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Garden Gate:  Composting 101  |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 2:31:38 PM
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Hi,
I just ordered my compost bin from my co-op.
What are the basics a newbie should know once I pick it up in April?
(I have never composted before.)
Also, if there is another thread started on this that I missed, please redirect me, and I will delete this one.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
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chicken necker
True Blue Farmgirl
509 Posts
Sherry
Eastern Shore
Maryland
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 5:42:27 PM
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I just started mine too. My mom said one good rule is Don't put potato peelings in there or you'll have potatoes out your eyes! No pun intended.
I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by. ~anon |
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chicken necker
True Blue Farmgirl
509 Posts
Sherry
Eastern Shore
Maryland
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 5:43:50 PM
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oh yeah, and no meat or dairy products!
I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by. ~anon |
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Nance in France
True Blue Farmgirl
1438 Posts
Nancy
St. Laurent de la Salanque
France
1438 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 03:57:45 AM
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| Hey, gals! There is at least one great thread on composting but this is fun to see what people are thinking now also. If your bin is black plastic put it where the sun will hit it during part of the day to speed up the process, since black absorbs heat better than light colors. You can put a few twigs on the bottom for aeration, and add a sprinkling of moisture now and then if it appears too dry. I have always put potatoe peelings in mine and never had that problem (or benefit, depending how you look at it!). But I was intrigued to hear that tip. Grass clippings are good to heat up the material, and any veggie matter, used potting soil, eggshells are all beneficial. Sherry is right; no meat or dairy products. Have fun!!! Hugs, Nance |
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 08:07:31 AM
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This is a great link to all the info you could ever want re: composting. http://www.compostguide.com
You'll be thrilled with the end result!!! It's like black gold! Out of your own kitchen/yard/etc waste comes FREE soil that is better than most you can purchase. Keep a good compost pail in or near the kitchen, one that's easy to clean...because if you're committed to doing this, you'll be dumping that thing daily, or multiple times each week and it needs to be easy to dump and rinse for the next use. I've been through about 4 different types and I've found the stainless steel to be the longest-lasting, most durable & easiest to clean. It's available through Lehman's. http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2857&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=832&iSubCat=840&iProductID=2857
I've long since given up the use & expense of the filters because I dump the pail daily & odor isn't a factor.
I hope you'll find, as I have, that this activity becomes a labor of love, filling you with the knowledge that you've helped the planet, your pocket-book, and it's the ultimate in recycling.
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
Edited by - MasterGardener on Feb 12 2008 08:08:51 AM |
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Garden Gate: Composting 101 |
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Composting 101
