Gardening by the Yard Season 1 Episode 8 Moles, Compost

Gardening by the Yard season 1 episode 8, titled "Moles, Compost," tackles two common gardening issues: pesky moles and creating healthy compost for your garden. The episode is hosted by master gardener Paul James, who takes viewers through the process of getting rid of moles in a humane way and creating nutrient-rich compost to improve soil quality and plant growth.

In the first segment, Paul shows viewers how to get rid of moles without using harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and other animals. He explains that moles are actually beneficial to the soil, as they help to aerate it and create passageways for water and oxygen to reach plant roots. However, too many moles can cause damage to lawns and gardens, which is why Paul recommends using traps to capture and release them in an appropriate location. He demonstrates how to set up the trap and bait it with earthworms, which are a favorite food of moles.

The next segment focuses on the importance of composting and how to create a healthy compost pile in your backyard. Paul explains that compost is a natural fertilizer that can help improve soil quality, increase plant growth, and reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. He shows viewers how to create a compost pile using a variety of organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps, and how to maintain the pile by turning it regularly and keeping it moist.

Paul also shares tips on how to troubleshoot common composting problems, such as foul odors, pests, and slow decomposition. He recommends using a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature of the pile, as it needs to reach a certain temperature to break down the organic matter properly. He also suggests using a cover or mesh to keep out pests, such as rats and flies, and adding extra nitrogen to the pile if it is not decomposing quickly enough.

Throughout the episode, Paul emphasizes the importance of taking a natural and sustainable approach to gardening. He encourages viewers to work with the environment and use natural solutions whenever possible, rather than relying on harmful chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. He also emphasizes the importance of composting as a way to reduce waste and improve soil health, which in turn benefits both the garden and the wider ecosystem.

Overall, "Moles, Compost" is an informative and educational episode of Gardening by the Yard that offers practical tips and advice for solving common gardening problems and creating a healthy, sustainable garden. Viewers will come away with a better understanding of how to get rid of moles without harming them, and how to create nutrient-rich compost that will improve the health and vitality of their garden.