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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.
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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