Master Composters #6: Mulches

Photo by Shacker, shared via Flickr

Mulches provide instant protection for bare soils. You can apply them in the fall, if you waited too long to plant your cover crop. This gets you quick protection from winter rains. In the summer, mulches protect soil life from the hot summer sun, and help retain valuable moisture. But it's important to pick the right mulch for the right kind of garden. We sit down with a Master Composter to discuss the different kinds of mulch available for purchase - or free in your own backyard.

Master Composters #5: Cover Crops

You've amended your soil with compost. But all your soil's hard-won nutrition will wash out to sea unless you protect it from the winter rains.

Join the Master Composters in the garden to learn how cover crops can protect your soil. Another way to let nature do the work for you.