Grower Today

Category: Composting

  • Starting A Compost Tumbler: Proper Composting Procedures

    Starting A Compost Tumbler: Proper Composting Procedures

    Composting can be an effective way to make use of kitchen waste and yard scrap. If you do the proper composting procedures, it can also provide garden soil with rich nutrients for plant growth. 

    You can either choose to start a compost pile or make use of a compost tumbler, it all depends on which one you prefer. While most gardeners are familiar with a compost pile, most will encounter some difficulties when starting a compost tumbler for the first time. 

    Fall into this category? 

    You can read up more about a compost tumbler and how to use one in the guide below. 

    What is a Compost Tumbler? 

    A compost tumbler is a sealed container that makes composting simpler and faster. It helps to retain the heat needed for decomposition and also turns the organic materials in the box. 

    Most times, the containers are made from recycled plastic and adequately sealed, unlike compost bins.

    There are different types of compost tumblers, and they differ from one another based on their design. The sealed drum compost tumblers consist of few parts and are a much simpler model compared to the others. Some models have rollers on them, which makes it easy to move them around the garden. 

    Aerated drum compost tumblers are designed to provide the compost materials with all the oxygen required to speed up the process. You can also choose the dual-bin compost tumblers. Although they are more expensive, they produce compost faster than the others. 

    Starting a Compost Tumbler 

    The first thing you want to do once you decide on a starting a compost tumbler is to choose a suitable box for your garden. There are different types and designs of compost tumbler, so you want to look out for the one that best suits your garden. 

    • Choose a Compost Tumbler 

    You can check your local garden supply shop or browse online for a compost tumbler. You want to do your research and find the best compost tumbler for your garden. Find one that suits your needs and falls within your budget. 

    • Pick the Right Spot 

    Where you place your compost tumbler also determines how well it functions. You should set your compost tumbler in an area that is covered. It is best to reduce the amount of moisture that gets into the compost tumbler from outside. Place your bins under the tree or use a cover material to protect it from the elements. 

    Starting a Compost Tumbler Tips and Procedures

     

    • Use the Right Type of Organic Materials 

    Composting requires kitchen or yard waste as raw organic materials, so you have to make sure that they are readily available for your compost tumbler. 

    You need to put in the right type of compostable materials into the compost tumbler, and it is the only way for microbial activity to take place. Kitchen waste such as eggshell and vegetable scraps are suitable compost materials. Still, you also need to ensure that your papers and other dense documents are of the right size before adding them to your tumblers. 

    • Balance the Nitrogen and Carbon Materials

    You will have to balance the nitrogen and carbon materials in the compost tumbler if you want decomposition to take place. Most gardeners get it right up until this spot; they don’t know how to choose the right brown and green materials for their compost pile. 

    You need to take note of all that you toss into the compost tumbler. It will be wrong to throw in anything that isn’t useful in the kitchen or around the home. The materials have to be rationed if you hope to get results soon enough. Ideally, the right mix should be a mixture of 75% brown materials and 25% green materials. Examples of brown carbon-rich materials include hay, sawdust, paper, and leaves. While green, nitrogen-rich materials provide a source of protein and include vegetable clippings, grass, coffee grounds, eggshell, and other kitchen scraps. 

    • Remove Dirt and Debris for Your Compost Tumbler. 

    Just because composting looks messy doesn’t mean it is alright to throw anything into the collection. You want to avoid adding anything that can contaminate your composting efforts. Keep your compost pile free from any materials such as toxic chemicals and anything that isn’t safe for your soil and plants. 

    Starting a Compost Tumbler Tips and Procedures

    • Compost in Batches for a Better Finished Compost

    A compost tumbler might work magic when it comes to preparing compost, but you should know that this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month to finish. So you want to ensure that you are patient enough and not tempted to add in new materials.  Adding new elements to a compost pile that is already decaying will only increase the composting time. 

    If you intend to compost numerous materials, you can choose to buy a dual-bin compost tumbler or separate ones for your kitchen waste and yard scrap. 

    • Practice Proper Composting Process

    As a gardener, you need to know the right composting methods if you want to get the best from the process. The first thing you need to know is that after adding the materials into the compost tumbler, you may need to start the microbial activity on your own. While this can take place naturally, doing it will only speed up the composting process and time. 

    You can do this by adding in horse or cow manure and garden soil to your compost materials. 

    You will also be required to turn compost tumbler as often as three times a week. Although, it is much easier to rotate a compost tumbler than a compost pile.   All that is required is to hold the handle and spin the barrel continuously until you are satisfied; the materials are adequately mixed.  

    • Monitor the Composting Process 

    You will need to check up on your compost regularly. You need to keep tabs on the temperature level, moisture content, and the color and consistency of your compost materials. While this may sound difficult, all you need is a few hours a week spread between two or three days to check with your compost. 

    FAQ’s

    How do you make a compost tumbler?

    You do want to make sure that turn your compost pile. It is easy enough to do manually, but if you have the time and energy, you can make a tumbler composting machine. 

    I’ve had good luck with this tumbler setup. It’s not as fast as a composter, but it’s more convenient and works just fine for me.

    The procedure to make a tumbler composting machine is to first build a compost bin, and then assemble the tumbler.

    Start with an empty plastic trash can (the larger the better). Fill it to the brim with your garden waste. The larger the better because the waste will be less compacted. Place your garden waste in the tumbler and cover it with a lid.

    If you don’t have a lid, then use a plastic bag that is big enough to cover the tumbler. Check your compost every couple of days and turn it with a large spoon. I usually wait about a week before adding new ingredients to my compost bin. If you are using a metal tumbler, you may need to add some kind of binder to keep the waste from flying out of the container.

    What size of compost bin should I use?

    This really depends on what type of soil you have and how much garden waste you want to add. If you live in an area with sandy soil, then it’s best to go with a small bin. You’ll be able to use your bin more often and get more compost out of it. If you live in an area where you don’t have sandy soil, then go with a large bin.

    How often should I rotate my compost tumbler?

    Many composting experts recommend that you turn your compost tumbler at least twice a week. It’s important to remember that the material in your compost should be damp before turning. If it is dry, you will create heat and cause decomposition to be slower. If you have lots of green waste such as grass clippings or weeds, you may need to turn your compost more often.

    Should I put my compost tumbler in the sun?

    This is a good idea as it will make the decomposing process go faster, just remember that it will dry it out, so you do need to keep this under consideration.

    What should you not put in a compost tumbler?

    It’s true that some things, like meat and dairy products, should not be put into a tumbler. But it’s not always as simple as that as it really can come down to amounts that you put.

