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Soil, Compost & Mulch

How do you chop up big greens?

15 years ago

I seem to get a lot of compostable materials from my veggie garden that are too big or stalks are too big to compost easily. These are such things as overgrown cauliflowers, prunings from grapes, kiwi, corn stalks, pea vines, etc. Do you have a secret that will help me chop these down to size so they will compost faster?

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Comments (7)

sandhill_farms
15 years ago
Do you have, or have access to, a chipper/shredder? That's what I use to chop things up that are too big.

Greg
Nevada
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smokensqueal
15 years ago
I usually just throw them in as is and when I run into them later in the compost bin they are really easy to rip up. OR if the wife is working in the garden as I'm mowing she will make a small row of stuff and I'll run over it with the mower and just rake up the pieces and toss them in.
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Can I make a crazy comment about Granny's comment? Strictly speaking granny, you are completely organic. The term "organic" refers to carbon based compounds (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11780). I assure you that your soil contains these. Don't people get silly over this stuff? There was a guy on another blog I used to read all the time who would just go nuts if anyone suggested using chemicals until my husband pointed out to him that water is a chemical and did he have a waterless garden? Science is not the enemy. I am thinking about using your method some, also John because I now am the proud owner of a zillion or so leaves!! Neighbors brought me four bags of starbucks grounds today, lol, I guess word is getting around. Sorry for the hijack Angela, but I figured you'd forgive me. When can I drop by for the mower again? It's only 2100 miles, we're practically neighbors! It's just as well, you'll have plenty of time to think about what a nutty neighbor I am when we're in heaven.
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My kitchen design is all about the chop/prep centre. I think this is what I spend more time at than anything - lots of salads, soups, stews, etc. Because I have a wonderful view, I need my prep centre to be where I can enjoy the view. Is this a consideration for you? If not, then the area between prep sink and stove seems logical, especially for stove top cooking. If you have a view the opposite direction, use your island to chop on and tuck the compost underneath the island. You said you wanted to have removable cutting boards rather than built ins. Or did I misinterpret? If your dishes and glassware go in the south wall cabinets, put your dishwasher as close as possible (to right of sink) and save steps.
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joepyeweed
15 years ago
I don't chop up big greens... as a matter of fact, I rarely chop anything, unless its too long for the 4' x 4' bin.
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mulchmamma
15 years ago
Wood clippings go in the back of the pickup truck and to the landfill. With the price of gas-go to the landfill full and go home full (of free mulch).

Anyway the soft stuff goes on a pile in the woods where it very quickly breaks down. If in sight, I just throw a layer of mulch over it.

Organic matter breaks down VERY quickly in the shady, woody areas. The property slopes and all storm runoff keeps the material damp.
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dottyinduncan
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. My chipper is worse than useless, but I could run over the stuff with the lawnmower. And I will think about putting the really big stuff out of sight and covering it with mulch.
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digdirt2
15 years ago
Machete or lawnmower if in a hurry for it to break down. Otherwise, as is.

Dave
0
Rake4Leaves
15 years ago
Recently heaved in the c. pile some old oranges and a cantaloupe.
After a few days, getting heated up, they were soft enough for me
to chop up with a shovel.
I don't worry about seeds sprouting from melons. I just pull up
the seedlings, and put back them into the c. pile.
0

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