Nitrogen jumpstarts plant growth by powering chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Add it with compost, blood meal, or fertilizer—just test your soil first. Apply after the last frost, but don’t overdo ...

Left to break down completely, they become leaf mold — a dark, crumbly material that acts like compost and boosts soil health ...

Water the straw bales deeply every day during the conditioning process, and apply another ½ cup of high-nitrogen fertilizer ...