Start with compost, add peat, perlite and fertilizer and mix well.

You can buy a big bale of compressed peat and large bag of perlite, depending on how much you need, these could last you quite a few seasons.

The fertilizer could be a slow release formula or a generic all purpose. I add more fertilizer depending on application ( hanging baskets for instance would get a handful more at planting time.

I just get in there with my garden gloved hands and give it a good mixing pulling out any large pieces that need more time to cook in the compost.

Your ratio should be about:

Compost= 60%

Peat= 30%

Perlite=10%

+ a few handfuls or more of fertilizer pending on size of mix.

For more info on composting visit: http://www.sowanddipity.com/the-dirt-on-comp...

it looked like on his side as it was for him out of site, but on our side of the fence it was in perfect view of anyone sitting on the deck. Very unsightly for myself and my guests. What to do? I couldn't paint my side of the fence, as there was a short chain link fence on my side. So I did this...very inexpensive

1. went rock hunting (it's what I call it) at a local construction site (free rocks)

2. Free mulch (at the local community tree branch drop off area)

3 Lattice Boards ($8-$10 at local home improvement center)

4.rolled wire

5 Weed control plastic ($5-$6) or use newspaper (free)

Directions:

1. Attach lattice board to back side of fence area with wire, or what ever works best, depending on the fence your covering.

2. Rock off area you want to cover using small to medium rocks ( I go rock hunting on Sat-Sun between 6-10am when the crews are not there, as some contractors collect the rocks to sell)

3.Loosen soil beforehand, so you can plants before or after you place the mulch.

4. Place weed control covering

5. Spread mulch over area

Note: you may add plants and shrubs before or after you spread mulch. I added after as I wasn't sure what I wanted. I also added an Arch the following year.

lots of attention from neighbors too!..What are on your doors!!...Hoses?...

butterflies! #Love2Repurpose #SpringFever

We collected bottles from friends, restaurants, etc. and used a bulb planter to make holes to stick the 'neck' of the bottle into. We have another bottle border in another area of our yard that we actually dug a small trench and planted the bottles much deeper. Both ways work very well.

The bottles are beautiful when the sun shines through the colors at different times of the day.

#Itching4Spring #Gardening #MyCurrentProject #DIY

Check out the how-to here:

year. You can see what I was left with on my blog http://www.graphicsfairy-diy.com/2013/01/rec...

limb). Adults measure about 2.5 feet in length and 1 foot in height. They look like big Rats, but are not related to them in any way, but are closely related to the Kangaroo & Koala. Females can give birth up to twice a year (typically 5-8 in a litter). These babies are very tiny, about the size of honeybees. They will immediately crawl into the mother's pouch after birth, where they continue to develop (usually about 4 months of age when they are ready to leave the pouch). Opossums are scavengers and eat almost anything, including fruits & vegetables, snails/slugs, snakes, a wide variety of insects, garbage and dead animals of all types. They also catch and eat rats & mice, in some way they help maintain a clean & healthy environment and have a naturally high level of immunity to most diseases, including rabies, but can carry fleas ,as do most domestic animals. Opossums are nocturnal and typically go about their quiet task late at night. They are also excellent tree climbers but cannot jump and sometimes get trapped in trash cans and other containers. Opossums do not dig holes/destroy properties and are non-territorial. They are always on the move and adapt to any environment where food, water & shelter exist. They live in hollow logs, attics, crawl spaces, pipes and ready made burrows. Opossums may drool, growl and show their 50 teeth when frightened, but in reality are non-aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation, however, never try to grab one, they can bite. During cases of extreme fear of being harmed or attacked (unable to flee), the Opossum will collapse and "play dead", they become stiff, eys closed or half closed, their mouths will gape open (teeth bared), tongue extended and foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands; mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. This physiological response is involuntary (like fainting), rather than a conscious act. This condition will last 40 minutes to 4 hours and most preadtors will abandon their attack, once the Opossum is thought to be dead. In the case of baby Opossums, however, their brain does not always react this way at the appropriate moment, and therfore they often fail to "play dead" when threatened. If you do see an Opossum, just leave it alone, it will go away or you can always call your local rescue group or a professional Pest Control Company for help if you don't want them around or if they are trapped (they will catch & release them) ;Trying to scare it will just make it "play dead". Some other tips to avoid having Opossums around your house include: Keeping lids on garbage cans, picking up fallen fruit, putting away pet food at night and close potential entrance points into your home.