Free Nature

Got to sculpt and prune this beautiful Grand Laurel 😍 If you enjoy shaping and molding trees, get your ticket to Free Nature's Bonsai Workshop ! Use the link below to get your ticket! https://square.link/u/6GMdUp2g

Did your grandmother tell you to place egg shells in your plant soil as a fertilizer?! She wasn't wrong, but here are the FACTS about egg shells in soil!

1. Eggs shells are a slow release, which means they wont provide any immediate nutrients to your plant or soil. They will need a significant amount of time to decompose into a state that is accessible by your plants roots.

2. Placing and leaving the shells directly on top of the soil can do more harm than good. This drastically slows the rate of decay and can even attract unwanted pests. Instead, remove the top half of your plants soil and place it closer towards the top half of the center of your pot.

3. Ground your egg shells into extremely fine pieces. As fine as you can get them! It should nearly look like dust. This quickens the rate of decay and reduces the likelihood of attracting pests.

4. Its best to add your shells when you repot. Removing the top half of the soil can be a hassle and can shock your plant unnecessarily. Collect your egg shells in an air tight jar after grounding them down and save them as an additive to new soil in the spring when its time to replant all of your babies! This saves you time and energy and reduces the amount of stress placed on the plant throughout the year.

5. Less is more. Do NOT place 3 dozens worth of egg shells into one pot. About 1/2 a cup for pots under 10 inches, 1 cup for 10-16 inch pots, and 2 cups for anything greater than 16 inches will suffice without disturbing your soils health!

6. Finally, egg shells in soil is fine but there are much easier, faster, and effective methods for fertilizing your house plants! Unless you have large quantities of a specific family, such as cacti or Monsteras, a general 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer works wonders! If you really want to get fancy, check the nutrient ratios for your specific plant for optimal growth!

HAPPY GROWING!

Here is the Vendor Line-Up for our Fall Market on Saturday Oct. 18th from 2-5 pm. You can use your LINK/EBT at the market! Located at the Michael D. Andreas Agriculture Building on the Richland Community College campus. We will be there rain or shine, we have vendors set-up both inside and outside.

We will have some fun activities for kids! We will also have an antique cider press display. Here is the Vendor Line-Up:

>Zeaman Farms – pumpkins and gourds
>Mercy Gardens – mums, pumpkins, mini pumpkins; acorn, butternut, buttercup and delicata squash
>McGrath Farms & Artisan Soap – honey, and lip balm
>Illinois Urban Mushroom Farms - dried mushrooms, mushroom teas and powders
>Prairie View Farm Oakley, IL – apples, honey, fresh pies, muffins, cookies, breads, jams and salsas.
>Three Sister’s Soap - luxurious handmade goats milk soap, lotions & bath salts
>Decor'd by Shina Candle Shop - decorative candles and fragrances
>Okaw River Garlic – gourmet garlic (Illinois grown), gourmet garlic powder
>Maxwell’s Mushrooms – fresh mushrooms
>Alexander's Prime Time Seasonings - seasonings, rubs and spices
>R&J Fancy Foods – baklava, soufra, gourmet cookies, sweet breads, and cakes
>Free Nature – houseplants, decorative pots and macrame hangers.
>Richland Student Farms – houseplants and succulents
>Agriculture Club – popcorn and sno cones
>Natural products by Karin – lotions, body care, lip balm, and soap
>RockWell Coffee Company – flavored coffees and drinks
>Alzheimer's Association – information booth
>Kid’s Activities – Master Naturalists, nature crafts, cider press display, coloring table
*Disclaimer, vendor attendance is subject to change*
We hope to see you there!