All my tea, coffee & coffee grounds go into their own little container behind the sink (to pour directly onto grass/bed) - that container is separate from the kitchen scraps container that gets carried out to the compost bin. All the Best, Tree PS last year I did a bit of "saving" kitchen water (mainly from cooking b/c I just can't get my head around "antibacterial soap" residue on my plants/compost) - but it got too out of control, time mgmt/logistics wise. In the process though, I did notice how much fertile water would otherwise be going down the drain, ughh! However, I've learned to prioritize my activities, and my composting/gardening at some point has to get woven around my other priorities (don't tell the others or they won't let me stay in the compost-wacko club anymore. ;)

Sarah, didn't mean to sound hasty, but I was about to turn off the puter, when I noticed your thread. I was using a dishsoap with Citrus. One of the ingredients is true citrus, so they say. LOL. Used it for years, now it's like the brand is extinct. Can't find it anywhere. Ajax has a citrus scented dishsoap which is what I now add to the mixture. Acually any dish soap will work, just steer clear of Dawn. You poor thing..all those bugs!! What the heck happened? Sarah, it's strange, beneficial insects are dying/dead while the bad guys are flying around..that doesn't make sense? Why in the world do people use so many chemicals??? By doing so, they're killing off the good guys. Not to mention, spraying something that most likely causes cancer. I feel bad for people who don't use chemicals, yet because of their neighbors, have to breath in that crap. Sarah, the mix I use will kill mites and scale, but it won't touch whitefly..Before your plants are totally infested, purchase Yellow Sticky Traps..they work fantastic, and no chemicals. They're sold on Ebay and a place called Gardens Alive. Cost is more reasonable on Ebay. In Ebay's search window type in yellow sticky traps. Traps come with a little, metal holder. Traps are attached to these holders. Stick holder in soil. You'd be amazed how many whitefly they capture. About 3 or 4 yrs ago, I had the same problem..Whitefly. I found the source, a hardy Hydragea..95% of my plants were whitefly infested. Some plants worse than others, especially Hibiscus, citrus and gardenias. I bought the traps, placed one trap among a group of plants. Each trap captured hundreds of whitefly days later. That was it, they died. So, if you have whitefly, and want to use natural, non-chemical 'help,' buy the traps, ASAP. Keep us posted, Sarah and Good luck, Toni

My apologies to you last 4 folks, I haven't visited this old thread for a long time. Thanks for taking an interest! Although this "experiment" was 3 seasons ago I still haven't followed up on it, we moved 2 seasons ago and still in the "regular" gardening development stages. When I retire I will surely get back into this stuff and more. Adamsid, I'm sorry not to have a good variety in mind for you, can only speak for z-7 growing conditions. Probably a short season variety is best, many to choose from. Caroljm, as I recall it was about a 1.5 cups of fish guts/bones per plant. 10-10-10 is easier of course, espically when side dressing the plants when hip high. If not buried deep enough (and not distrubing corn roots) the fish may attract critters, esp digging critters. Donn, no doubt the worms loved the fish guts! The rows were 30" apart so there may have been some spill over. You make me now wonder what the corn roots were doing - all heading towards the more tastie fertilizer? ;0) Swanz, Fish bone is a great slow release P & Ca, + minors, slow enough for the lasting effect you mention.

Without a doubt in your mind, do it. Dig it deep,till around on top layer, and be encouraged about the truth. I fish in the spring here on Lake Livingston,TX and catch 500-1000 shad on 20 minutes. I planted around 20 plants in a trench. 10 days before and after I tilled(Troy-Built),I would bring the leftover shad=bait home and just pour the shad/blood/water over this area. Many ants at first,then it dies down. No idea about useful properties regarding a 5-gallon bucket of shad vs. a single fish scale. Take care, Travis