm animals, and to Francesca and Sharkey on their new blog. It is so cute!
Warmest regards,
Kim in Jersey
Posted by: Kim in Jersey | March 6th, 2009 at 9:27 am
You always provide such good, quality information which is exactly why you Twittering has exploded to almost 60,000 followers in just one week!
It's fun to read your tweets and be able to tweet back at you which is why you probably have so many queries. I think once a week, you could do a answer tweets blog. Answer a query first on Twitter then link here for the rest of them.
Twittering should be fun not stressful for you. I think this method could make sure that it stays fun. Just my two cents. : > )
Posted by: Sonya | March 6th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Hi, Martha! This comment is off-topic from your post, but I wanted to let you know that I gave props to your Collection @ Macy's on my blog today! LOVE LOVE LOVE your Macy's products!
--- Priscilla
Posted by: Priscilla Hicks | March 6th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Yes Martha, there is something to be said about being able to walk amoung the plants and grounds without stepping on something. My problem is when the old weeds start blowing in amoung the iris I become a detriment to all buds, flowers and beautiful things as I try to fork the tumble weeds from the greenery.
Posted by: Margie | March 6th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
hi martha -
thank you for sharing your gardens in the winter months & discussing the importance of composting & winter mulching. i am a professional gardener & master gardener (talbot county, maryland) so i understand the importance of composting - education & spreading the word is so great!
Posted by: brooke zuehlke | March 6th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Hi Martha,
My wife and I are huge fans going back to "Weddings". I'm posting here because I didn't know where else to leave this message. My wife Christine makes the most unbelievable "Matzah" cake for Passover. Might make an interesting segment on your show. "The Goyisha Guide to Jewish Cooking". Thanks! Evan
Posted by: Evan Shepp | March 6th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
While in Florida visiting my brother, we put together a compost bin. I was so enthused that he is finally starting to compost! Why wouldn't anyone want to take their kitchen scraps and yard waste and turn it into "black gold", as you say! I've also got my Mom into composting, even though she still trys to throw "stuff" away that's perfect for the compost heap. Can't wait to see your gardens this spring. Daffodils are blooming here in Alabama. AH, signs of spring. Thank GOD. It's been a long winter. Or so it seems. Best wishes for a BLOOMING spring!
Posted by: Frances Jackson | March 6th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Big garden!!! Have you ever done a show on vermacomposting and kids? We do it here in Worthington Ohio with my sons Finn and Blaise and love it! Science and eco green fun!
Posted by: amy | March 7th, 2009 at 2:34 am
I just read your twitter update about the propane explosion. Such sad news for you, Karen, and all those families boarding their animals with her. I am so sorry for your loss.
...your twitter updates really help to create a connection with your fans and followers. A person can't help but be affected by the feeling of immediacy that those tweets provide. You become a "real person" through those tweets and, because of that, your news about losing a pet feels so much sadder. Best wishes to you, Martha.
Posted by: Craig | March 7th, 2009 at 3:53 am
Martha, what lovely black gold,I have some of my own,but not to that capacity. My question is why only some trees get the compost.
Posted by: Pamela Beier | March 7th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Hi Martha,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Ghengis Khan and the rest of Karen Tracy's dogs. It was very sad news and I'm sure I speak for your other readers when I say if we can be of any help to Karen, please let us know. Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 7th, 2009 at 5:58 am
My thoughts to you and those who lost animals
sending hugs to them and you.. It is so tragic.
I agree with those who say that the twitter thing has kept you in the "world" with all of us one on one. I love knowing what's going on in your world.. I included a link to a recipe wondering if you have made this on your show..
it only takes 5 minutes ..amazing!!
Posted by: CAROL | March 7th, 2009 at 7:49 am
My husband and I just picked up our 'black gold' this a.m. from our botanical garden. They have a sale every Spring and Fall and i do love to support their efforts. Of course, it benefits my garden greatly. Now could you just send your gardeners to me so they can spread the gold around my property?!
Posted by: Sherey | March 7th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I heard you say on your TV program that your perennial garden did not remain in the barren state as seen in the picttures on the blog but had acquired some 6 inches of snow. While I can appreciate your call for compost etc, the thought of digging through 2 feet of snow in temperatures of -24C with a wind chill that makes it -34 does lead to a certain amouht of reluctance on my part. I think I'll give it another month - at least until I can actually see the garden. Believe me - the ground will still be frozen.
Posted by: Donna Wilkns | March 7th, 2009 at 10:53 am
How do I approve them?
Posted by: Donna Wilkns | March 7th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Hi Martha, I am sending my condolences and heart felt prayers to you, Karen and everyone involved in the care of those beautiful animals. I am so saddened by this horrific loss. I am giving my little Dudley do Right and my part time cat, Bogie, extra hugs today and I am sending hugs to Francesca, Sharkey and your 5 kitties. Love to you all, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 7th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Martha,
I got your tweet about poor Karen and her chows and I did leave a reply for you on Twitter. This is so terrible and tragic! Tonight, you, Karen & her chows, and her delivery man are in my thoughts.
