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Soil, Compost & Mulch

Getting back into the swing of things.

15 years ago

Well, I haven't been composting since early last fall. Didn't realize it was something which could be missed. Wednesday I started a new pile with about 200 lbs. of wet UCGs (used coffee grounds), shredded leaves and a few alfalfa pellets to kick start. Oh, and a kitty litter bucket full of banana peels.

Today I stuck the old thermometer in and things are at 120F already. Nice to know I haven't lost my composting touch. :O)

Bought a new reel mower to replace gas mower. Discovered that they are NOT that hard to push and are quite easy to use for our lawns. It's a 20" and cuts a good path. It even has a 'catcher' so I'll be able to add those grass clippings to the compost too.

Really missed making and keeping that hot compost this past winter. There's just something about keeping it going that keeps ME going. This was the first time in 4 years that I hadn't done winter composting and it was also the first time in a while that I had back issues throughout the winter months. As I turned the pile today I promised the worms to keep them snug and warm in all winter months from here on.

Just some thoughts...

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Comments (7)

billhill
15 years ago
Glad you're back enjoying composting. Now you are going to have catch up on your duties and obligations. Build a bigger heap.
Bill Hill
tiffy_z5_6_can
Original Author
15 years ago
Going to buy me a bulldozer Bill?? Maybe you could pass it off as a mother's day gift?? :O)

You're cute!
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Way to go, Sarah! You ARE back! I'm so happy for you, and for us getting to see your decorating again! Everything looks so lovely! The black and gold table is quite striking. Both the cannon and the squirrel are wonderful, I love things with a 'history'. Also I really like the way you did the bathroom nook! And boy, I've missed seeing your side cabinet decorating. ;o) I appreciate you thinking about me. I believe things are starting to look up here too. (other than the fact I tripped and took a really hard fall Sat night. Fell totally flat on my chest on the floor. Knocked the breath out of me, and pain so bad I thought I'd broken some ribs. Took about 5 min before I could move, then get up. But I didn't break anything, just bruised my sternum and its been rather painful since.) I still haven't decorated, and my beachy-summer stuff is still packed as I've procrastinated my way thru all of July on getting it out. BUT....two friends took me to my favorite antique mall on Sunday, and are taking me to Hobby Lobby on Wed. I think. Retail Therapy is back hopefully. LOL. But actually the very best thing for me is I just got a puppy. Another Whippet of course. Even tho I have 5 adults, and sure didn't need another dog, he was irresistable. My friend had a litter 11 wks ago, and I saw them a couple of times, and totally fell in love with little Mac. So today he came home with me. Its impossible to be sad around a puppy! Forgive me for rambling on, don't mean to hijack your thread. I'm truly happy you are doing better and definitely enjoyed seeing you back in action. hugs, Karen
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chickadee__3a
15 years ago
I'm curious as to how cold it can be and still have a winter compost pile that keeps cooking. I save all my scraps all winter and keep them frozen outside. It would be a bit of a trek through the snow to my pile, but if I knew it would work ,I'd do it.Our temps go pretty low all winter ( up to -40). Is there anyone out there who keeps a pile going in zone 3 and with what success?
billhill
15 years ago
If you had a pile ten feet high, the core would still be working but I fear you would have a two foot crust of frozen compost and three feet of snow on top. I think your technique of saving your stuff in the frozen state is a great idea and about the best you will be able to do without extreme measures.
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tiffy_z5_6_can
Original Author
15 years ago
Have to agree with Bill.

I live in Nova Scotia a stones throw - well, nearly - away from the Atlantic. On occasion we will go in the -20C range for a week here, but then we will bounce back to -10C and sometimes up to +10c. Really erratic, never predictable.

With these kinds of fluctuations in the temperatures, it's not difficult to keep the piles going.
treeinnj
15 years ago
I agree - I love added to and turning my compost daily - and I miss it in the winter. Mine freezes fairly quickly - really, when the ground freezes. This year, when I opened it, it looked like it was in the same state as I left it Dec 15th. I just added some kitchen trimmings to get it started - which didn't work very well. Next year, to get it jump started - and really, to finish-off what wasn't yet digested - I think I'll add a big bag of alfalfa pellets.

All the Best,
Theresa
msyoohoo
15 years ago
I realize this is an old post but I am glad that I found it. This is my first year composting and I was wondering about what to do in the winter. I think I'll give it a whirl! I know what you mean about turning withdrawal - lol. Kind of crazy!

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