Could our school cafeteraia save coffee grounds to mix with soil for our plants around the school?
Coffee grounds should be added to the compost pile, not directly put in the garden. Grounds don't reduce pH (acids leach out in the brewing) or provide a miracle boost to plants. Also, when added on top of soil directly instead of composting first, grounds usually grow fungus and can actually repel water. More information follows. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/coffee-grounds-gardening.htm
https://www.gardenmyths.com/coffee-grounds-garden-safe/#more-5900
so what would be a suitable amount of vinegar to add? Thank you. I have recently bought a Gardenia Jasminoides and hope to keep it alive!
Here are some other tips to lower the soil pH. For vinegar, water plants several times with a solution of 2 tablespoons vinegar to a gallon of water.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
Is there a comprehensive soil Ph chart/guide that covers most plants?
Here is a link to one I have found to be quite useful over the years: https://www.almanac.com/plant-ph
I recently received a tractor scoop of Mushroom Manure (if this is the proper name) and would like to know how much to use in my vegetable, flower garden and in pots. I do not want to burn my growings. Also, when should I re apply? Thank you for your assistance.
These articles should be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/mushroom-compost.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/compost-as-soil-amendment.htm
I had a bin containing a good field straw, and over the winter it part filled with rain creating a deep rich brown liquid (that now smells like silage) and rotten straw. I have used the rotten straw as a composting base for growing potatoes, but am I likely to have problems if I apply the water the straw was soaking in to assist other vegetables (garlic, onions, beans, peas)?
Because it is questionable in what is, actually, in the water- I would not recommend using it...
Adding this may increase the risk of bacterial infection to the soil. Many bacterial infections are very difficult to get rid of, so adding them to the soil will be more trouble than it is worth.
Adding to a compost pile will be fine, though. With correct composting technique any bad bacteria will be killed off.
This article will offer more information on composting with hay:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/how-to-compost-hay-bales.htm
al int t Do I need to remove the wood chips before laying down composted material or lay the composted material on top of the wood chips(bark nuggets)?
If this mulch is well composted, then you will want to till it into your soil for the best results. You could lay a new layer of compost, then another layer of mulch just fine, though.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/composting/basics
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/benefits-of-using-mulch.htm
I realize that blueberries like acidic soil. will the orange peels help?
It's best to put food into the compost bin rather than directly onto the soil.
Here's an article that will answer your question:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/citrus-peels-compost.htm