Grower Today

Category: Composting

  • What Does Finished Compost Look Like? 

    What Does Finished Compost Look Like? 

    If you are starting a compost pile, one of the challenges you will face is knowing when your compost is ready for use. It is not like a fruit that you can tell when it is ripe, but you should know that your compost pile like fruits sure do get ripe. 

    There is no saying how long it will take for your compost pile to be ready, this is because there are factors that can decide whether your compost will be ready in a few months or years. 

    Knowing when your compost is ready is important if you intend recycling your kitchen waste for use in your garden. 

    So how then can you tell when compost is ready? 

    How to Tell When Compost is Ready

    Yes, you heard right, finished compost looks like a dark brown crumbled piece of dirt. You almost cannot ignore the appearance of finished compost. It smells different than it used to during the early stage of decomposition. Instead of the rotting smell of vegetables and the wet bacteria-laden bin you are used to, you begin to notice that the bin smells less offensive, and stays dry. 

    There is no science to determining when your compost is ready to be used in your garden. You don’t need to perform any laboratory test or make use of any fancy gadget. You can easily tell your compost is ready by merely looking at it.

     

    If you are up for it, and willing to spend some cash, you can perform a home test on your compost to see if it is ready for use. These home tests lookout for many criteria when checking the compost. Some of these criteria include the temperature of the compost, microbial activity, and pH concentration. 

    You need to ensure that you use only mature compost on your plants. Making use of immature compost can result in complications in your garden. You don’t want anything to affect your yield at the end of the planting season. 

    Immature compost contains contaminants that can damage your plants. These include pathogens and toxic acids. You can reduce the presence of contaminants in your compost by scrutinizing the types of materials you add to your compost pile. 

    Before we get into the time frame for compost to be ready, let’s take a quick look at some of the things that affect compost time. 

    Things that Affects Compost Time? 

    • Moisture Content 

    Your compost pile needs to be moist enough to support microbial activity. Adding moisture to a compost pile is easy, you can do this by wetting with water once or twice weekly. You also want to be careful not to overwater the compost pile. 

    When there is too much water in your compost, it can cause the bin to smell bad, and also make it difficult for other activities to take place. 

    What Does Finished Compost Look Like?

    In a situation when you notice that there is too much moisture in the pile, you can balance things up by adding in more materials to the bin. You want to also ensure you balance things out when reintroducing more ingredients into the compost pile. If you add in more green materials, do well to balance out, by adding brown materials as well. 

    • Not Enough Oxygen 

    Another important factor needed for decomposition to take place is air. There needs to be enough oxygen in the compost pile to encourage the microbial activities going on in the bin. 

    You will occasionally need to turn the compost pile if you are using a bin. You can do this by using a garden fork to turn the materials in the bin. You may need to do this once or twice weekly to ensure that air circulates in the bin. You can save yourself the stress of turning the pile by purchasing a tumbler. Compost tumblers are designed to turn the compost automatically so you don’t have to do it yourself. You can also consider getting one if you stay in an apartment building as they eliminate most of the unpleasantness associated with composting. 

    • Size of Materials

    You also want to consider the size of the materials you throw into your compost bin. Large materials have a hard time decomposing, and that is if they ever do. You should size down all materials to the barest minimum. Make use of shredder if you have to, it is better than throwing in your old newspapers like that. 

    What Does Finished Compost Look Like?

    • Materials 

    The materials themselves also determine if your compost will take longer to mature or not. 

    You want to avoid adding any materials that contain toxic ingredients such as paints, and chemical finishes. They can delay the decomposition time of the material and the potency of your compost. 

    Balance the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the compost pile by using the right amount of brown and green materials.

    • Heat 

    Your compost pile needs to be hot enough to support microbial activity. You can easily achieve this by placing your compost bin at a section of your garden with direct access to sunlight. Using a compost tumbler will save you the stress of finding a suitable heat source for your compost. Truth is you don’t need to spend extra on a tumbler if you can find a suitable heat source. 

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    FAQ’s

    How do I know when my compost is done?

    Composting, or vermicomposting, is a great way to recycle your kitchen scraps into something useful for the garden. However, it’s also important to monitor the process and know when your compost is ready.

    There are several ways to tell when your compost is ready. The most obvious is when it begins to smell really good. If you are composting in a bin, you should also be able to see the compost matting begin to separate and the air movement within the pile start to increase.

    How long does it take to get finished compost?

    This is a good question and one that we often get asked. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of compost you are creating. Composting can be slow or fast. In general, the slower the process the better the quality of the end product. If you are creating a compost pile, you will need to wait until the composting material breaks down.

    Slow composting can take up to two years and should be used for garden beds and flower borders. It is best for soil amendments as well as compost that is used in landscape beds or flower gardens. A good compost pile will be dark brown in color and have a strong odor. You should also see worms and other beneficial insects in the pile. The fastest composting method is to use a pile with the intention of using it within a few months.

    What does bad compost look like?

    A few things. You can see it in a pile with dark green leaves on top and mostly brown stuff underneath. Or you can see it in the soil beneath your plants, as dark patches that look very much like mold. But it’s more than just looking at the compost.

    Compost should be a rich, dark, black color. If it’s not, then there are problems with the ingredients or the process. It should smell good, too. If you have a composter, you can check out the condition of the ingredients yourself. If you don’t have one, you can buy composting bins.

    What do you do with finished compost?

    There are many different ways to use finished compost. In a greenhouse, you can use it to fertilize your plants, to water-proof the soil in raised beds, or even to mulch around trees. If you have a yard, you can use it to top-dress your lawn. You can also apply it to your vegetable garden as a mulch or fertilizer. You might even use it as a garden floor for your vegetables.

    Does finished compost smell?

    The smell of finished compost is a combination of several things. Some odors are from the microbes breaking down the organic material, some are from the nutrients and minerals being broken down by the microbes, and some come from the air in your pile. Here’s what you can expect when the compost has reached its peak of maturity:

    Humidity is high, but not so much that it gets moldy. If you live in a humid area or have an area that gets a lot of rain, this may be too dry for your taste. There will be little to no ammonia, though there might be some carbon dioxide.

    How Long Does It Take for Compost to be Ready? 

    When you follow the right composting practice, your compost pile can be ready in less than a month. It can be quicker if you make use of a compost tumbler. 

