There’s a viral tip encouraging folks to “speed up” their composting by tossing veggie peels, old fruit and even newspaper into a blender with water to make an organic slurry. The idea is straightforward: The blender has done the work of composting by breaking down organic matter into very small pieces, so, according to the tip, it’s safe to pour from the blender right into the garden. The reality is, you don’t want to do this. The natural sugars are intensified in a blender, and when poured directly into the ground, they burn up, which can cause plants to die and earthworms to flee. Composting is meant to be slow and steady.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you know what a “snag” is? No, it’s not a pull on your sweater. It’s actually a dead tree left to decompose standing upright, and snag trees are vital to keeping the delicate ecosystem thriving in your backyard. According to the National Wildlife Federation, dead trees provide needed nourishment and shelter for up to 1,000 species of wildlife. It’s easy to create a snag; just leave a dead tree upright. Make sure it’s a safe distance from your home; all you need is one snag per acre of land for maximum effect.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If mosquitoes have overtaken your backyard during the summer months, consider inviting another guest to your party: a bat. One bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single night, and bats are considered one of the best predators to keep invasive insect populations at bay. You can buy a bat house online and in stores to encourage bats to call your yard home. When installing it, look for a sunny spot and be sure to hang it at least 15 feet above the ground. Avoid installing on the side of trees, where bats are less likely to move in because of the location’s susceptibility to predators; the side of your house or on a pole is best.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION