I'm itching to start my pile but not enough greens

15 years ago

The coffee shop has no grounds for me. I don't have enough kitchen waste for the amount of leaves I have. I don't really want to go out and buy cotton seed meal but am tempted. Any suggestions would be most helpful.

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Comments (12)

turbodogg98
15 years ago
get you some bone meal or blood meal. both are a excellent source of nitrogen. if you live near or go by a conveinence store get them to save the coffee grounds for you. im doing that every day and they have given me about 150 pounds of coffee grounds. also check with a cafe or grill and get them to save you the egg shells and all the gread they throw away. where theres a will there is a way. i checked my pile today and its about 150 degrees or so. im so tickled. good luck thank you david goode
digdirt2
15 years ago
Bone meal is phosphorus. Blood meal is nitrogen. ;)

Your local grocery is a great source of produce discards. Have you check the FAQs here for "greens" suggestions? Also check out all the "What have you fed your compost pile?" discussions for all kinds of ideas. ;) Linked them below.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: What have you fed your compost pile? discussions...
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dlpasti
15 years ago
Or run your pile like I do with one (I run 3 at a time) two hot and one cold---cold just takes longer but gives same product. Not a problem if your not in a hurry.
joepyeweed
15 years ago
Just start your pile with browns and add greens as they become available.

Leafs without greens decompose as leaf mold.
weenerdogg
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone! Off to read the FAQ
louisianagal
15 years ago
I scored several big bags of grass clippings. People are still mowing, edging before putting up holiday decorations.
also you can pee on the pile.
Kimmsr
15 years ago
Tree leaves can have a C:N ratio ranging from 40:1 to 80:1 depending on the age. Fairly fresh leaves could almost compost themselves with only a little additional Nitrogen added.
dmbf874
15 years ago
In regards to your last statement kimmsr, so that's why my leaf pile is steaming! Glad you posted that information. I've learned that it doesn't take that much "n" to get a pile cooking. My leaf pile read a temp of 120. Interesting stuff this composting is.
gratefulgardener3300
15 years ago
I agree with Lagirl... pee on it.
ladycraft
15 years ago
I'm so glad that I am not the only person that has this problem. I hate to go ask for coffee grounds as I don't buy from them. Guess I'm going to have to get over my bashfulness and go for it. And pee in the compost. I am still puzzled about the amount of N you need.
cuticlesfromhell
15 years ago
You could also dig up and scatter soil over and through the leaves. Are there any farms near you? - Manure would be lovely...
takadi
15 years ago
Pee on it!!

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I'm itching to start my pile but not enough greens

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turbodogg98

digdirt2

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I'm itching to start my pile but not enough greens

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