    On average, it can take several months for your compost to reach maturity. You also need to know that it can take more than a year too. It all depends on whether or not you choose to follow the right methods. 

    Your compost will begin decomposing once the worms and bugs get to work. If there is one sign to look out for that says your compost is on the right course to maturity, is the worms and bugs that swarm around inside the bin. They are the ones responsible for turning your kitchen waste into rich organic matter. 

    Do you have any problems preparing a compost pile? Or achieving any success composting? Let us know in the comment section, and we will be glad to help. 

  • Are Pine Needles Good for Compost? 

    Are Pine Needles Good for Compost? 

    Pine needles are abundant in nature and found in all parts of the world. They are a rich source of organic matter and are usually added to a compost pile or used as a side mulch. The best way to get the maximum result from adding pine needles to your compost is to ensure that other materials are present in the right proportion. 

    One of the reasons why most people are against adding pine needles to their compost is because it decomposes slowly. But pines are not the only materials in your compost pile that take too long to break down your eggshells also take a while to get ready.   

    Before we get into how best to compost pine needles, let us first find out how safe it is to include pine in your compost. 

    Are Pine Needles Good for Compost?

    Composting allows you to convert kitchen waste into pure nutrients for garden plants. So if you do have indoor plants or a front lawn, you may want to consider setting aside your kitchen scrap for the compost bin. Not all materials are compostable, before adding any household waste into a compost bin, you need to confirm that it is organic. What this means is that you cannot include any synthetic material made from chemicals and other additives.

    Are Pine Needles Good for Compost?

    If you look through your trash can, the chances are that you should be able to find organic materials that you can include in your compost bin. 

    If you happen to have pine trees growing in your yard, or close to your garden, you can collect fresh pine needles and add them to your compost pile. 

    Some people believe pine needles to be acidic and alter the pH level of the soil when added to it. The truth is that the pH of pine needles ranges between 3.2 and 3.8 when freshly collected, but after composting, it loses all its acidity as a result of the other materials in the bin. 

    Pine needles are good for compost as they are a rich source of carbon for your compost. Their acidic nature makes pine a good addition to the soil of acid-loving plants. Examples of plants that do well in acidic soil are raspberry, rhododendrons, gardenias, and strawberries. So if you have them planted in your garden, you can add in some pine cones or needles next time you make a compost pile. 


    Composting Pine Needles

    A lot of people with a pine tree in their garden don’t bother to rake or clear the fallen leaves. They leave them on the ground to act as mulch for the tree. There is no problem with this method if you are not interested in a compost pile. One good thing about pine needle is that they don’t litter the place when they fall. So you can leave them without worrying about the mess. The pine needles break down slowly and add nutrients to the soil for reabsorption by the tree. 

    Are Pine Needles Good for Compost?


    But if you are interested in making a compost pile with some pine needles, the process is relatively easy. All you need is to 

    1. Get a compost bin. You can find one to buy or construct one yourself if you can. The compost bin needs to be large enough to fit all the materials you toss inside. It doesn’t have to be too tight, it also does not have to be spacious. The right bin should fit all the materials you put inside it and be spacious enough to allow air to circulate. You have to consider this if you want your compost to be ready quickly. 

    2. Once you have acquired the right size of the compost bin, you will then need to collect some fresh pine needles. Collect as much as you can and then shred them into tiny pieces. You can do this by running your lawnmower over the heap of pine needles several times. Shredding is an important part of composting. All materials you add to your compost pile need to be broken down. You need to do this if you want the compost to be ready quickly. 

    3. You first need to throw in some grass clipping or vegetable peels to the bottom of your compost bin. The clippings and plant waste need to reach up to 8 inches in the bin. The next step is to sprinkle water on the clippings. You need to be careful to ensure you don’t soak them in water. 

    4. You can then add your freshly chopped pine needles into the bowl. You want to be careful to avoid using too many pine needles in your compost bin. Pine needles shouldn’t be more than 10% of the materials in your compost bin. Add 3 inch of pine needles to the 8 inches of grass clippings already in the bin.   

    5. Add in some water to the pine needles as you did with the grass clippings. 

    6. Once the pine needles are moist, the next step is to include some horse manure into the mix. You can make use of chicken or cow manure if you can access horse shit. 

    7. After adding the manure, you can now water the pile again like you did when you added the grass clippings and the pine needles. 

    8. You will need to repeat the process of adding grass clippings and pine needles if those are the only materials you are composting. Other materials such as kitchen waste, cardboard paper, and wood chips are equally good compostable materials. 

    9. After filling your compost bin with the right materials, you need to keep it in a section of your garden with direct access to sunlight. This way, the materials can get heated and decompose quickly. You also need to ensure you turn the pile regularly so as the materials can get access to air and heat. When you follow the right composting practice, your compost pile should be ready for use in a month or two.

    Are Pine Needles Good for Compost?

    If you are composting indoors, you can make use of compost tumblers instead of bins, they are safe to use in your apartment building. You can also make use of them to compost your pine needles and kitchen waste if you like to reduce food wastage.

    FAQs

    How long does it take for pine needles to compost?

    It depends on the type of pine, how much you pile, and how much water you give them. It will also depend on the amount of organic matter in your soil. The longer the pine sits, the more beneficial.

    This also helps reduce the risk of diseases like black spot. 

    Are pine needles good for garden beds?

    Pine needles are actually a very valuable and useful part of the landscape, so here’s the scoop. Pine needles are the leaf buds of pines. They are produced during the spring and summer months as the trees begin to grow new leaves. As the needles fall to the ground, they may be harvested and used as mulch or even as firewood.

    They also make a great soil amendment for your garden beds. Pine needles have several advantages over other types of mulch. First, they are easy to use. Simply rake up the pine needles, and they’ll add organic matter and nitrogen to your soil without adding bulk. The pine needles break down into humus quickly, so they don’t require much attention after you’ve added them to your garden beds. The needles are also free from diseases and pests that can affect other types of mulch.

    Pine needles aren’t just useful as a mulch; they can also be used to control plant diseases and insects. Since pine needles are an excellent source of nitrogen, they can help promote healthy root growth and help plants tolerate drought and other stresses.

    What plants can I use pine needles on?