    Other things that you shouldn’t put in a tumbler include, fats, wood that has been treated with pesticides, disease or infected plants, charchoal and pet waste.

    Final Note

    Starting a compost tumbler is not all that difficult, especially if you know a little bit about composting. For first time gardeners, you will need to pass through the learning curve to become expert compost farmers. You can mix finished compost to your soil to improve its nutrients and enjoy its benefits.

    If you have a question or would like to contribute to the topic of starting a compost tumbler, feel free to do so in the comment section. We will love to hear from you.

  • Composting Toilets 101: Do They Smell?

    Composting Toilets 101: Do They Smell?

    In the journey towards helping our planet, you have probably turned to reducing, reusing and recycling your trash. One way to do this is by composting all your kitchen organic waste. If you already do that, then you can go one step further by installing a composting toilet. You may have some questions about them and we are here to deliver! So let’s get cracking and find out all about how do compost toilets work. Do compost toilets smell? 

    What is a Composting Toilet

    A composting toilet is a device that by using the natural decomposition and evaporation processes, recycles human waste. In this way, you can reduce your water usage, not only at home but at water treatment facilities.

    Basically you will keep your waste local and at home, without polluting the groundwater. In this way, you avoid either the sewer system or a septic tank. 

    Composting Toilets 101: Do They Smell?

    It can also compost toilet paper that is thrown into it, so you will not have to worry about separating your bathroom trash also.

    These types of commercially available toilets have three different goals in mind: they compost the waste and toilet paper quickly and without leaving any smell behind, they have to make sure the compost that is left behind is safe to handle and they need to evaporate the liquid that is in the waste.

    They have been around for many decades. They were perfected in the ‘60s by a company called Sun-Mar. They were the forerunners of this industry.

    How do Composting Toilets Work?

    The three tasks that the toilet needs to perform, which we mentioned before, need three separate chambers. The composting chamber, the evaporating chamber, and the finishing drawer.

    The Composting Chamber: Chamber Number 1

    In this chamber, the toilet needs to create an ideal environment where the waste can decompose as it would in a regular compost pile. This needs to be warm, moist, with enough organic material and enough air.

    This is usually made up of a sort of drum that can be rotated in order to incorporate air into the compost. Once ready, it can be rotated into the finishing chamber.

    The compost needs oxygen for the bacteria to do their job correctly and thrive. If the mix is not tumbled periodically, the process will go much slower and will generate odor.

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    You want a composting chamber that does not apply direct heat. This is in order to avoid drying out the compost, which is another way of lengthening the decomposition process. Bacterias need moisture to live! You want to keep it between 40% and 60%.

    Regarding warmth, the microbes themselves create enough heat to keep the compost warm enough in temperate climates. If you live in a very cold area, you may need an electric toilet that can indirectly warm up the composting chamber.

    All of these precautions are to avoid the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which are the ones responsible for bad odors. 

    The Evaporating Chamber: Chamber Number 2

    As we said, the compost must be kept moist enough but it must not be saturated. If there is an excess of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the compost, it will drain from the compost chamber into the evaporating chamber through a mesh.

    The evaporating chamber is very different from the first chamber. It has a large surface area, it is well ventilated and it is in direct contact with heat. 

    These characteristics allow the moisture to evaporate rapidly. They usually have trays that can be removed and cleaned.

    Composting Toilets 101: Do They Smell?

    In electric models, there is a heat source places beneath the evaporating chamber. If they are not powered, the toilet needs to be connected to overflow vents. This is because passive venting is not enough to evaporate all the excess liquid and it can cause odor.

    The Finishing Drawer: Chamber Number 3

    This extra chamber allows compost that is finished to not be contaminated by fresh waste. It also allows the compost enough time to dry out until it is ready to be removed and used.

    It has two functions: to keep the compost in an easily accessible, isolated container, while it helps to complete the composting process by drying it out a little bit more.

    FAQ’s

    How bad does a composting toilet smell?

    The answer is that it varies, but it can smell quite bad. So bad, in fact, that many people find it hard to live with it. But the truth is, the smell of a composting toilet is much less than you might think, and if you can tolerate the odor for long enough, it won’t bother you as much as a conventional toilet.

    However, the smell of a composting toilet is pretty minimal in most cases. As you can imagine, a composting toilet is fairly simple and requires very little maintenance to keep it smelling fresh. A composting toilet also allows you to have a more natural toilet system, which can be more environmentally friendly than using chemical products like bleach or ammonia to remove odors from your home.

    It’s not described often as the stench of death, but it can be pretty rank. For example, it’s not uncommon for them to smell like rotten eggs. The compost itself is mostly fine, but some of it will produce smells that are off-putting to others.

    Do they all smell the same?

    It turns out that there’s more to the story than you might imagine. For example, you can have a composting toilet that smells like roses, or you can have one that smells like rotten eggs, depending on what kind of bacteria are present in your toilet’s waste.

    Are they common?

    Composting toilets are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. They use organic waste to produce soil-like material that is used to grow plants in gardens and landscapes. There are many advantages of using composting toilets, but they can also have drawbacks.

    How do I stop my compost toilet from smelling?

    This is the question most homeowners ask when they see the compost toilet.

    Here are some ideas:
    -Use mulch as a cover, and sprinkle some baking soda on top of it. This will keep the smell away.

    -Add some bark chips to the base of the pit. The bark will absorb moisture and help prevent odors.

    -Try a worm farm. Worms are great for adding to the compost.

    – Use an odor neutralizing compound (such as Potash, or a similar compound such as Cattleman’s Compost) that will help with odor. Or

    – Use a different type of toilet, such as a sand pit toilet. In any case, you will need to add more material to your compost, and the smell will likely go away.

    How often do you have to empty a composting toilet?

    It depends on the kind of composting toilet you use. If you’re using a composting toilet that produces its own heat, you will not need to empty it as often as if you are using one that doesn’t. A composting toilet that produces its own heat is one in which the urine and feces are heated and turned into compost in the process.

    I don’t want to empty my composting toilet more than once every 2 weeks. 

    Do Composting Toilets Make your Bathroom Smell Bad?

    This depends on which model of composting toilet you install. If you install a composting toilet with a composting unit in the basement of your house, you will not have to worry about the actual compost smelling up your bathroom.

    Our first advice would be then not to get a small composting toilet. The all in one units are smelly because you have everything in the same area. They also need to be emptied out very frequently, which can be a hassle.

