District Blogs

Fall garden care and stormwater

Most earthworms present in glaciated portions of Ohio are considered exotic. They were introduced in the 18th & 19th centuries by early settlers or through trade of soil and horticultural materials transported from Europe and Asia. New species are continuing to be introduced spreading through fishing bait, compost and gardening supplies, and plant exchanges. In SW Ohio, we consider one non-native worm, the European Nightcrawler as a friend to our gardens. This is not the case

We've had a worm composting bin in our office for more years than I can remember. It is an excellent way to teach children about the life cycles, decomposition, comparing body parts, and to learn about the benefits for plants. Kids learn that by composting they care for their communities and the natural environment. They are relatively simple animals to keep alive, and provide the added benefit of producing compost. We have a youtube video showing some of the ideas below. Tw

Conservation tillage is a practice that sizes residue for breakdown, minimizes soil disturbance and increases organic matter. Through...