    Pine needles are an easy way to add a little extra color and texture to your garden. Not only will they provide some of the nutrients your plant needs, but they also help keep the soil cool in hot weather. You can find pine needles at most gardening stores, and they’re usually used for landscaping purposes (rather than food).

    You can use pine needles as mulch or you can spread them around your garden. Pine needles provide a lot of nutrients for plants, and they’ll help your garden stay healthy and attractive. As long as you don’t let the pine needles get too wet, they’ll be fine. Pine needles are an easy way to add a little extra color and texture to your garden.

    Is pine mulch good for vegetable garden?

    Pine mulch is just another option, not necessarily the best one, but if you have to use something you should make sure it’s safe for your plants. Pine mulch is not as effective as wood mulch because the nutrients from the pine mulch leach out faster. Some people like it because it looks pretty in their flower beds, but it may not be worth the cost.

  • Worms in Compost: Are they a Friend or a Foe?

    Worms in Compost: Are they a Friend or a Foe?

    Composting is the breakdown of organic materials, such as food waste, vegetable scraps, leaves, and plants, to a nutrient-rich soil ideal for gardening. Worm farms or composting worms, or what we call “little helpers”, speed up the process of composting. This process of adding worms in composting is referred to as vermicomposting. 

    Don’t confuse yourself with compost worms and garden earthworms; they are totally different. Compost worms prefer to stay in the surface area with a damp environment, and they prefer to eat raw materials. Meanwhile, earthworms want to burrow themselves to the bottom of the soil, preventing them to gain access to raw materials on the surface area. This calls for the need to mix the compost in order to introduce them to a new raw material. 

    So, are worms in compost good or bad? Mostly, these composts worms are considered to be a gardener’s friend, and here are the reasons why.

    Organic

    The end product of decomposition from earthworms is 100% organic. No chemicals were used to speed up the composting process. 

    Worms in Compost: Are they a Friend or a Foe?

    Introduction of Microorganisms

    As the farm worms pass through the compost, microorganisms such as bacteria and other microbes are introduced into the soil making it resilient to diseases and pests in the garden. Microbes in the soil attract birds which help eliminate pests lurking in the garden. 

    Good Growth

    Gardeners noticed improved growth and a better production because of vermicomposting. It is believed that the earthworms release hormones which make the plant healthier and yield good root growth.

    Healthful

    The nutrients brought about by vermicomposting are raw which makes it easily absorbed by the roots. Due to worm mucus in the compost, vermicomposts are not easily flushed away, thus allowing plants to gain maximum nutrients from the soil at an extended span of time. 

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    Retention of Water

    Vermicomposts can retain more water than ordinary composts. This is beneficial especially in times of drought. While water from normal composts evaporates easily, water from vermicomposts evaporates at a slower rate, thus making it more accessible to plants. 

    Free Helpers

    Farm worms are excellent free helpers in the composting process. They not only decompose food wastes and organic materials, but they also mix the compost at the same time. 

    Here are also some of the reasons why these worms pose as a threat to gardening:

    Time-consuming

    Approximately, it takes half a year for these worms to decompose the raw materials to make a healthy compost while an ordinary compost can just take three months with constant mixing. 

    Foul Smell

    The University of Nebraska warns that vermicomposts usually has an earthy smell on its soil. There is also a great tendency that the smell will become too awful if there are certain factors such as too much food wastes, ventilation problems, or too much water in the compost.

    Additional Capital

    It is more expensive to set up vermicompost than a usual natural compost. It requires special materials like containers and lime to neutralize the acidity level of the compost. There are also instances wherein you have to buy special worms if the need arises. 

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    Maintenance

    Taking care of the worms is a much more tedious job than you think. Here are some things that need to be done:

    Do not overfeed

    Compost worms get overwhelmed easily. You should not put every organic waste you see in your kitchen, for the worms will not be able to keep up with it. Plus, we also don’t want a smelly garden after all. There is a theory that worms can eat with their weight in a day but a number of factors will still come into play, so there is a tendency that they may eat less than they should. Don’t feed your worms too much, it should be 2-3 days again depending on how much they can handle. Every feeding should be gone by 1-2 weeks depending on your worms and a lot of other factors involved.

    Moisture of Bedding

    Worms need enough moisture for them to endure. If you put too much water, then they may drown and your pit will have an awry smell to it. If you make it very dry, then the worms are likely to die. To test if there is enough moisture on your soil, squeeze a handful of it, if water leaks out, there is too much water. 

    Worms in Compost Are they a Friend or a Foe

    Food

    Ideally, worms prefer to eat less acidic food and vegetable leftovers in a smaller size. Cabbages take a lengthy amount of time to decompose. Salty, spicy, and processed foods can also spoil the bed emitting a foul smell to your compost. Avoid tomatoes, yogurt, and oily foods for they spoil faster. You can add coffee, tea, and even eggshells as they are preferred for the worms. Bear in mind to cut the food into smaller parts for it to break down at speed. 

    Worm Castings

    Worm castings should be separated from the worms when harvesting the compost to leave beds for the worms to live. Tray-based bins may take only 10 minutes while the screen should take approximately 30 minutes to an hour while mounds usually take a day to prepare.

    Pathogen problems

    According to an academic journal published last 2001 titled “Bioresource Technology”, in natural compost, heat is emitted during the process of decomposition, thus making the environment impossible for weed and pathogens to foster. But in vermicompost, worms need enough moisture for them to survive. Thus, the soil from the vermicompost may still harbor pathogens and weeds which will become detrimental to the plants in the long run.  

    FAQ’s

    Are worms in compost good?

    Worms in compost are not only beneficial to the compost, but also to the plants. The worms eat and decompose organic matter. In this way, they make the compost more fertile and the plants grow better. You need to do it right though. Worms can be purchased, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may not get as good results. Worms are also very expensive to buy. They will eat everything and do a better job than most humans at composting.

    However, there’s a reason why worms are considered the “poor man’s compost” – they do not produce heat, and can’t be used to warm beds. They do, however, break down organic matter much faster than we can. 

    Worms will eat any organic matter that is available to them, including leaves, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, fruit, bread, paper, and even cardboard boxes (if you have a big enough pile). They are like tiny little farmers, turning organic matter into rich, black soil.