    We also recommend you buy the compost starter that the manufacturer suggests instead of using soil from your backyard. This starter helps the decomposition to actually happen.

    There is another issue. Most composting toilets need to have the chambers we described above directly below the toilet itself. This may make some people squeamish, so we recommend you consider a foam flush or micro flush toilet. 

    These options will also let you install the toilet not directly above the composting chamber.

    All in all, composting toilets are an amazing choice for the environment, but they are a big step for most families. You will need to consider how you are going to install them and where. If you live in a house, you need to budget for it as well because they do not come cheap.

    Big composting toilets are really convenient, though. You will not need to empty it for at least a year after installing it, so it will be a win-win situation for you and your family. Probably even save you money in the long run.

    If you do not have space, installing a small unit also works but it is smellier and this may not be a great option if your family is squeamish.

    What do you think? Have you made the decision to install one? Comment below!

  • Mushroom Compost Vs Cow Manure: Which Is Better For Your Soil?

    Mushroom Compost Vs Cow Manure: Which Is Better For Your Soil?

    Adding green to your abode makes it look much more invigorating than investing too much in unnecessary decorations that may make your house look superfluous. Growing healthy plants in your garden can only be made possible with healthy soil. Natural or organic fertilization with compost or manure is seen as a viable option for over-commercialized plant food, but which one is better for your garden soil, mushroom compost vs cow manure?

    What is Compost?

    Compost refers to organic materials that have been decomposed to provide nutrients to the soil during the growing season and at the same time, minimize food wastage. This step, called composting, is a relatively easy process to execute, assuming that you know which among the list is recommended for the process.

    Although compost equates to minimizing food waste, particular things are highly discouraged to be part of the process like animals and milk products. Animal products take time to decompose; hence, they may serve as a breeding site for microbes, which invites diseases.

    Therefore, it’s better to settle for plant and fruit products – mushroom compost, for example.

    Mushroom Compost

    Mushroom compost makes a good conditioning product for your garden soil, as it is organic and easy to find. There is a variation in the growing process for mushrooms; therefore, their composting process may differ from one another.

    You can buy mushroom spawn in the market or prepare it manually. A single bag of mushroom spawn is steam pasteurized to get rid of weeds that competes with your plants in absorbing nutrients from the soil and also to eradicate other harmful substances to your plants.


    The entire duration for mushroom composting normally takes about three to four weeks, with the temperature closely monitored to complete the process. After it has been completed, the leftover compost is utilized as a soil fertilizer.

    Read more about Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

    Advantages of Mushroom Compost

    Mushroom compost is capable of providing nutrients to your plants at an affordable rate. In addition, it also allows your soil to further increase its water-holding threshold – an advantage that minimizes its watering-need demands.

    Most garden plants, may it be fruits, vegetables, or flowers, are compatible with mushroom compost. To further appreciate its effects, mix it thoroughly with the soil before use.

    Mushroom Compost or Cow Manure: Which is Better for Your Soil?

    Disadvantages of Mushroom Compost

    Although mushroom compost is an ideal organic matter to use, you should be aware of where and when to use it due to its high-salt level. Salt-sensitive plants like azaleas are not compatible with mushroom compost, while seedlings may also be affected by the high amount of salt.

    Learn if Mushroom Compost Is Good for a Vegetable Garden

    What is Manure?

    Another form of fertilizer that can be used in producing healthy plants is animal manure (usually cow, chicken, or horse manure). This organic fertilizer is also capable of giving off nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil.

    The animal waste used in manure processing is a cost-effective process that doesn’t cause any pollution at all. Moreover, it’s also capable of killing weeds and pests that disrupt the growth of plants.

    There are three different types of Manure: green manure, compost manure, and farmyard manure. All three come from different sources but primarily aim to provide nutrients to the soil for the plants to grow well. Among the excretion present, those from cows serve as the best ones for gardening.

    Cow Manure 

    As mentioned, cow manure serves as the most ideal dung for gardening. Cows eat mainly grass, so it’s not unusual to see grass and grain in their manure. Cow manure isn’t difficult to find, as there are several cows in the field that excretes from time to time.

    Composting manure is highly beneficial to plants, as it serves as an excellent culture bed for seeds, due to its high nutrient content. Although it’s a good fertilizer, heavy manures, like those from cows, must be combined with light materials (hays, straws) or ash/lime.

    Mushroom Compost or Cow Manure: Which is Better for Your Soil?

    Advantages of Cow Manure

    Aside from providing a rich amount of nutrients from your crops and other forms of garden plants, it also increases the soil’s water-holding capacity – that means you won’t have to keep on watering your plant from time to time.

    Another advantage of using cow manure is that it improves ventilation for your plants. Composting cow manure will also promote the growth of good bacteria in the soil. Good bacteria hasten the absorption of nutrients by breaking the aforementioned down into simpler forms.

    Lastly, it’s also environmentally friendly, in a way that produces a small number of greenhouse gases.

    Disadvantages of Cow Manure

    Manure or waste may be beneficial for the soil, but it’s also considered a breeding site for bacteria like Escherichia coli, a pathogenic type of microbe. Aside from the presence of pathogenic bacteria in fresh cow manure, it also has a high concentration of ammonia that’s harmful to your plants.

    To eradicate these problems, composting in the right way cow manure will kill most of the pathogens. Follow the steps mentioned here to reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens in your vegetable gardens.

    You can buy these mushroom and manure compost on Amazon:

    • Espoma GM25 Organic 3-2-3 Chicken Manure- it is made in the United States and it is suitable for organic gardening.
    • Michigan Peat Garden Magic Compost and Manure- a balanced blend of organic peat moss and composted animal manure, it is ideal for improving a wide range of planting soils.
    • Mushroom Compost Organic Brands- this media contained wheat straw, fibrous peat, gypsum, dolomite, crushed feathers, cottonseed meal, peanut meal, and more. 
    Michigan Peat 5240 Garden Magic Compost and Manure
    Check Price on Amazon

    Mushroom Compost vs Cow Manure?

    Conclusively, both products are excellent sources of nutrients for your soil. Soil applied to either of these products end up producing healthy plants. However, between both processes, going for mushroom compost is a better option due to its less tedious process.

    Albeit, you can still opt for composting cow manure to completely enjoy its benefits for your plants. In the end, choosing based on availability and cost plays a major role on your part.

    Read about Plants that Don’t Like Mushroom Compost 

    Does Garden Soil Have Manure?

    Your garden soil may contain manure. However, this is not commonly found in the ground unless previously added. Many gardeners prefer using other types of fertilizers and organic matter to improve their soil quality.

