Better Homes and Gardens episode 18 2023 – In the ever-evolving and fascinating world we live in, Joh has the pleasure of engaging in a deep-dive conversation with the knowledgeable Kate Flood. Flood, an expert in the field of environmental conservation, imparts her wisdom about the numerous benefits of composting to her listeners. From transforming kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil to mitigating carbon emissions, Flood shows us the surprising value of this often-underestimated activity.
Meanwhile, in another corner, Ed is brewing up a storm in the kitchen, delighting the senses as he whips up a delicious traditional delicacy – matzo ball soup. The air is filled with the heartwarming aroma of this comforting broth, transporting anyone in proximity to fond memories of family meals. The matzo balls, perfectly plump and tender, float in the rich, homemade broth – an offering of love from the kitchen.
Last, but certainly not least, Melissa takes center stage, armed with invaluable advice to keep ctenanthes in peak condition. These beautiful, tropical plants can sometimes be a challenge to maintain, but with Melissa’s tried and tested tips, they can thrive and transform any space into a lush, green paradise. She reveals her secrets to keeping these ornamental plants happy and robust, ensuring they add a vibrant pop of nature to our lives.
Better Homes and Gardens episode 18 2023
A Comprehensive Guide to Bokashi Composting at Home
Effective composting solutions are right under your nose. We help you navigate the intricacies of the Bokashi composting system, perfect for urban living.
The global issue of food waste is often underscored by the horrifying statistics. In a world where nearly a third of all food produced for human consumption goes to waste, environmentally-friendly solutions like composting play an essential role in resource management. Here, we delve into the world of Bokashi composting — an innovative method favored by compost enthusiasts globally.
So, whether you’re an apartment dweller or a homeowner with an expansive garden, this guide will equip you with everything you need to adopt Bokashi composting into your daily routine.
The Power of Bokashi Bins
Composting, a common practice among gardening enthusiasts, serves a dual purpose. It effectively reduces household waste while generating rich, organic material beneficial for your garden. The Bokashi bin, however, is no ordinary composting tool. It’s a specially-designed system that transforms food waste into nutrient-dense compost, regardless of your living situation.
Unlike traditional composting that uses oxygen to break down organic waste, Bokashi composting exploits the fermentation process. Using a special inoculant — available in a grain mix or liquid spray form — this system harnesses the bacteria’s ability to ferment food scraps, turning them into acids and alcohol in an anaerobic environment.
This unique process eliminates unpleasant odors typically associated with composting, making it an excellent choice for indoor use. It also keeps pesky insects and rodents at bay. As an additional benefit, you can use the liquid byproduct as a potent liquid fertilizer, adding just two teaspoons to a liter of water.
Setting Up Your Bokashi Composting System
Setting up a Bokashi composting system is simple and budget-friendly. You can purchase a pre-made Bokashi bin, but creating one from scratch offers equal effectiveness at a fraction of the cost.
Materials Required
For a DIY Bokashi bin, you will need:
- Two 20-litre buckets
- A tight-fitting lid
- A drill
- A 3-6mm drill bit
- Food scraps
- Bokashi inoculant
The Setup Process
1. Start by drilling about 20 holes at the bottom of one bucket.
2. Place the drilled bucket inside the non-drilled one and secure with the lid.
3. Begin filling your bin with food scraps, alternating each layer with the Bokashi inoculant as per the package instructions.
4. Once the bucket is nearly full, let it ferment for 10-14 days without opening the lid.
5. During this period, drain the liquid collected in the bottom bucket every other day and dilute it with water to use in your garden.
6. After fermentation, you can directly incorporate the compost into your garden soil, add it to your compost pile, or feed it to your worm farm.
To maintain a continuous Bokashi composting process, consider setting up two systems simultaneously. While the first bucket is fermenting, you can start filling the second one.
Wrapping Up
By adopting Bokashi composting, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also enriching your garden and indoor plants with nutrient-rich compost. You’re joining a growing global community committed to sustainable living practices. From reducing methane emissions in landfills to nourishing our soils, every small step towards composting contributes to a healthier planet.
To deepen your understanding of composting and learn other methods of transforming your kitchen waste into garden gold, consider reading “The Compost Coach” by renowned compost enthusiast Kate Flood. Her insights help simplify composting, ensuring it is neither time-consuming nor odorous, but a simple practice that enriches both your garden and your life. Now, with the power of Bokashi composting at your fingertips, it’s time to begin your sustainable living journey. Here’s to greener homes and gardens!
Graham Ross and Charlie Albone visit an award-winning garden in the Dandenong Ranges
In the annals of history, the year 2013 stands out particularly for one Australian landscape designer, Phillip Johnson, whose groundbreaking and innovative work catapulted him to global renown. The occasion was none other than the esteemed Chelsea Flower Show held annually in London, a platform that brings together the crème de la crème of the horticulture world.
In this esteemed competition, Phillip accomplished an extraordinary feat. He distinguished himself in a way that had never been done before, becoming the first Australian ever to secure the coveted ‘Best in Show’ award, a recognition that was indeed a seminal moment in his career and a significant milestone for Australian horticulture.
Now, ten years later, the time has come for Phillip to bring his award-winning creation back to his homeland, rekindling the glory of that historical victory. But this time, it is on an unprecedented scale, embodying the true essence of the saying ‘bigger and better.’ Phillip’s new iteration of his award-winning garden stretches over an expansive area of 7000 square meters. This is almost 20 times larger than its original version displayed at the Chelsea Flower Show, making it a sight that is more impressive and awe-inspiring than ever before.
In this grand venture, Phillip isn’t alone. Joining him are two notable figures in the world of gardening, Graham and Charlie. These two stalwarts are teaming up to give an exclusive grand tour of Phillip’s masterpiece. Together, they will walk through this remarkable garden, uncovering its story, showcasing its splendor, and offering unique insights into the vision and effort that has brought it into being. As they navigate this vast and verdant landscape, viewers will be given a window into the craft and creativity that has rendered Phillip’s garden a symbol of excellence in landscape design.
How to make a stylish macrame wall hanging
Macramé, that venerable and intricate art form tracing its roots back to the ancient world, is experiencing a significant resurgence in modern-day home decor and DIY crafting trends. This painstaking craft, one that turns ordinary knots into extraordinary decorative items, now permeates various facets of our contemporary living spaces.
From elegant plant hangers that breathe life into indoor greenery, to intricately designed coasters that elevate the aesthetics of your tableware, macramé is proving its versatility and adaptability time and again. It serves as a testament to the creative power inherent in humanity, the ability to transform simple materials into pieces of tactile art that brim with character and history.
This evening, we have an enlightening treat in store for you. The extraordinarily talented Juliet will be your guide in unveiling the magic of macramé. She will expertly demonstrate how to craft an impressive wall hanging, step by step, knot by knot. This isn’t just any wall hanging; it’s a piece that will imbue your living space with an undeniable sense of boho chic.
By the end of the session, you will have created an artful masterpiece that’s not just a decorative item, but a conversation starter. It will speak volumes about your taste and creativity, adding a touch of individuality to your home decor. It’s an amazing opportunity to indulge in the time-honored tradition of macramé while making a