    So yes, worms are great for composting.

    What is the role of worms in composting?

    I think it’s more important to know what isn’t the role of worms in composting. The only thing they do that you can’t do yourself is break down wood and other cellulose material. They do this by eating the organic matter, breaking it down into smaller pieces and then excreting the breakdown products. This is known as anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic means without air.

    Composting is the process of using living organisms to break down organic material and produce humus. In the case of composting, the worms are the organism that does the actual work. Worms eat organic matter, such as vegetable scraps, kitchen waste, grass clippings, and leaves. They then convert it into a form that can be used by plants, and they excrete a liquid rich in nitrogen and other nutrients.

    Worms are not an absolute necessity for any composting system, but they will improve it. They will help aerate the pile, and they will help the compost get to the right temperature for good microbial activity. They can eat plant material that your chickens don’t, so they can be a nice way to supplement their diet.

    Can you have too many worms in your compost?

    You can have as many worms as you want. But, as others have said, the more you have, the less effective they will be at breaking down your compost. You also need to keep an eye on how much moisture your compost is getting. The more moist it gets, the less effective the worms will be. It also depends on how you use them and what kind of compost you are making.

    Conclusion

    Worms in composts have proved their valuable effect in composting. Although it has also its flaws, it is really up to the gardener’s decision whether he will make these worms as his allies or consider it as something bad in his gardening. How about you? Would you try vermicomposting? Or would you prefer the less-hassle way of composting? DO share your thoughts.

  • Organic Materials: Can Meats Be Composted?

    Organic Materials: Can Meats Be Composted?

    The process of composting refers to the idea of placing organic materials on the soil to serve as fertilizers for the plants. Approximately 30% of the total organic materials are being thrown away, and instead of disposing it directly on the trash bin, it’s better to compose it to minimize trashes filling up the landfills – where it releases methane, a hazardous greenhouse gas.

    ‘Can you compost meat?’ is a debatable question commonly asked by the people. This material once composted, however, shares a bit of pros and cons.

    Composting Basics

    Composting is a relatively easy process with simple organic materials needed. The basic materials necessary are the browns composing of twigs, branches and dried leaves, greens, such as grass and vegetable and fruit waste, and water to help breakdown the solid organic materials.

    Brown material emits carbon, green provides nitrogen, and water gives off moisture to help start the entire process. 

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    The Importance of Composting

    As mentioned, composting serves as plant fertilizers and minimizes trash. These benefits are often overlooked by the people as they prefer to use commercial fertilizers (with toxic chemicals) rather than the natural composts which they can easily create using organic and raw materials.

    Composting versus Commercial Fertilizers

    Commercial fertilizers, though not all, are mixed with non-organic chemicals which can be toxic to the environment. Nitrogen-based fertilizers, for instance, can be detrimental to the environment, as it is frequently known to pollute water. As a result, it becomes a potential threat to various species, including humans.

    On the other hand, composting is a natural alternative in providing fertilizer to plants. Although the process is slower and messier, the aftermath is safer for the environment.

    Releasing Greenhouse Gas

    Organic materials placed in the landfills release methane, one of the listed greenhouse gases. Greenhouse effect, as caused by these gases, is an exchange between radiations coming in and out, which warms the Earth’s surface.

    As long as these gases, which are responsible for the greenhouse effect, are in the right proportion, the amount of heat emitted is literally safe enough to preserve life. However, once produced in excess, this becomes an environmental problem by drastically changing the climate.

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    As the majority of the population practice disposing of organic materials directly in the landfill, the amount of methane produced in addition to other greenhouse gases from other sources exceeds the Earth’s threshold; thus, giving off a negative effect to the environment.

    Therefore, utilizing organic materials as fertilizers lessens the release of greenhouse gas, which in turn, minimizes the greenhouse effect.

    Composting Meat

    Meat is often off-listed in the composting process. Albeit, it is viable to compost meat for the reason that it is organic in nature. The process, however, shares its own pros and cons.

    The Advantage of Composing Meat

    Just as disposing of other materials, getting rid of meat through composting can minimize trashes from excessively piling up in the landfill. However, the process can be tedious in contrast to other materials.

    Deciding to compost meat products to lessen waste production in your household may require you to turn the compost frequently. It should also be continually done until the interior part of the pile to ensure that it’s completely composted.

    The Disadvantages of Composing Meat

    Apparently, the amount of disadvantages exceeds the advantage of composting meat products, apart from its hassle and meticulous process. 

    Introduction of Pests and Other Animals

    Knowing that meat products are one of the most sellable for consumption, unwanted guests or pests start to infiltrate the area where you decide to compost the meat product. Apart from pests, other animals, including dogs and cats (especially stray ones), will also start to consume the product if left in the open.

    Not only will this mess up the area, but this also serves as a potential threat to spreading diseases.

    Organic Materials: Can Meats Be Composted?

    Potential Carrier of Pathogens

    Aside from inviting pests and animals in your space, improper composting of meat can also cause serious problems by culturing bacteria. Bacteria are known to cause certain diseases acquired through water, air, improper cooked food, and so on. As a result, this may lead to the spread of bacterial diseases in the area.

    If your compost pile isn’t hot enough, several bacteria won’t stop spreading through the product. One commonly isolated pathogen, Escherichia coli, can continue to live up to two years.

    Produces Putrid Smell

    Given that bacteria start to infiltrate the meat product, meat products unexposed to high temperatures start releasing foul smell, which can be irritating or even nauseating.

    Cooked meat, in comparison to raw meat, tends to breakdown faster and produces lesser foul smell. Just like green products, meat is also rich in nitrogen – a component necessary in composting.

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    Commercially Composting Meat

    After the concise discussion about the positive and negative points about meat composting, it’s still possible to continue practicing the aforementioned as a way to minimize waste in the landfill and also utilize a more natural way of providing fertilizers for the plants.

    Certain compost facilities are readily available to dispose of meat and blood products. They process the products in such a way that it becomes safe to use on specific crops such as tree farms, winter wheat, corn, and hay. Unfortunately, this engineered product isn’t applicable for home gardening.

    FAQ’s

    Can you compost chicken manure?

