shaving help
11 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (16)
Related Discussions
Composing in raised bed in off-season?
Comments (10)I have a 4'X10' raised bed. This summer I composted large amounts of grass clippings and shredded newsprint. Then our camp walk-in freezer went out and I added a couple of large garbage backs of mixed vegetables, hash browns, and bread. I topped all this with just a couple inches of garden soil and my lettuce is flourishing like crazy right now. I have noticed that it seems the compost underneath may still be shrinking, but it has not adversely affected the bed. I'm considering building another bed next to this one and composting some things in it over the winter and planting on top of that....See MoreUsing Sawdust/Shaving as primary compost ingred.
Comments (11)Wood shavings/sawdust are my primary carbon ingredient mainly because they're readily available and free. I can get a pick-up load whenever I feel like shoveling it. It requires large amounts of nitrogen material to break down the wood tho which is why I use mine as mulch and rarely mix it with the soil. My 'mix' is usually grass clippings, sometimes shredded leaves, alfalfa pellets, my small amount of 'real' compost from kitchen trimmings, and whatever other soil amendment I may have such as soy meal, along with the shavings. I no longer use bone meal or blood meal as I try to avoid animal by-products. Depending on the pH of your soil you may need to add lime if you use seed or blood meals. My soil is alkaline so I haven't thus far. I also occasionally use a very small amount of wood ash. I often mix all this stuff up in my cement mixer with water to make a damp mulch material and pile it until I'm ready to use it as mulch. Don't need to turn it and it heats a bit but I don't wait for it to fully decompose - it does that in the garden over a few months. I usually apply it twice a year, spring and fall. The worms seem to thrive on it. If you aren't concerned about being organic you could buy straight nitrogen fertilizer to mix with it - keep it moist and mix a rough organic material in to keep it from compacting. I've sometimes picked yarrow and layered that as well as weeds and plant trimmings. The greater the variety of ingredients in compost the more likely it is that there will be many plant nutrients. Since I live in a dry area a pile of straight sawdust will take decades, or longer, to break down. There are large piles in some areas in the back woods on old lumber mill sites that are still there, a bit discolored, but not decomposed. Nitrogen and moisture are required. Here are some links on the subject: http://www.ehow.com/how_4486379_recycle-sawdust-compost-pile.html http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting-basics/using-sawdust-in-your-compost-pile.htm The link below may help you figure out what to use and how much you will need to make compost using sawdust/shavings. Here is a link that might be useful: Compost Mix Calculator...See MoreProblem with bird house gourds
Comments (6)The soil was warm enough. I live in Canada and I have to start all my gourds in Feb...In the house. So, I have a mini green house in the house and this is what they were in. Now all of my gourds bird house and the rest are up about 12" and doing well. Just have no idea what happened to the first batch??? Oh well, you live and learn! Thanks for the "YIPPIE" Vera. Makes a heart feel good! :0) Penny...See MoreHardwood Shavings/Sawdust
Comments (30)Agreed, best practice is not to use raw sawdust/shavings/chips as a soil component. Too much trouble. These days most mulch is partially aged (usually a year) which reduces its N need a bit but more useful is it remains moist longer. Aging is fungi induced and that is why often one will see random mushrooms pop up in mulched beds. Digressing into the fun part with raw wood components. Hope you folks do not mind: Raw wood chips like the ones used in playgrounds does not degrade as quick. I have a small bed of these chips about 8 inch thick inoculated with wine cap mushroom spores. Every spring I get a load of these deliciously large mushrooms. After about two years the chips are completely decomposed and it goes into my garden beds. Sawdust and shavings mixed with straw goes into milk crates and inoculated with oyster/shitake mushroom spawn goes into several milk crates. After they are done (usually less than 2 months) the resulting spent "soil" is excellent for gardens too. And I get extra mushrooms pop up all over the yard after a good rain. Here is the milk crate with oyster mushrooms. The bottom of the crate:...See More- 11 years agolast modified: 11 years agokathyg_in_mi thanked morz8 - Washington Coast
- 10 years ago
- 10 years ago
- 10 years ago
- 10 years ago
- 10 years agolast modified: 10 years ago
Related Stories

EARTH DAYHow to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs
Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens
Full Story
BATHROOM WORKBOOKStandard Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath
Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key fixture dimensions and layout tips
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNTry a Shorter Kitchen Backsplash for Budget-Friendly Style
Shave costs on a kitchen remodel with a pared-down backsplash in one of these great materials
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGN12 Things to Consider for Your Bathroom Remodel
Maybe a tub doesn’t float your boat, but having no threshold is a no-brainer. These points to ponder will help you plan
Full Story
SAVING WATER11 Ways to Save Water at Home
Whether you live in a drought-stricken area or just want to help preserve a precious resource, here are things you can do to use less water
Full Story
GREEN DECORATINGEasy Green: Big and Small Ways to Be More Water-Wise at Home
These 20 tips can help us all make the best use of a precious resource. How do you save water in summer?
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNOutfit Your Shower With the Right Bench for You
Whether you want a simple perch or a massive seat in your shower, our guide can help
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNHow to Settle on a Shower Bench
We help a Houzz user ask all the right questions for designing a stylish, practical and safe shower bench
Full Story
PRODUCT PICKSGuest Picks: Spa Retreat
Settle into deep relaxation with candles, bubble bath and more pampering treats to help you unwind
Full Story
MOST POPULARContractor Tips: Top 10 Home Remodeling Don'ts
Help your home renovation go smoothly and stay on budget with this wise advice from a pro
Full Story

katlan