Very sorry,
Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, Maine | March 7th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Martha and staff: I tried to find another place to leave this question for you.
I an in search for older "plates" for my Easter table. Some with bunnies, chicks or anything that shows Easter "retro". I went to Replacements (North Carolina) and didn't locate them yet.
I have had this lifelong dream of making my own series of holiday dishes for all the holidays!!
I thought Martha Stewart Collecitons might have thought of this idea...
Well, I am dying to get these for my holiday table and wanted to know if you ever saw any?
There is a pattern called Bobtails by Elizabethian that might give you an idea of the type of plates I am looking for.
I am a loyal fan and love your show.
I have 17 sets of dishes and also collect table cloths to reflect the holidays. They too are difficult to find.
Maybe you can help.
Regards, Jan
Posted by: jan mcquaide | March 8th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Being an animal lover myself, I'm so sorry for your lose. It's never easy.
Posted by: Bonnie Bowen | March 8th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Martha,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of Genghis Khan. I am a pet nanny and love each pet as if they were my own. When any of them get sick or die, it is as if I have lost my own pet. Your loss brought tears to my eyes. My little 4 1/2 year old Maltese Roxie, a rescue, got an extra hug after reading your story.
With love and sympathy,
Cathy Van Vliet and Roxie
Posted by: Cathy Van Vliet | March 9th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Wonderful post about composting! We get a LOT of winter snow (more than 4 feet) so we do our mulching in the other seasons....
Lots of aged manure from our chickens and pigs go onto our gardens....I love working in the dirt!
We save as many of our own veggie seeds as we can, it sure beats buying them every year!
Annie
Posted by: Annie | March 9th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Dear Martha,
I wanted to tell you how very sorry I was to hear about your beloved companion. I own and operate a companion pet crematory in Hampshire, Illinois and I too have lost my best friend. I was told that I could not have children so my animals are my kids. Quincy was the very first dog I ever owned and it was love at first sight. I thought I had dealt with the not having children, but because Quincy was still alive, that left this chapter in my life still open. When I lost him, I realized that I didn't deal with everything as well as I thought I did. It was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. Quincy was a yellow lab and he was a true Mama's Boy. He went everywhere with me. The devastation and emptiness I felt was overwhelming. I made me understand even more how my client's felt when they lost their best friends and it taught me how to help them ease their grief. I have a new pup now named Tucker and I love him with all my heart, but it is a different kind of love than what I felt for Quincy.
Anyway, I just wanted to offer my condolences and tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. It does get better with time. Even though you never ever forget them and all the wonderful moments you shared with them.
Again, you have my most deepest and sincere sympathy.
Denise Hoopes
Posted by: Denise Hoopes | March 9th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Martha,
I am so sorry about your dog. My tears, thoughts and prayers are with you and your dog as well as the other families and dogs. It is so tragic. Take care.
Heather
Posted by: Heather Templehof | March 9th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Dear martha,
I'm so sorry about the kennel fire and the deliveryman and dogs that were burned.I pray that all will recover soon.My prayers to all who lost their beloved companions.
Posted by: ruth hubert | March 9th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I can not begin to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your precious fur baby. He sure was beautiful and by just looking you can tell he was oh so loved. Karen is in my prayers as well as all those affected.
I am your buddy on Twitter and I watch you everyday I feel like something horrible has happened to a friend. I am so sorry Martha. (((HUGS))) Have you ever heard a poem called "Rainbow Bridge" if not Google it . When my sweet Winnie died it brought me great comfort.
Posted by: Carrie Prados | March 9th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I'm so sorry to read the news in the paper about the poor dogs and gentleman that was involved in the fire. Also to you Martha I send my heart felt condolences.
Posted by: Brettina LaRoche | March 10th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Hi Martha - I just wanted to say how sorry i am to hear of this devastating news my heart goes out to everybody who was involved. Your heart must be crushed. There is nothing like the love from a pet.
truly sorry
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | March 10th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Martha, SO very sorry to hear about your gorgeous doggie. We lost our little 6yr old dog on Thanksgiving Day. He managed to get his collar caught in the kitchen blind and strangled himself. It has left my husband and I very heartsore so my heart goes out to you MUCHLY.
Cheryl
Posted by: Beadz2pleaz | March 10th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Dear Martha,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dog and the rest of the pups involved in this terrible accident.I hope the gentelman injured in the explosion is recovering well. You are all in my prayers. Rest in peace Ghengis with your grandfather Paw Paw. We love you'all...Frank James Rock and my kitty's Abigail,Buster,Buddy,Blossum,Daisy,Kittyboy and sister Martie... Bod Bless
Posted by: Frank James Rock | March 10th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Martha, I remember the smell of my Grandmother's garden. But the problem is that todays flowers and plants don't have any sent. Can you suggest any that bloom all summer long and will fill the air with scent. We live in Illinois.
The area stores don't have educated people employed and able to help me, so I thought I would turn to you.
Thanks for any help!
Judy
Posted by: Judy Bates | April 25th, 2009 at 7:34 pm