The Reforming Taker: A Vision of Monarchs

Part of my vision for my new planting involves these guys:

Monarch Butterfly on the way south to Mexico.  

Each year, they migrate over the farm, and a large part of the country on their way to Mexico. It is my understanding from some of my studies this summer (you have to something when you can't get out and garden) that they are having issues with destruction of habitat and host species both here, and in their migration destinations. I want to do something for them in some small way.

So, part of my native plantings in the new bed will be Butterfly weed. The emerging young must have it for food.

The Monarchs also like oak trees and use them in their life cycle including for cover at night on their way south, I've noticed. That part I've got covered, since it is a native tree here that covers a lot of area.  Enjoy your gardening vision, where ever you are.  :) ~JB was here.

More Guests in My Garden

Here are some more guests to my garden and lawn. I watered and fed everybody. We've all been a little stir  crazy. I'm glad for the recent relief. :) 

Trends-Try this for a natural Weed & Feed Fertilizer-Corn Gluten

One of the cutting edge trends in the lawn and garden this year is using corn gluten as a natural weed & feed fertilizer. I'm excited about this because it means that we now have a totally United States produced, renewable source for fertilizer for our gardens and lawns! It is also environmentally friendly and is an organic option. Corn Gluten naturally runs around 10% nitrogen. To gain its pre-emergence benefits, you need to apply it BEFORE the weeds sprout. If you wait until after, you will have paid to fertilize those little nuisances…..

Follow guidelines that are with the product for correct dosage to your specific usage and application.

Nitrogen, by the way, is the “N” value of the N, P, K you see on fertilizer bags and when soil test results are interpreted. It has to do with the lush green color of your plants and is a very necessary nutrient. (I won't bore you in this post with all those excruciating details, but take my word for it. )

Of the other two values, "P" is for Phosphorus. There is a movement to greatly reduce the application of Phosphorus to our lawns and gardens because the runoff of that element into our streams, sewer systems, etc, produces a lot of problems. It really isn't the use of it, it's the overuse, and even abuse. More on that in a future post.

"K" refers to Potash (Potassium). It's the third element in the N, P, K.

Corn Gluten as a fertilizer is a development I am very encouraged by. It has many benefits and implications for future use as it is adopted by lawn and garden owners more widely.  I plan to begin to use it.

The product shown is from www.bradfieldorganics.com and is available locally through some of the chain stores. There are several other brands available too, some organically labeled, and some not.  I won't be surprised if there won't be a lot of “indie” dealers for this product as well, as it should be fairly easy to adopt processing methods to make it.

Have a great week, and happy gardening!

~JB was here.