    How Do You Make Mushroom Compost With Soil?

    You can make mushroom compost with soil by using the following ingredients: 

    • 35 – 40% soil
    • 35 – 40% straw
    • 35 – 40% animal manure (preferably horse)
    • Water

    Instructions:

    1. Use a pitchfork or shovel to mix the straw and manure in a wheelbarrow or other large container.
    2. Add a layer of soil, and mix it well. 
    3. Moisten the mixture but ensure it is not soggy. 
    4. Spread the mixture out evenly in a flat layer on the ground. 
    5. Keep the mixture moist as it begins to break down and decompose.

    Note: The manure provides the fungi with the nutrients they need to grow. The soil provides structure to the compost and serves as a bacteria and microorganism source to help break down the organic matter. 

    Over time, the compost will become a rich, dark brown material. This will make it the perfect environment for growing mushrooms. 

    What is The pH of Mushroom Compost?

    The pH of mushroom compost varies. It is influenced by the ingredients used to make it and the stage of decomposition it is in. Generally, mushroom compost tends to have a slightly acidic pH. This can range from 6.0 to 7.0. Most mushrooms prefer this range. 

    What Vegetables Like Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Many vegetables can benefit when growing in this. Some may even prefer it and yield better results! If you have mushroom compost, you can use it to grow:

    • Tomatoes
    • Peppers
    • Eggplants
    • Squash
    • Cucumbers
    • Beans

    Mushroom compost makes a great addition to most food gardens. However, if you’re growing berries, it’s best to plant them elsewhere. 

    What Flowers Like Mushroom Compost?

    Almost any type of flower can benefit from mushroom compost. Most types contain phosphate, potash, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Plants that enjoy these nutrients include roses, lilies, marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers. 

    Plants that don’t like mushroom compost prefer less acidic soil. If you have azaleas, gardenias, ferns, or zinnias, it’s best to keep your mushroom compost away. 

    What Do Mushrooms in Soil Mean?

    If you see mushrooms popping up, it means there’s an underlying fungal network present in your soil. This network is called mycelium, and it appears when soil conditions are optimal for fungi reproduction. 

    Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of mycelium. If your soil is moist and warm, and there is a source of organic matter for fungi to feed on, you’ll likely see them. Fungi play an essential role in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. If you have mushrooms in your garden, it can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem. 

    What Edible Mushrooms Grow on Manure?

    Eating the wrong mushroom can be fatal. If you see mushrooms growing in your garden, you need to be sure they’re edible before you take a bite. Many edible mushrooms grow on manure, so you’re in luck if you want to start producing your own. You can try growing shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms on a mixture of straw and animal manure. 

    If you’re after more flavor and texture, you can grow morels or chanterelles. These grow in manure too. Mushrooms can grow in various environments and climates. You can use more than manure if you want to explore other growing substrates. 

    Conclusion

    Having plants in your home provides excellent vibrancy in the surroundings than overly decorating your house with unnecessary objects. To produce healthy-looking plants, mixing your soil with mushroom compost or cow manure is one of the ideal steps to consider. Both materials enrich your plant with enough nutrients to keep your plants healthy and increase water-holding capacity.

    Both mushroom compost vs cow manure has their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it’s all up to you what to choose based on the availability and budget.

    FAQ’s

    Where to buy mushroom compost?

    If you don’t have space for composting or if your mushroom compost is not fully done, buying is a great option. So where do you buy mushroom compost? You can buy mushroom compost from all local home and garden stores.

    You can as well buy mushroom compost online. 

    Can you put fresh cow manure in your garden?

    There are lots of benefits to applying cow manure in your garden. However, putting fresh cow manure in your garden is not advisable. Now some fresh manure can have some bad bacteria (e.g. E. coli) which can cause harm to humans when you consume the resulting plant. Bacteria that can be detrimental to your plants can be introduced by applying fresh cow manure. 

    Also, weed seeds can be introduced to your garden because the digestive tract of a cow cannot break down seeds. Therefore, fresh cow manure can contain weed seeds capable of invading your garden. 

    Raw cow manure is well comprised of a high amount of ammonium, nitrogen, and salts and these can burn your plants. 

    This is why we recommend you hot compost your fresh cow manure before applying them in your garden. This way, harmful bacteria, and seed weeds neutralize too much nitrogen, ammonium, and salt. Therefore, your compost manure pile will produce healthy and safe plants.

    We suggest you compost your fresh cow manure for a minimum of 15 days at a regular temperature of 131 Fahrenheit. Also, turn your compost constantly so all the manure attains the right temperatures. 

    What is the best compost for vegetable gardens? Mushroom compost or cow manure

    In regards to fertilizing your vegetable table, there are usually numerous options. The best out of these numerous options are compost and manure. Nevertheless, between mushroom compost and cow manure you might be wondering which is better. 

    Our recommendation for the best compost for vegetable gardens is mushroom compost. Both mushrooms and cow manure are great. But cow manure is usually not recommended for edible crops such as vegetables as there is the chance of disease transmission to humans e.g. E. coli.

    However, if you must use cow manure, hot compost them well. Also, apply them to your soil at least 3 or 4 months before you plant vegetable gardens. 

    What is mushroom compost not good for?

    Mushroom compost is not good for fruit crops that need an acidic medium. This is because most finished compost is neutral. It is also not suitable for lawn top-dresser only if the soil is already acidic. 

    Mushroom compost is as well not suitable to be used as potting mix components. 

    Can too much compost hurt plants?

    Even though compost is a slow-releasing nutrient, too much compost can be detrimental to your soil as well as your plants. It can suffocate and even kill your plants. 

    Take for example nitrogen and phosphorous. They are some of the components in compost. Nitrogen is assimilated fast and rain can easily wash them away. Also, nitrogen is easily converted to N2 and N2O gases that escape through the air.

    However, phosphorous are assimilated gradually. It can’t be easily washed away by rain or converted. Therefore, excess phosphorous build up in the soil where it can reach a toxic level. 

     

  • Is Mushroom Compost Good for a Vegetable Garden?

    Is Mushroom Compost Good for a Vegetable Garden?

    In my ongoing quest for that “perfect vegetable garden”, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to improve my little patch of heaven. As it turns out, all vegetable gardens benefit from lots of compost and organic matter.

    Compost adds nutrient-rich humus to the garden and encourages the growth of worms, beneficial bacteria, and other organisms that maintain the well-being of your garden soil. Compost added to soil is useful in retaining a healthy moisture level and breaking down clay-like deposits that may develop over time.

