My compost doesn't seem to be doing much. Everything looks about the same as when I first put it in. I still haven't added a cup of soil as some of my garden-blogger friends have suggested because it's been so rainy but, I will definitely do that this weekend. Also, I've added a lot of water but, things still look pretty dry. Do I need to just drench it all? Any ideas?I found a big stick to use as a "stirrer" while walking home from work last night and I collected another trash bag full of leaves for my reserve. I'm a little worried though because some of the leaves have big round black spots on them. Is that ok? I have avoided any diseased plant material and I don't really know if big black spots on dried leaves are a disease but....if they could be does that mean I shouldn't use them?
Since the first day I've added a few tea bags, some dryer lint, the skin and seeds of a spaghetti squash and a few more eggshells and apple cores. I feel like I have a little rabbit in the back that I'm "feeding."
10 comments:
Sheesh! How long has it been? 1 or 2 hours? Compost takes time. Months. Fill your bin, water it and forget it until next spring. And no peeking!
I agree, compost, like all good things it seems, takes time. Fill the bin, water it, add a cup of soil, cover it and leave it alone until the spring. I also don't know if I would include dryer lint...
I was the same with my first compost bin. It's good to see such enthusiasm! Do put in a layer of dirt. Soon enough it will start to cook. Remember, too, that you are starting this without the help of 80 degree days. It would go faster if it were warmer.
Thanks, I needed that. I'll add the dirt, fill it a little more and then I promise to ignore it. I read somewhere that dryer lint was ok as a "brown" is that not right?
when compoosting, it is preferable to use a 50/50 ratio of grenn to brown materials... such as cut grass to dry leaf litter... this will create the "heat" necessary to stimulate your decomposition process... You should have a good amount in there if you're going to sir it - I would wait on that.
The larger the objects the longer it takes to compost. Shredding larger objects will speed up the process.
So how's that compost pile coming? Miss your posts.
Thanks Leslie!!
I swore I wouldn't check it and I haven't. Maybe I'll peek this weekend.
'gardening school' will be starting up again in January so the blog pace should pick back up.
Oh what a great idea! I have been wanting to compost but didn't want to go through the expense of building something large or even worse buying something.
Your idea is just what I need for inspiration. Thanks.
I'm also inspired to make a compost bin using your model. It looks so tidy. I have one of those tubs in the carport and I was thinking of using it as a planter, now I think I'll put my leaves and kitchen scraps in it and see what happens...
How is yours coming along these days?
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