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hey,
I read your article, it is very interesting info about the garden. I am also interested in home products. And interesting to write about the Kitchen and Garden of a home. Happiness is a small house, with a big kitchen and garden.
Hello. Can ashes from a wood stove/fire place be composted? Thanks
Yes, wood ashes may be used in a garden or compost. However, coal or barbecue ashes should not be used, because they may contain toxic chemicals that help them to burn.
I bought one of those big black compost bins from Sams Club. I'm afraid maybe I'm not adding enough "brown" matter. Is it okay to rake up grass right after I mow and put in there or do I need to leave it awhile.
Hi, For grass clippings--which are green--it's best to let clippings dry for a couple of days. They are mostly water and rich in nitrogen so they can make your pile soggy and create compacted, matted, smelly piles. You may spell an ammonia-like odor. Once clippings are dry, compost in thin layers, mixing with brown matter (such as autumn leaves, straw, shredded paper products). Mix in a 2 to 1 (green to brown) ratio, and I'd put brown at the bottom. If you use grass, best to turn the pile every few days, too.
I have a compost going but have trouble w/ bermuda growing in it. How can I prevent this?
Jodi, Your compost may need more internal heating and time. Bermuda won't live in a hot pile (over 140 degrees F). You'll want 2 to 3 more browns than greens and more plant matter than animal matter in the pile. Make sure it gets some aeration in the center and water every few days for moisture.
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What is the best type of container to use for compost?
Hi, Dawn, I just use a five gallon bucket outside the door, and then my compost pile is in a fenced corner of my yard. I'm not a fan of those plastic tumbler bins. Too messy. Here's a good page on how to make a home compost bin: http://soiltest.uconn.edu/factsheets/HomeCompostingBins.pdf
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