    That being said, I have to confess: I detest the smell of compost! I have used it before and despite my best efforts, I haven’t been able to manage the odor. Fortunately, a reader suggested that I try mushroom compost as an alternative.

    But what exactly is mushroom compost? How do you use it, and more importantly, is mushroom compost good for a vegetable garden?

    Is Mushroom Compost Good for a Vegetable Garden?

    I’ve been using 10 Pounds Sterilized Compost Mushroom Substrate which had the highest rating on Amazon and also had the greatest number of reviews at the time. Having purchased several bags, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

    Mushroom compost slowly releases nutrients into the soil and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, fungus, and other micro-organisms. It also prevents the occurrence of little nasties such as pests, weeds, or viruses.

    Apart from that, mushroom compost also locks moisture into the soil, making it resistant to crusting and compaction. Rain is absorbed more readily; this, in turn, encourages worms that enrich the soil further. Water runs more freely too – no more drowned or waterlogged roots!

    Is Mushroom Compost Good for a Vegetable Garden?

    Ultimately, mushroom compost is perfect for nearly all flowering plants, vegetables, herbs, trees (especially fruit trees), shrubs, and even lawns. Vegetable crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts are happiest in the non-acidic environment that mushroom compost brings to the soil. Potato crops also thrive due to increased moisture.

    Since mushroom compost is rich in calcium, you won’t encounter the blossom-end rot which plagues a lot of tomato growers. I planned on making some compost tea to prevent leaf mold, but according to one source, the use of mushroom compost tea is dubious at best and may even be harmful.

    On a side note, I think that mushroom compost looks great with its rich, dark brown colors that speak of a healthy-looking garden. 

    Most importantly, mushroom compost doesn’t smell bad at all! It’s also relatively cheap compared to other traditional composts I found on the market.

    What is Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost doesn’t contain mushrooms, even though its name suggests otherwise. Its actually the substrate left over after the process of producing mushrooms on an industrial scale. 

    You’ll find that mushroom compost “recipes” vary greatly and may include chopped straw, peat moss, poultry manure, cocoa shells, cottonseed or canola meal, gypsum, potash, lime, and urea. The mixture is left for a month to allow heat and bacteria to build up, eliminating traces of weeds or other pathogens. 

    The resulting mushroom substrate is first steam-sterilized then inoculated with edible commercial mushrooms. After a few rounds of harvesting, the bed is deemed “used up” for mushroom production and sold as compost.

    Here’s an interesting video that demonstrates how Northway Mushrooms creates mushroom compost on an industrial level.

    Potential Problems of Using Mushroom Compost

    While you might find using mushroom compost to be useful, there are a few things you should know first. Some plants like fruit bushes and certain flowers like magnolia, heathers, and camellia are incompatible with the alkaline properties of mushroom compost and prefer a more acidic environment.

    Fresh mushroom compost is rich in soluble salts that need to be leached out or cured before use. Excessive salt levels can harm germinating seeds and kill salt-sensitive plants such as rhododendrons, blueberries, and azaleas. Nutrient levels are low, however, relative to other forms of packaged garden manure, with most of the available nitrogen depleted by the mushrooms that previously used the compost.

    Mushroom compost may contain large amounts of chalk which you should remove to prevent an accumulation of chalky deposits in the soil. Chalk deprives the soil of nutrients and may lead to a reduction in flowering or fruiting, a yellowing of foliage, and overall stunted plant development.

    Also, mushroom farmers may use chemical fertilizers or employ products such as cyromazine, diflubenzuron, methoprene, Dimlin, and Diazanon to control fungus gnats and flies. They may also use chemicals such as thiabendazole, chlorothalonil, and benomyl for fungal infections. These chemicals may find their way into commercial mushroom composts; always check with your supplier!

    How is Mushroom Compost Used?

    You can apply the compost evenly and uniformly from one to three-inch thickness; this was tilled into the existing soil prior to seeding and planting. For established plants, it’s best to use approximately five to six inches around the base, avoiding any bark to prevent rotting.

    As mentioned, fresh mushroom compost can have concentrated levels of soluble salts that can be harmful to certain plants, notably germinating seeds, seedlings, and members of the heath family. To counter this, make sure you mix it with garden soil (25-50% is recommended). You can also allow some mushroom compost to sit uncovered to “cure” over a few months before use.

    Is Mushroom Compost Good for a Vegetable Garden?

    I also had success in using mushroom compost as a mulch which was great in controlling weeds and helping my garden soil retain its moisture during dry periods.

    FAQ’s

    Can you grow vegetables in mushroom compost?

    Yes, you can grow vegetables in mushroom compost. If you use a compost that has been specifically designed for vegetable gardens, you will get a good yield of healthy produce. You can grow vegetables with little to no care or maintenance. As long as you have enough water, your plants will do just fine.

    It is a very simple process. You will need a small amount of mushroom compost, some well-rotted manure and some fertilizer. Why Grow Vegetables in Mushroom Compost? The answer is simple. Mushroom compost contains essential nutrients that plants need to grow properly. It is also extremely rich in nitrogen, which helps plants develop strong roots. This means that your plants will have a healthier root system, which will help them absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.

    Is mushroom compost good for tomatoes?

    Yes, it is. Tomatoes are a common crop in many gardens, and it is essential to have compost or mulch around the base of your plants to help protect them from slugs, snails and other pests. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the use of compost in a garden. There are times when compost will help to boost growth, and others when it is best to leave it out of the mix.

    Tomatoes like a pH of between 6 and so the soil should be well-manured and have a pH of around before planting. A pH of around is too low for tomatoes, but if you have high levels of nutrients in your soil then this won’t be an issue. The main problem with using compost is that it tends to dry out the soil, and this can lead to root rot if not done properly.

    Is mushroom compost better than regular compost?

    Yes, it’s better! If you’re wondering why your plants are getting bigger and healthier after you add compost, that’s because compost is basically fertilizer. The nutrients in the compost are what’s providing the energy for the plant to grow.

    So what makes mushroom compost so special? Well, mushrooms have a different life cycle than other plants do. They don’t produce seeds or flowers. Instead, they reproduce by sending out spores, or seeds. In nature, these spores are carried on the wind. In order for a mushroom to grow, it needs to find a host, or living organism, that will feed on the mushroom’s spores.

