Mixing Compost Pile

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?INGIG 27 September 2008 Mixing Compost Pile
The compost pile was mixed today and some material was put on an area of the garden for planting garlic about the 15 October 2008. The pile was wet but still working as judged by the heat and odour.


http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?FHVJI Summary: Composting experience.

[calliesmum]

I have a question, I started a compost two years ago and have just added stuff to it, but I rarely stir it. I layer it, but a neighbor said it probably won't do anything because it is in partial shade and it needs to cook, how do I move this, or will it eventually break down?. I have weeds in there so I don't want to take any chances for seeds to reseed.

Also, I went to put scraps in there and I found slugs. I took as many out as I could. I had crabapples in there that fell and leaves that I had sitting since last year that we breaking down already.

Sorry I didn't mean to steal your thread. Just so eager to learn and feel like I am a real baby gardener, not even crawling stage and it has been two years. Lovin it though

[Durgan]

I have a question, I started a compost two years ago and have just added stuff to it, but I rarely stir it. I layer it, but a neighbor said it probably won't do anything because it is in partial shade and it needs to cook, how do I move this, or will it eventually break down?. I have weeds in there so I don't want to take any chances for seeds to reseed.

Also, I went to put scraps in there and I found slugs. I took as many out as I could. I had crabapples in there that fell and leaves that I had sitting since last year that we breaking down already.

Sorry I didn't mean to steal your thread. Just so eager to learn and feel like I am a real baby gardener, not even crawling stage and it has been two years. Lovin it though

Shade has no bearing on a compost pile. It is the little microbes that do the necessary work. There is only one secret to composting, and that is reduce the vegetation to small pieces. Never turn a working compost pile, just stir the top. Kitchen waste should never be put into a home compost pile. Kitchen wastes are stinky, are messy, attract rodents, and flies. The amount of compost from an typical family urban kitchen is not worth considering, but the little old ladies will persist. Spend a few minutes reading this link. It is mostly pictures.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?FHVJI Summary: Composting experience.

[calliesmum]

Durgan,
My compost doesn't look like that, and my chopper is about 10 inches long and made of stainless steel ha ha.

I felt awful tonight because I had to throw away my zuchinni plants and I trimmed my gardens and will have to throw away because no room in my two plastic ones,. We have a crabapple tree with bitter apples so they get thrown in, weeds, and lots of leaves in the fall. ( I put them in plastic bags and throw them behind the shed to layer my compost.).
Great pics by the way, very envious of the shredder.
Sounds like I am doing everything right, not why I have slugs.