    You can use chicken manure. Some say yes, some say no. I would try it first in a small area first. You will be amazed at how much chicken manure smells, so you may not want to use it in the main garden. Chicken manure is rich in nutrients and works well as a soil amendment. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), all of which are beneficial to the soil. It also contains some trace elements like zinc and copper. 

    You have to be careful though. Remember that it can contaminate your soil if you’re not careful. The chicken’s waste contains a lot of nitrogen, which is a key element in plant growth. If you add chicken manure to your garden or compost pile, you’re adding too much nitrogen to the mixture.

    Will it attract unwanted animal visitors?

    Some say that it’s not a good idea to mix meat and bone into your compost pile. It will attract vermin like rats and mice. You can add some wood ash or other non-compostable materials to the mix to help deter animals. You can also add other food scraps to the mix to help reduce odors.

    Can You Compost Meat?

    Going back to the original question, meat is an organic material capable of the composting process due to a high amount of nitrogen present. However, unlike other organic materials, meat requires a much tedious process with frequent monitoring to avoid pests and pathogens.

    Deciding to compost meat will require you to do it in a minimal amount and under high temperature with intense monitoring and turning of the pile to ensure that it’s safely composted.

    Organic Materials Can Meats Be Composted

    Can you compost chicken manure?

    You can use chicken manure. Some say yes, some say no. I would try it first in a small area first. You will be amazed at how much chicken manure smells, so you may not want to use it in the main garden. Chicken manure is rich in nutrients and works well as a soil amendment. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), all of which are beneficial to the soil. It also contains some trace elements like zinc and copper. 

    You have to be careful though. Remember that it can contaminate your soil if you’re not careful. The chicken’s waste contains a lot of nitrogen, which is a key element in plant growth. If you add chicken manure to your garden or compost pile, you’re adding too much nitrogen to the mixture.

    Will it attract unwanted animal visitors?

    Some say that it’s not a good idea to mix meat and bone into your compost pile. It will attract vermin like rats and mice. You can add some wood ash or other non-compostable materials to the mix to help deter animals. You can also add other food scraps to the mix to help reduce odors.

    Conclusion

    Composition refers to organic materials placed on the soil to serve as a plant fertilizer and as a way to reduce waste. Meat products, labeled under organic materials, are also viable for compost due to nitrogen present. The process is done in a much specific manner by composting only minimal chunks of meat at a high temperature. Also, it should be continually turned for proper breakdown.

    If you have other methods in composting meat products apart from what’s mentioned above and if you know other advantages of composting meat, don’t hesitate to share your bright ideas below.

  • Can You Compost Cardboard and How To?

    Can You Compost Cardboard and How To?

    Are you planning to start a compost pile? If you are, then you are in the right place. Do we know you might be wondering which materials are compostable? This is why in this guide; we will be discussing how you can compost cardboard papers.

    Not all materials are safe to add to a compost pile. Kitchen waste such as vegetables and other green materials can be composted for use in improving your garden soil. without wasting more time, let’s find out how best to use cardboard in a compost pile.

    Why Compost Cardboard?

    Adding cardboard to your compost is a good way to provide nutrients for your garden plants. It is also a good way for you to reduce paper waste in your home. So if you happen to have a backyard garden, you can toss those empty paper cartons into a compost bin.

    Can you Compost Cardboard and How To?

    Cardboard and empty paper packages are some of the materials that are piling up in landfills. Using them to make compost is a great way to reduce environmental waste and protect the environment. There are different types of cardboard paper so you want to note which one you are adding to your compost.

    Can You Compost Cardboard?

    Yes, you can. It doesn’t matter the type of paper; you can include it in your compost bin. Cereal boxes, empty delivery packages, cartons, and other cardboard materials can be composted with the right practice.

    Cardboard papers coated with other materials such as wax may be difficult to compost. This is why you need to ensure that your cardboard paper is safe to be included in a compost bin.

    Adding Cardboard to Compost

    Cardboard paper is a good way to improve the carbon-to-nitrogen content of your compost pile. When adding cardboard papers to a compost heap, you want to avoid adding the colored ones. This is because they usually contain other additives that may not be safe for your compost pile.

    Brown or plain colored cardboard papers are the best to use in composting. You also want to ensure that they are shredded before adding them to your compost. This makes it easier for it to decompose quickly. Without measures such as this to speed up the compost time, it can take more than a year for your pile to be ready for use.

    Can you Compost Cardboard and How To?

    Speeding the Compost Time

    One of the problems of composting is that it can take a long time for the compost pile to be ready. Without the right compost practice, many of the materials in your compost pile will not undergo any decomposition. So how then can you speed up things and get your compost pile to ready as soon as possible?

    You can achieve this by:

    Ensuring Materials Are Properly Sized

    Before adding your cardboard paper and other materials to your compost pile, you want to ensure that you do your best to shred them. you can make use of a shredder or use scissors to resize your papers. This is important as large size materials take a longer time to turn to organic matter.

    Also, when the compost materials are properly sized, it makes it easy for the microbial activities to begin. A small sized compost pile gets heated up quickly compared to a large one. So you want to take note of this important tip.

    Turn It Regularly

    In addition to ensuring the materials are properly sized, you want to also turn the pile regularly. This is because oxygen is required for microbial activity to take place. And the only way you can do this is to turn the pile manually. You can do this with a rake or a garden fork if you are worried about getting your hand soiled.

    Can you Compost Cardboard and How To

    Poke the garden fork into the materials and try to spread them uniformly. Get the materials at the bottom to the top of the pile. You should do this one a week or twice. This should make it easy for the pile to be aerated and compost quickly.

    Maintain a Balanced Ratio

    A good compost pile should consist of the right amount of green and brown materials. The carbon to nitrogen ratio should be kept at 20:1. Materials that are rich in carbon that you can add to your compost pile include shredded paper, straws, sawdust, wood chips, and corn stalks. While examples of nitrogen-rich materials include kitchen waste, grass clippings, garden weed, and even coffee grounds.

    Water It Regularly

    Your compost pile needs to be kept moist for microbial activity to take place. This means that you will need to add water to it regularly. You don’t need to soak your compost pile in water. Sprinkle water on the materials regularly as often as you turn it.

    Use the Right Bin Size

    A common mistake most people make when composting is using the wrong size of the compost bin. You should ensure that the materials you add to the bin fit properly. You shouldn’t use a large bin to compost small materials. This is because it takes more time for the materials in the bin to get heated, this slows down the rate of decomposition.