    When you add mushroom compost to your garden, the spores will be attracted to the compost because it smells like food. Once they are near the compost, they will find their way to the surface of the compost and start growing. The mushrooms will continue to grow until they can reach the air. Then, they will release their spores into the air, and the cycle starts all over again. Mushrooms are amazing organisms that can help you with several things. They help break down organic matter and add nutrients to your soil. They also help attract beneficial insects to your garden, including ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings. They provide food for your animals, and they also keep your soil healthy and free of pests. You may be wondering what makes mushroom compost different from regular compost. There’s a couple of differences. One is that it has a higher nitrogen content than normal compost does.

    It also has a higher water content. These two differences make it a much more efficient way to feed your plants. One thing that you should be aware of when you’re using mushroom compost is that the mushrooms will need to be cleaned before they’re used in the garden. Once they’ve been harvested, you’ll have to clean them. You’ll need to wash them well, because they can carry diseases that can affect your plants. However, once you’ve washed them, they’ll be safe to use.

    Conclusion

    I can wholeheartedly recommend mushroom compost for vegetable gardens. However, you just have to keep these pointers in mind:

    • Don’t use mushroom compost with plants that prefer acidic soil
    • Mix mushroom compost with garden soil
    • Buy only from trusted suppliers; avoid unwanted chemicals and by-products!

    The results I had from 10 Pounds Sterilized Compost Mushroom Substrate were extremely satisfying. I have a noticeable decrease in watering expenses, and most importantly, my plants and vegetables are all happy and healthy.

    Please comment below and let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. My take is that if you are interested in improving the state of your vegetable garden, consider adding mushroom compost to your soil. Your garden will thank you for it!

  • How to Compost Horse Manure Fast?

    How to Compost Horse Manure Fast?

    Composting is a great way to recycle waste. It doesn’t matter if it is kitchen waste or animal poo, you certainly can use it for the betterment of your garden plant. 

    Horse manure is a rich source of nutrients for your garden soil. Its slow releasing properties makes it great for fixing the nutrient deficiency in any soil. 

    The problem most gardeners face is knowing how to compost horse manure fast. It is unsafe to use fresh horse manure on your soil; you have to compost it first, this should not be difficult once you have access to all the primary material, which is horse dung. 

    How to Compost Horse Manure Fast?

    There are different methods you can try when composting horse manure.  It doesn’t matter which method you choose provided you get the required result, which is rich humus. 

    You can choose either to use a hot or cold compost method for your horse manure. 

    Hot Composting 

    In hot composting, microbial activity is heightened by using specific equipment to speed up the process. When done properly, hot composting is one of the quickest methods to recycle waste.

    You will need to occasionally turn the compost materials to speed up the decomposition.

    You should choose the right size of the compost bin, and be ready to dedicate time and energy to your compost. Depending on precipitation and air temperature, it can take less than 3 weeks to prepare hot composting. 

    Cold Composting 

    Another composting method to try is cold composting. It is the direct opposite of hot composting. Here, you are not required to turn the compost pile as often as you would. It is the simplest method of composting, and best for lazy gardeners. 

    The fact that you do not need to create heat within the compost pile means that you will have to wait a while for your compost to be ready. 

    Steps to Compost Horse Manure 

    • Pick a Good Location

    The first step you need to harvest your compost quickly is to use select the right site. The right spot should be high ground so your compost pile doesn’t get wet. If you own horses, the site should be close to the stable, so you can get easy access to manure. 

    If you intend to create a storage system such as wooden bins, you should site it in an area that isn’t waterlogged. 

    • A Bin or Pile System 

    You should also choose a suitable system that you are familiar with; you can choose between a bin or pile system for effective composting. A bin system is best if you love to keep your compost area neat. You can also choose to pile the materials on top of each other near your garden. 

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    If you want to monitor the different stages of your compost, you should use up to three bins or piles. The first one should house the manure and fresh waste material. The second one should be set aside for temperature regulation and turning compost, while the last one should be for the curing or finishing stage. 

    • Use Carbon-rich Materials 

    To get your compost ready in no time, you will need to make use of carbon-rich materials in addition to your horse manure. Some examples of such materials include sawdust, dried leaves, sticks, paper, cardboard, and pine needles. To avoid anaerobic decomposition, you should mix the materials and horse manure so as microbial activity can begin quickly. 

    • Cover the Pile 

    It doesn’t matter if you decide to use a bin or pile system, you should ensure that the compost pile remains covered at all times. By so doing, you keep the heat trapped inside the bin which helps to speed up decomposition. You can do this by placing a tray over the compost pile, but you want to ensure that you use a cover that can withstand the elements. 

    • Keep it Airy 

    One of the secrets on how to compost horse manure fast is to keep the compost airy. You can do this by any means necessary, but the easiest way will be to turn the materials daily. You can also drill holes or construct chimney-like plumbing for airflow. 

    How to Compost Horse Manure Fast

    • Turn the Compost 

    This is where most gardeners throw in the towel. They find the job of having to devote time daily to turning the compost pile to be quite stressful. 

    The only way microbial activity will take place is by keeping the compost airy and moist. If you find it to be messy, you can use the right gear to make it more comfortable. Wear protective gloves, nose mask, and use a long garden fork to turn the pile, so you don’t come in contact with the materials. 

    When turning the compost, endeavor to mix the ingredients properly especially if you want it to be ready quickly. 

    • Keep it Moist 

    You want o keep your compost pile moist if you want speedy decomposition. It is difficult to compost dry materials, so in addition to keeping the compost pile warm, you want to add in some moisture. Be careful not to add too much water and instead keep it moist like a sponge. 

    • Give it Time 

    You should understand that it can take between 3 and 6 months for your compost to be ready, so you want to give it time and not be looking for results after a few days. 

    How to Compost Horse Manure Fast

    FAQ’s

    What makes horse manure different from other types?

    Composting horse manure is not as simple as composting other types of manure. The manure needs to be broken down into smaller pieces and mixed with a high-nitrogen substance such as peat or sawdust.

    How do you speed up horse manure compost?

    There is a lot of information out there, but here are the main things I’ve learned. The more air that is available to the compost, the faster it will heat and break down. If you have a lot of manure, then you’ll have to add more manure to make up for the extra moisture.

    The main thing that slows down your pile is lack of water. If you have a thick, dense pile of manure it will need a lot of water to keep it from drying out.

    It also needs to be turned over frequently to prevent the manure from becoming too wet and anaerobic. The best time to turn the pile is after the first rain of the year and before any more rain. This will give the pile time to dry out and not become too wet.

    Once the manure has been turned, you need to make sure it is kept dry for the first few weeks. If the manure is allowed to get too wet, the aerobic bacteria needed to break down the manure may be killed off. This can cause the manure to become anaerobic and start to smell.

