I was wondering if any of you who live and garden in bear country have compost piles? I recently read you shouldn't have a compost pile if you garden in bear country because the compost draws the bears. Our Idaho property that we plan on living on next year is in bear country. I'll be so bummed if I can't compost. What do y'all do?
Teresa Sue Farmgirl Sister #316 MJ's Heirloom Mavens Badgebadger MJ's Heirloom Mavens Bookclub Coordinator "Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama
gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 09:14:59 AM
I composted last year and it was the first time I saw porcupines skunks and racoons I never had before for 10 years I never even thought about bears and we had one trapped at the property next door 5 years ago. Something to think about.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 11:25:25 AM
You can buy composters that are covered and supposed to be animal proof. However the smell might still attract them. I would consider doing a worm bin in you house/garage instead of a compost heap if you are worried about the bears. Ask your neighbors that garden or farm if they have had any problems.
Welllllll, most of my to-be neighbors don't even bother because even tho the maps say this area is zone 4 or 5, where our land is, the micro climate is about a 3, it's the foothills of the Bitterroot Mtns. I know we have bear because our neighbor has taken four that I know of off our property. Bears scare me!!!!!!!
Teresa Sue Farmgirl Sister #316 MJ's Heirloom Mavens Badgebadger MJ's Heirloom Mavens Bookclub Coordinator "Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama
Edited by - Contrary Wife on Jan 20 2009 04:53:58 AM
Compost and bears, oh my!
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 08:05:48 AM
