Posts Tagged ‘compost’

leaf composter

Can you compost in a basic 32 gallon garbage can?

"I have a patio garden and invest a lot of money in soil every year. I usually use a blend of Miracle Grow soil, the clean cow manure, and some of the cheaper potting soil. Since I spend so much on the soil every season, can I store it for the winter, in the trash can, and if I added some kitchen scraps, leaves, normal compost stuff and some worms, would it be usable compost in the spring? I don’t have the money to buy one of the composters that you can find on-line. They are $150.00 plus. Will this be a viable way to save the dirt, and compost some to make it better for the next season?
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Hello Mrs. V

I was always to poor to know any other way. I have been gardening for 60 years. I don’t know why people love to spend so much money on gardens. I use nothing but natural ingredients. I use no chemicals or pestcides. I think people forget they eat whatever they put on their plants or in the soil.

I just finished canning 23 quart jars of tomatoes. For Christmas gifts, our relatives and friends receive a big basket. Inside is a red and white checked table cloth, 1 jar mixed yellow and red tomatoes, 1 jar pickled beets, 1 jar pickled green cherry tomatoes, 1 jar carrots, 1 jar plum jam, 5 Ruby Red Gradefruit, 10 lemons, and 15 Mandarin Oranges. They love us at Christmas. I also have nine fruit trees. My garden is 20ft x 20ft. You see why I have two 55 gal compost drums.

You sound like you need help on making a good compost bin. Since you are new at compost, it may be easier for you to start with a plastic bin. A 32 gal is just find.

Make sure your bin is away from the house. Compost bins will give off odors. Cut out the bottom and add holes around the sides. You must vent. Place two or four inch bricks shaped like the letter “U or V” on the ground. Place your bin on the top of the bricks. You can shovel compost out of the open end of the bricks when your compost is ready.

Layer in your soil, your vegetable and grass cuttings, dead plants, egg shells, and coffee grounds. Never meat or cooking oils. I mix my compost with chicken manure. Chicken manure is by far the best. Therefore add chicken manure every (about 2 cups) few inches. Keep the mixture lightly moist. You will never buy soil again. A 1cu. ft. of chicken fertilizer will cost about $4. I hope I helped. Good luck to you and your family, from Los Angeles.

Build your own LEAF COMPOSTER: Plans $6.50

Urine added to Leaf Compost

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