No problem removing it, I really doubt that it will be used,because they are very picky individuals.

I think I have about 2 inches of shredded paper then maybe 10 inches of a mix of paper and the food scraps, dirt, leaves etc. then a cardboard topper. I thought avocado may take a while so I just put a few peelings. The rest I threw in the garden. I have the room for 24+ inches but don't have 24 inches of stuff in the bin now. I also have some old seed starting soil I need to dispose of and may add that to the bin instead of the trash. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I was worried to buy worms! I think I am getting one pound from these people plus some vermicompost bedding (it costs a couple extra $ for the vc) http://www.greenmountainsoil.com/buyworms.html Karen Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.greenmountainsoil.com/buyworms.html

Mimii, of course you're going to go! We want all the juicy details! ;-) I enjoyed your tale of the shower...I've never heard of the b'maids opening the gifts and the bride standing there with a microphone! Yes....it would look like an auction! hahaha! That's just wrong....;-) Perhaps they felt it wouldn't take as long with others opening them.....ah...who knows? Thanks for the story...we're looking forward to "the wedding story"!

The best way to determine if you have a good healthy soil that will grow strong and healthy plants is to test the soil for soil pH and nutrient levels. "Topsoil" is really a meaningless term because it simply means the top 4 to 6 inches of soil from someplace which may, or may not, be something you want in your garden. For most food plants you will want a soil with a pH in the 6.0 to 7.0 range and balanced nutrient levels. There are numerous reasons why plants "turn yellow" (that is known as Chlorosis) and low Nitrogen levels is only one. Along with a good reliable soil test, for soil pH and nutrient levels these simple soil tests may also help. 1) Soil test for organic material. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains’ too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell, to a point. Too much organic matter can be bad as well. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. kimmq is kimmsr