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    You can purchase a compost bin or use any type of bin that is available to you. But whichever one you choose, you want to ensure that it has a lid and is perfectly sized.

    Other Uses of Cardboard Paper in the Garden

    Apart from composting, you can also use cardboard paper in:

    Mulching

    You can use cardboard paper to mulch your garden. This helps to prevent the outbreak of weeds and diseases. It also helps to improve the condition of the soil. you can add cardboard paper as a side dressing or directly to the surface of your soil.

    Trench Lining System

    Cardboard paper can also be used to build a trench lining system in your garden. These trenches help to retain water for thirsty plants and make nutrients available for plant roots.   

    FAQ’s

    How do you break down cardboard for compost?

    The first thing to do is to cut the cardboard into manageable pieces. You can either use scissors, a knife or a pair of wire cutters. The other option is to use a cardboard shredder that will shred the cardboard into tiny pieces. It is recommended to use a paper shredder, but if you don’t have one, you can use a cardboard shredder.

    When cutting the cardboard, you should try to avoid cutting it into long strips because these strips will be harder to break down. After the cardboard has been broken down, you can add it to your compost bin. Make sure that the cardboard gets mixed in with all the other yard trimmings and leaves.

    How long does it take for cardboard to decompose in a garden?

    Cardboard will decompose fairly quickly in soil. I have seen cardboard boxes disintegrate into small pieces over the course of about 3 weeks. A more recent (2011. study found that cardboard will decompose in soil within 1 year.   Decomposition rates of cardboard in soil vary with temperature, moisture, and time. Soil type also has an effect.

    In general, decomposition rates increase with soil temperatures above 50°F, but decrease at lower temperatures. The rate of decomposition also depends on the amount of oxygen available. The higher the oxygen content, the faster the rate of decomposition. As a rule, decomposition is faster in warmer environments, but it can occur in cooler environments if there are high concentrations of carbon dioxide or oxygen.

    Do pizza boxes go in compost?

    There are many different types of pizza boxes out there. The best ones are made from recycled materials such as paper or cardboard. They are also called “biodegradable” or “compostable.” These boxes will decompose in a compost pile. The ones that have a plastic bottom or are made from styrofoam will not decompose in a compost pile and can be recycled. Many stores sell pizza boxes made from these materials.

    Can I put shredded newspaper in my compost bin?

    This is a no-no. Composting with newspaper will create lots of odor and attract bugs that will eat the newspaper and your compost. 

    Can you compost paper towels?

    The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. In general, paper products made from recycled fiber can be composted if they are free of food, medicine, or other substances that might contaminate the composting process. In addition, paper products should not contain additives that could make them difficult to compost.

    Can I put cereal boxes in compost?

    Yes you can put cereal boxes and other containers into your compost bin. You will need to add them to your regular pile or compost pile, and make sure that the bin is not too hot or wet at any time. The best way to do this is to put the boxes on top of your pile. You can also use the box as a cover over the pile, but this will keep the pile from drying out.

    Conclusion

    Cardboard paper is a good compost material you can add to your bin. You want to remember to shred them into tiny pieces and use only plain one sin your compost pile.

    have you made a compost pile before? What are the materials you used? We will like to hear from you in the comment section. 

  • How Much Compost Is Needed For A Lawn?

    How Much Compost Is Needed For A Lawn?

    Adding compost to your lawn helps support your soil’s conditions. It is designed for anyone who wants to support the health of their lawn or garden in an eco-friendly way.

    Compost is beneficial, but what exactly is it? In simple terms, compost is an organic matter that has decayed, and this includes rotten vegetables, old leaves, fruit peels, and leftover food or grass clippings. The decayed organic matter helps amend the soil and add organisms that are beneficial to it. 

    Being a natural supporter of a healthy environment, adding compost to my lawn is only a logical choice. In order to manage lawns, a lot of activity such as mowing and raking takes place. Because of this, the soil compacts and this depletes bacteria, organisms, and fungi. These organisms are essential in feeding and supporting the plant. I also kept asking myself how much compost do I need for my lawn and this lead me to do research.

    How Much Compost Do You Need?

    To determine the number of cubic yards of compost to apply on your lawn, you need to use a compost calculator as seen in this video. Simply enter the dimension of the area and the desired depth to determine the amount of compost you need. 

    Begin by working out the size of the area that you need to spread the compost in square inches. After that, calculate how many cubic inches of compost is required by multiplying the size of the area by the required depth. This is important since different uses need varying depths of compost.

    How Much Compost is Needed for a Lawn?

    The general rule is to apply a depth of ¼ to ½ inch when applying compost on existing lawn and 1 to 2 inches depth when amending the soil. If you are applying compost to flower or vegetable gardens, use 1 to 3 inches and ¼ to ½ inch if you are using it as mulch.

    Once you have this figure, convert it in cubic yards. Since a cubic yard has 46,646 cubic inches, divide your answer with this figure in order to determine how much cubic yards of compost you will need. Compost is usually sold in cubic yards. 

    For instance, if you are planning to apply 4-inches depth of compost to a 20ft x 20ft area, you can calculate the cubic yard of compost through these steps:

    Step 1: Determine the Area in Square Inches that you Need to Cover

    Since 20ft is equivalent to 240 inches, that would mean that 240 inches multiplied by 240 inches is equivalent to 57,600 square inches.

    Step 2: Multiply the size of the area by depth to get the cubic inches of compost needed

    Using the same figures, you multiply 57,600 square inches by 4 to get 230,400 cubic inches.

    Step 3: Convert the result to cubic yards by dividing it by 46,656

    After that, you then divide 230,400 cubic inches by 46,656. This will give you a result of 4.94 cubic yards of compost.

    In this case, you will need to order 5 cubic yards of compost to apply to your lawn. 

    How Much Compost is Needed for a Lawn?

    If you are having a difficult time establishing how much compost you need, Rodale encyclopedia would be a good place to start. Rodale’s Encyclopedia suggests that you make your order based on the average amount per square foot. For instance, 1000 square feet of lawn would need 200 pounds of compost.

    Why Use Compost?