    How long does fresh horse manure take to compost?

    It might be a bit more or less depending on the size of the bags and how much you turn. It takes about 2 months, depending on the weather. In cooler climates, it will take longer.

    What is the fastest way to break down horse manure?

    There are a number of ways to do this, but the easiest and quickest would be to just mix it with some hot water. Depending on how much manure you have and how much hot water you have available, you can either use a big bucket or a large stockpot. If you have access to a hose, it’s really not too difficult to run it through a hose and into your stockpot.

    The very fastest way is to use a commercial product called “Nutri-Tuff”. It’s a proprietary blend of enzymes that are effective at breaking down manure. It has no effect on the odor, but it does make the manure easier to spread and easier to handle.

    Conclusion 

    You should keep a close eye on your bins and piles, and check for signs that your compost is not right. You can also reduce the smell of your compost bin by keeping it airy. 

    If you don’t have horses, you should check with a nearby stable to source for fresh manure. You can decide also to buy organic horse manure to use in your garden, but you should double-check that it does not contain any chemical contaminants. 

    You have the option of purchasing a compost tumbler that automatically turns the compost pile, so you don’t have to deal with the mess. 

    Have you tried composting horse manure before? How quickly was the compost pile ready? We will like to hear from you in the comment section. 

  • How to Mix Compost into Soil?

    How to Mix Compost into Soil?

    If you want to get the best out of using compost on your soil, you want to ensure that you use rich compost, and mix it into your soil. While you can purchase ready-made compost for your garden, you have to know how to mix the compost into your soil bed; If you want to get the best results.  

    It is not all that difficult to use compost in the garden; If you are the gardener who loves to get handy, you should be just fine. 

    Before we get into the steps on how to add compost to the soil, let’s talk about the soil amendment and the different methods available. 

    Why Use Compost On Soil? 

    Plants need soil nutrients to survive. It doesn’t matter the nature of your garden, you want to ensure that nutrient is available in the soil. 

    In a bid to improve their yield, most gardeners seek out methods to improve the condition of their soil. One such method is composting.  It involves the breakdown of waste for use as manure for plants. The process might not be all that pretty, but it certainly has its benefits. As someone who practices zero waste, I too compost my kitchen waste. The benefits of composting are numerous, and you should consider it to reduce environmental waste. 

    Composting is safe for your garden plants, which is one of the reasons why I used them on my tomatoes and berries. You want to be careful not to use compost from human waste on your edible plants. You can use humanure on your lawn grass and flower plant, but use compost from kitchen waste in your garden. 

    It is what I do; I own a compost tumbler which I use in recycling kitchen and paper waste. 

    Other Soil Amendment Methods 

    Improving the condition of your soil will be something you need to do regularly as a responsible gardener. Composting is not the only way to improve soil nutrients. Other methods include the use of natural fertilizers, chemical fertilizers, peat moss, slake lime and the use of manure. 

    Whatever method you choose to stick to, ensure you apply them right to the soil. 

    So now you know why you need to amend your soil regularly, we can now get into the steps on how to mix compost into your soil. 

    How to Mix Compost into Soil?

    It doesn’t matter if you purchased your compost from the store, or you made them yourself, so long they are ready for use, you want to apply them the right way. You can do this by following the simple steps below. 

    Use Ready-Made Compost 

    You want to use only compost that has undergone complete decay. Making use of compost that hasn’t fully broken down has its consequences. You can identify ready-made compost by how it appears and smells. Check to see if it is 

    • smooth to the feel
    • Black or darkish brown 
    • smells like earth (not foul smelling)
    • crumbly too

    How to Mix Compost Into Soil

    Prepare the Garden 

    You want to prepare your soil bed for composting. Before adding compost to your plant soil, weed your garden, and ensure to keep pest and rodent preventive measures in place. You don’t want all your composting efforts to be in vain. 

    If you will be adding compost while seeding your pots, use a good quality potting soil from an organic source. 

    Mixing Compost 

    The best way to use compost in a potting system is to mix it with the soil. You should do this before adding in the potting soil. Mix the compost and soil in the ratio 1:3. So if you use 1kg compost, you will have to use 3kg potting soil to balance it out. 

    You should do this in a large container. I make use of the barrow, and the first thing I do is to add the compost and the potting soil and mix with a garden fork. 

    Most potting soil contains a bit of compost in it already, so if you were going to apply directly to soil bed, you can save yourself the cost of buying potting soil. 

    You can always make your potting soil by mixing equal amount of:

    How to Mix Compost Into Soil

    Planting Seeds 

    It is easy to use compost when planting seeds in your garden bed. All you have to do is to plant it the way you normally would. It is slightly different when planting seeds in topsoil. You will need to till the ground and then add compost to the top layer before adding the seeds. 

    When transplanting seedlings to pot or soil, use compost and soil in the ratio of 1:2. Plants with already established roots would not have a hard time adjusting to the new environment. 

    On Established Plants 

    You can also use compost on already established plants. You will need to prepare the soil bed before adding compost. Shovel off a layer of the soil and replace it with compost. You don’t need to add any other ingredients to the mix. We only advise that you perform a soil test so you can be aware of the nutrients that are lacking in your soil. 

    How to Mix Compost Into Soil

    Extra Tips 

    The best time to add compost to your garden soil is in the morning before the sun is high in the sky. It should be the first thing you do before watering your garden. Use compost before planting season for a new plant, and at the onset of fruiting for an already existing plant. 

    You don’t have to make use of too much compost, but you want to get them in the right places. Close to the stem of the plant is good, and you want to till the surface to expose some roots when applying to grown plants. 

    Lastly, you need to make use of fully decayed compost in your garden. Remove any lump from the mixture and toss it in the compost bag. 

    Now that you know how to mix compost into the soil, you shouldn’t have a hard time feeding your plant all the nutrients they need. 

  • The Dos and Don’ts of Using Wood Ash in Your Compost

    The Dos and Don’ts of Using Wood Ash in Your Compost

    Composting is a great way to not only help the planet by reducing your waste but also to help your garden grow and thrive. There are a lot of things you can include in your compost, depending on what your diet is and what is your lifestyle. But there is one thing you may not have known you could include. Maybe you had been throwing it out all along! Today we are going to talk about charcoal ash and wood ashes in compost.

    Keep in mind that we are going to discuss the use of good quality hardwood ashes. That means, not coming from barbecue grills, cardboard, plywood, painted or pressure-treated woods, etc. These do not have any real agricultural use and should be discarded.

