Why not compost meat? Stench, to start
Q A
Why can't you compost meat? when there's rotten meat lurking in there.
Commercial or municipal composting facilities can handle meat waste because they use a high-temperature process that kills pathogens.
Obviously, meat will putrefy and smell awful. That stench will attract rats, mice, opossums, raccoons and other unwelcome visitors. Meat can also harbor
Q parasites and other disease-causing Hello from West Los organisms Angeles. I have what that may not be destroyed I think is a fungus growing in the composting process. through our artificial Although your compost turf. Any suggestions thermometer may on how to deal with read 160 degrees at some this without damaging point, there's no guarantee the turf or endangering that every inch of that our dog? I am considering pile has reached that temperature. using our shop vac Most pathogens, after loosening it a bit. pests and weed seeds are Thoughts? killed at 160, but not all of them. Consider that in order to maintain that temperature, the pile will need to be turned frequently, and believe me, you don't want to do that
A
Artificial turf has become a popular choice for California homeowners who want a maintenance-free landscape that won't use water. If you have an oddshaped area that is difficult to irrigate, is in deep shade or is not suitable for any plants (no matter how hardy), artificial turf can provide a ready solution. Many of my fellow master gardeners may disagree, but I think there are some situations where artificial turf can be useful.
Although low-maintenance, it can have its drawbacks. In your case, you've got mushrooms growing out of it. Fungi need organic matter in order to grow. That organic matter could be soil, leaves or anything, really. Professionally installed artificial turf has an extensive base layer consisting of gravel inlay, sand, decomposed granite or any combination of these. If you have mushrooms growing at the edge of your turf, you may not have enough base layer, or possibly a drainage problem.
High and low spots can cause drainage issues, which can lead to moss or fungi growth. If there's standing water, you can end up with mosquito problems as well. Curling or lifting at the edges or seams can also occur if the base is not installed properly.
Removing the mushrooms will only be a temporary fix. I recommend contacting your installer for more recommendations. The base layer may
need attention.
Q
Why is home-grown fruit smaller than supermarket fruit? My grapes are so tiny!
A
Commercially grown varieties are selected for larger size, ease of harvest, beauty and resistance to damage during shipping. They are often heavily fertilized and sometimes treated with plant growth hormones.
If you want to grow especially large fruit — for instance, a huge pumpkin for Halloween — plant a variety that gets big, remove all but one fruit from the vine and fertilize generously. Soon you will have a gigantic pumpkin of dubious utility that is fibrous and has no flavor.