    Now that you know how much compost you need for your lawn, it’s time to talk about its benefits which are as follows:

    • Acts as a Natural Organic Fertilizer

    If you don’t have enough money to buy fertilizer, compost is a good alternative. Compost acts as an organic fertilizer to help improve soil aeration and retain nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Instead of throwing organic waste like food scraps in the trash bin, I usually save them in my compost bin and use them to make compost for my lawn.

    • Prevents Soil Compaction

    Lawns are likely to be compacted due to mowing, foot traffic, vehicle traffic, and many more. This makes it hard for plants and grass to thrive. When compost is added, it breaks down the soil to create a favorable environment for grassroots to bloom. 

    How Much Compost is Needed for a Lawn?

    • Supports the Environment

    One of the natural ways that most gardeners use to care for their lawn is by adding compost. A good compost pile comprises of food scraps, plant materials, and green plant materials. All these ingredients contribute to giving you a healthy garden. 

    Also, adding compost to your lawn before the winter season is very important as it will provide your soil with adequate energy to help endure the cold season. 

    • Maintains Microorganisms

    Microorganisms are extremely beneficial for soil health and plant growth. Compost is packed with microorganisms like bacteria and fungi which fix nitrogen in the soil and provide nutrients for the plants. It also sustains these beneficial microorganisms by feeding them.

    Applying Compost

    After knowing how much compost you need, then you should buy enough to cover your entire lawn. Make sure to use an aerating tool to aerate the surface. Aeration helps speed up decomposition and reduces odors. For this process, you can use a shovel or pitchfork to lift and turn the contents over. 

    After aerating, spread the compost manually using a shovel. For my lawn, I prefer adding compost on the perimeter first then scatter the rest on the lawn. If your lawn is large, I recommend using a topdressing machine. You can get it from organic lawn care companies. However, if your lawn is small, you should use a foot press to do the work. 

    Compost topdressing is done to revitalize your existing lawn and involves spreading ¼ inch of compost. For a new lawn, ¼ inch of compost applied as top dressing will help maintain the soil’s moisture. Keep in mind, however, that topdressing is only effective when the soil is first aerated before applying compost. 

    FAQ’s

    How much compost do I need for top dressing lawn?

    In a typical yard, about 4-5 inches of compost should be spread out on the lawn and left to sit for about a month. This will give it time to settle in and break down, then you can rake it into the lawn. If your yard is very sandy, you may want to add more compost. 

    Will grass grow in just compost?

    It is possible to grow grass in compost. It takes some experimentation, but the key is to keep the compost moist. The best method is to mix some soil with compost and then water it down until the compost becomes wet. You can also use a sprinkler to water the mix. After a few weeks, you can cut back on watering and let the grass grow.

    Can you use too much compost?

    Composting is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and save money, but you might think that there’s a limit to how much compost you can make. While it’s possible to have too much compost, it’s not as simple as piling up your compost bin and hoping for the best.

    It depends on what kind of compost you’re making, but the basic rule is: The more materials you add to your compost, the faster it will break down. This means that if you add less than three cubic metres of compostable material to your bin per year, you’ll need to increase the amount of time you wait before adding any new material. For example, if you wait six months between additions, then you can add five cubic metres of material. If you wait eight months, then you can add seven cubic metres.

    How do I spread compost to my lawn?

    If you are a gardener, then you already know that it is important to have a well-balanced garden with healthy soil. Having the right amount of organic matter in your soil will help to support plants and keep your soil healthy. Organic matter helps to maintain moisture levels and nutrient content in your soil. One way to add organic matter to your soil is by spreading compost around the base of your plants.

    You can use a spreader. What is a spreader? A spreader is a tool used to distribute compost, fertilizers and other soil amendments around the base of your plants. They are usually made from stainless steel or plastic with a large capacity, so you can spread large amounts of compost or other soil amendments on your garden beds. Stainless steel spreaders  are heavy duty tools that can be used to spread a wide variety of materials. Stainless steel spreaders can withstand a lot of wear and tear and will last for many years. They can be used to spread mulch, fertilizer, compost, soil amendments, and more. Some models also have wheels that make it easy to move them around your garden. Plastic spreaders are lighter than stainless steel spreaders and are easier to maneuver around your garden.

    Conclusion

    Compost is a soil enhancer that will rejuvenate your lawn and promote healthy plant growth. Before adding compost to your lawn, we recommend doing a soil test in order to understand your soil’s PH. This will give you an idea of how you need to correct any problems with the soil pH. If your soil pH is low, adding compost will correct it to the right PH. 

    Do you have any questions with regard to applying the right amount of compost for your lawn? Kindly leave a comment below, and we’ll make sure to answer it as soon as possible.

  • Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

    Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

    There are a lot of concerns with using mushroom compost in the garden. This is because it contains salt. This is the reason why most gardeners ask the question will mushroom compost burn my plants?

    Like I said earlier, mushroom compost contains a great deal of salt which could harm your plant when used in excess. So then how can you safely use mushroom compost? In this article, we will be discussing mushroom compost, the pros and cons, and the best method in adding it to your garden plant.

    Without wasting much time, let us dive right in.

    What is Mushroom Compost?

    Often time when you purchase mushroom compost from the store, it reads mushroom soil or feed. This makes a lot of people to believe that it consists mainly of mushroom. But this is not entirely true.

    There are different types of mushroom compost and they are

    Mushroom Substrate

    Mushroom compost is often referred to as the mushroom substrate. This is the medium in which mushrooms are growing. Industrially, a mushroom substrate is made from a mix of manure, gypsum, and wheat straw. In most cases, chicken or horse manure is commonly used since it is readily available.

    To produce mushroom substrate in large quantities, the manufacturer begins by soaking large bales of straw in water. Once the straw is soaked and spongy like, it is chopped into fine pieces by passing it through a chipper or using other methods.

    The gypsum and manure are blended. This is to ensure they mix properly before the straw is then added into the mix. Once ready, the mixture of the gypsum, manure, and straw is then left on a hot compost pile to begin the composting process.

    To ensure that the materials mix properly and compost together, the pile is watered and turned regularly. When done properly, this process can take as fast as 2 weeks.

    Find more information about Best Oyster Mushroom Substrate

    Spent Mushroom

    This type of mushroom compost is low in nutrients compared to the substrate. This is because the spent mushroom is usually used as a recycled compost from the remains of mushroom farming.