    What are Wood Ashes Made Of

    Burning wood leaves two types of waste: ash and charcoal, on top of extra pieces of wood that have not burnt completely. Ash is the grey powder that is extra fine and delicate. Charcoal is the black remains. Together we will reference them as “wood ashes”.

    The Dos and Don’ts of Using Wood Ash in Your Compost

    Why Is it Good for Compost?

    Composition

    Wood ashes contain minerals that can help replenish the soil and improve its quality. They have a ton of phosphorus and potassium – specifically they are made up of 10% potassium and 1% phosphorus. If your soil is in need of these, then you are in luck!

    You will be also adding micronutrients, like iron, manganese, boron, copper, and zinc. All of these will make their way to your plants by the microbes present in your compost.

    Increased Surface Area and Oxygen Pockets

    Wood ashes are an incredible way of adding nutrient holding capacity to your compost. It is so porous that just 1 gram of charcoal has about 10% the surface area of a football field. 

    By adding it, you will include a lot of oxygen pockets into your compost, that means life for your beautiful microbes. This adsorption -referring to gas and not liquid- is great for your plants!

    Increasing the pH in your Compost

    Another great thing that wood ashes will do for your garden is increasing the pH of the soil. As they are composed of 25% calcium carbonate, the compost will turn more alkaline if you include them in it.

    If you have a lot of vegetable waste in your compost, which is very acidic, adding wood ash will neutralize that. Be mindful of your soil’s composition, though, and do not add too much of it if your soil is already alkaline enough.

    Usually, areas that experience regular heavy rainfall have highly acidic soils that can benefit from the addition of an alkaline element to balance that out in place of lime.

    Good quality wood ashes have half or even 2 thirds of the calcium carbonate that lime has and are just as effective in this purpose.

    Note that ideal soil pH is slightly acidic by nature. Swinging it very far in any direction will cause the soil to lock up on specific nutrients and we want it to have the widest range possible. In high concentrations, this could also inhibit plant growth.

    This also depends, however, on what plants you are growing. Some plants have very specific soil needs and you should adjust it depending on that.

    Although you should not directly apply it to your soil because of these possible issues, you could do use it as a repellent for slugs and snails. 

    How NOT to Use Wood Ashes in Your Garden

    First of all, do not use them in excess. Apart from turning your soil more alkaline, they can contain trace amount of heavy metals. This effect can be mitigated by keeping a healthy microbial environment in your compost and soil.

    Do not use them if your compost will go near acid-loving plants like blueberries or azaleas or newly planted seeds and seedlings. It can be detrimental.

    The Dos and Don’ts of Using Wood Ash in Your Compost

    FAQ’s

    Is it good to add wood ashes to compost?

    It’s perfectly fine. It will help break down the lignin and cellulose, and it will add phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and other nutrients that can be beneficial in a compost pile.

    You need to know what kind of ash you are talking about. The ash in question is a product made by heating wood with the intent of separating the lignin from the cellulose. It has been called “wood ash” or “biosolids.

    Wood ashes are commonly used as a soil amendment, but they may not be the best choice for garden compost. It’s possible to use wood ash as a soil conditioner, but not as a fertilizer. The wood ashes from a wood-burning stove are considered a waste product, and often end up in landfills or incinerators.

    It is also one of the most effective ways to increase your compost temperature without using heat. When composting, it is important to keep the compost pile as hot as possible. If you don’t have access to a wood stove or fireplace, a layer of ash in the center of your compost pile will help keep it hot.

    Wood ash is a very good mulch material. It helps to maintain the soil’s pH balance and retains moisture. Some gardeners use wood ash as fertilizer for their vegetable gardens, and some use it to help prevent weeds from growing in their lawns. Wood ash also makes a great soil amendment. You can spread it on your lawn or garden beds to keep your soil well-mulched and acidic.

    Is it hard?

    Anyone can recycle wood ash as an additive to your compost as it is easy to make a simple compost bin from an old wooden box or barrel. You will need to buy composting material such as shredded newspaper, grass clippings and leaves. Then you just need to mix these materials with the wood ash. The wood ash can be bought in bulk or in bags.

    What time of the year is best for it?

    The best time to add wood ash to your garden is during the autumn, as this is when it will have the greatest impact on your plants.

    How much wood ash should you put in a garden?

    When it comes to adding ash to your garden, there are two questions to answer: how much and when. Ash is very versatile in the garden, as it’s used for mulch, compost, soil conditioner, fertilizer, pest deterrent and more. You can add ash to any of these uses and still keep your garden healthy and beautiful.

    It’s not good for plants to have lots of nitrogen (ammonia) in the soil. Ammonia is toxic to many plants, and also has a bad odor, so it doesn’t really help them grow either. If you’re going to put wood ash in your garden, you’ll want to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers like ammonium sulfate or urea.

    The amount of wood ash you use depends on the size of your property. You want to apply enough ash to give your plants the nutrients they need, but not so much that you overload them with ash.

    Some Recommendations for Using Wood Ashes in Your Garden

    1 – We recommend you perform a pH test on your soil before considering adding any wood ashes to your compost. Bearing in mind this information, you should only add a small amount unless your soil is naturally acidic. If it already is alkaline, then avoid them.

    2 – Do not burn anything specifically to use the ashes as compost. The gases burning emits are harmful to the environment and therefore will counteract the good things you are doing for the soil. There are other great and easy ways to obtain organic compost.

    3 – If the weather is windy, avoid using wood ash as it can blow and scatter everywhere. And on that note, whenever handling it make sure to wear a face mask, eye protection, and gloves. Its alkaline nature can irritate your skin and its particles are easily inhaled.

    4 – Use a shovel or scoop to place the ashes into a bag in order to transport it. This way you can also keep some of it to use in the future if you do not need it right away. You could even give another friendly gardener some!

    5 – Do not add a whole heap of the ashes to the compost at once. Add it by layers and always put a brown layer on top of your ash. Also, make sure to turn it every time you add new items to keep it healthy.

    6 – This one is very important: You should only use ash that comes from untreated wood. This means that ash coming from items like cardboard, stained wood or other substances can contain harmful chemicals and are not beneficial for your garden.

    7 –  Also avoid using ash from black walnut trees. 

    8 – Do not mix the wood ash with nitrogen fertilizer. When combined, a reaction can occur that will release ammonia gas. It smells awful!

    What do you think? Have you been using wood ash correctly or not? Would you consider using it in the future? Post a picture of your beautiful garden below and tell us how wood ash helped your plants!