    Although the Nitrogen content in this mushroom compost is low, it can be used as a conditioner to improve the soil in your garden. Spent mushroom can be used to improve the soil conditions of your lawn. It can also be added to a raised bed or planting mix to improve water retention.

    Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

    In most cases, when you add mushroom compost to your soil, you notice yellowish colorations on the leaves which is referred to as burning. The truth is that there are a lot of things you need to consider before adding mushroom compost to your plants’ soil.

    You need to note the nutrients that are deficient in your soil. Mushroom compost is alkaline; this means that it will be deficient in some nutrients that your plants need.

    Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants

    You may need to perform a soil test to determine which nutrients your soil desperately needs. This makes it easy to determine whether you need a mushroom compost or you will be better off with a fertilizer.

    Adding too much mushroom compost with a high salt content can cause your plant to burn. This is why you need to consider the soil test before adding compost or fertilizer to your garden.

    Salt Content in Mushroom Compost

    Mushroom compost contains a lot of salt. This is mostly due to the presence of high levels of sodium in the gypsum and manure. In a recent study, samples of mushroom compost were collected for analysis. And it was discovered that they contained low levels of sodium.

    When the soil is high in sodium, it can cause problems with water retention by the plant root. It can also affect the structure of the soil, which is why you want to carry out a soil test before adding mushroom compost.

    The salt content of mushroom compost depends on how the compost was manufactured. Most manufacturers mix their mushroom compost with nutrient-rich soil. This helps to balance out the deficient nitrogen and also reduce the salt content.

    How to Use Mushroom Compost?

    When applied to your soil properly, mushroom compost can provide nutrients for your soil, improve the water retention and drainage properties, and also work miracles for your soil texture.

    You want to ensure that you take precautionary measures before adding mushroom compost to your soil. This way, you don’t have to worry whether the mushroom compost will burn your plants.

    Some of the things you need to do to prevent your soil form burning are  

    • Ensure that you perform a soil test to determine the nutrients that are deficient in your garden soil.
    • Use mushroom compost with relatively low sodium content. This way, you are certain that your plants won’t be affected by the excess salt that is present in most mushroom compost.
    • Use mushroom compost sparingly in your garden. You can add them at intervals instead of using too much on your garden at once. This prevents excess nutrient and salt deposits in your garden.
    • Use mushroom compost as a mulch and work it gradually into your soil to amend it. You should use not more than 3 inches of mushroom compost to prevent the growth of weed.
    • You also need to be careful to avoid chemicals in your organic mushroom compost. This you can easily do by making your mushroom compost at home or getting from a trusted source.
    • It is best to avoid using mushroom compost on seedlings, young plants, and plants that are sensitive to salt. This includes azaleas and blueberries.

    FAQ’s

    How does mushroom compost help with plants?

    Mushroom compost is one of the most useful composts available. But, just like any compost, it can be misused. Here are some things to keep in mind when using mushroom compost. Mushroom compost is a fantastic way to add nitrogen to your garden. It is also a great way to add mushrooms to your garden! I just recently read an article that mentioned using mushroom compost as a weed suppressant in your lawn.

    However, when you’re using mushroom compost, it is important to understand the difference between a mushroom compost and mushroom spawn. Mushroom spawn is the mycelium, or vegetative body of the mushroom.

    Does mushroom compost burn plants?

    No, mushroom compost will NOT burn your plants. It will only burn you!So make sure to wash your hands after handling it.

    However, if you are making compost with wood and straw, there is a risk that the heat from the decomposition process may burn your plants. This can be avoided by using only fresh, clean materials, including leaves, grass clippings and weeds. If you are making compost with wood or straw, always use them in a way that minimizes the risk of burning plants.

    What’s the salt content of mushroom compost?

    The salt content of mushroom compost varies. If you want to know what kind of salt you are adding, you can always look at the label or ask your supplier. I would recommend that you add no more than a tablespoon of salt per cup of compost, and preferably not any at all.

    How do I choose a good mushroom compost?

    Mushroom compost is a mixture of chopped mushroom stalks and leaves that is used as a soil amendment. It is usually sold in bags or containers that contain between four and ten pounds. There are also liquid mushroom compost products that can be mixed with water or applied directly to the soil. When you buy mushroom compost, make sure it contains the following three ingredients: mushroom stalks, chopped leaves and sawdust.

    How do you test the toxicity of mushroom compost?

    There are a number of ways to test for the toxicity of a mushroom compost:

    Peat – The easiest way to test is to put the compost in water and see if it dissolves. Peat should dissolve quickly, while some other types of compost might take longer. If it doesn’t dissolve quickly, then it may be poisonous. If you don’t know whether your compost is peat or not, try putting it in water and seeing if it dissolves. If it does, then it is probably peat. The easiest way to test is to put the compost in water and see if it dissolves. Peat should dissolve quickly, while some other types of compost might take longer. If it doesn’t dissolve quickly, then it may be poisonous. If you don’t know whether your compost is peat or not, try putting it in water and seeing if it dissolves. If it does, then it is probably peat.

    A pH test – Some fungi have been found to make your compost more acidic than normal. This can be a problem for plants if they have a hard time acclimating to an acidic soil. Some fungi have been found to make your compost more acidic than normal. This can be a problem for plants if they have a hard time acclimating to an acidic soil.

    A soil test – Soil tests are good for checking the general health of your soil, but they are not very helpful when trying to determine whether your compost is toxic or not. Soil tests are good for checking the general health of your soil, but they are not very helpful when trying to determine whether your compost is toxic or not.

    Petri dish – The easiest way is to take a sample and put it in a petri dish with a bit of water and some bacteria. Bacteria will eat away at the compost and tell you how poisonous it is. 

    Testing your compost for toxicity is not necessary if you use a mushroom compost that has been tested and found to be non-toxic.

    Take Away

    Mushroom compost is a good way to improve your plant yield. When used properly, it can provide your soil with all the right conditions to promote healthy growth.

    However, you want to be careful to source your compost from organic farms and use it sparingly if it has high salt content. This way, you can be certain that the mushroom compost will not burn your plants.

    How do you use mushroom compost in your garden? We will like to hear from you.