Where to find cheap or free compost and/or mulch in Orlando area?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Have heard about mushroom compost from Monterey Farms, but wanted to know if anyone had experience with them or any other suppliers?

Am looking for ways to amend my very clay-ey soil at home so I can transition away from small container gardening. Thanks for any advice!

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Comments (2)

four (9B near 9A)
4 years ago
Mulch does not amend soil.

The amending effect of organics (compost) diminishes over time. Sand often is used to amend clay. So, my recommendation is sand then compost (sequentially). Inquire about those materials at the large place in Sanford which is at the RR track crossing of 17-92.

In talking about sand, it always is necessary tthat everybody be clear about coarseness, because you do not want the kind that is small gravel.
KennsWoods
4 years ago
The City of Sanford is creating a new park between Park Av and Oak Av at 25th St. A large retention pond is being excavated and a huge amount of muck is being removed. This is being offered at no charge. The contractor will load your truck for free, or deliver in their truck for a delivery charge only. You can also access the site after working hours and hand load your vehicle. This stuff is very peat-like and I would use it as a soil amendment and not a mulch.
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Hi, I live close to you, share your crap soil, and called around a couple of years ago about mulch with no luck. When I called City Hall, they actually told me that even though they pick up green waste separately to make compost, they couldn't give it back because it was supposed to be re-used. Duh!!! Cal Poly Pomona might be a good source. If they don't sell it, they may be able to tell you who does. They also have the best pumpkin patch in our area. The pumpkins weren't there yet today, but should be out within another week or so, right in front of the Farm Store on Temple, just north of Valley Blvd (the Farm Store is nice too, if you haven't been there). If you find a compost source, please post it for the rest of us. I'll call around a little too and inform you if I find anything. Hope that helps, Linda
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I agree that that the Soil & Compost forum on Garden Web is where to look for info. I learned everything that I needed to know about composting from that forum. You don't need to worry about your climate being warm enough to compost...a good active pile will heat up from within. You will need carbon ("browns") and nitrogen ("greens") which are usually easily available from what you already have on hand at home: leaves, paper, lawn and yard clippings, used coffee grounds from Starbucks, seaweed, etc. As they say on the Soil & Compost forum, "It All Leads Back to Compost." Compost happens!
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Lisa- About the wood for raised beds, I'm in the planning stages on my new beds too. A guy on craigslist is selling railroad ties for $8 each. (avg dimensions 9 foot long, 9 inches wide, 7 inches tall) I'm a little iffy on using them for edible plants, since they were treated with creasote, but if he's got some older/weathered ones (so most of the chemicals would have leached out a long time ago), I think that's my plan! Hanover County dumps also do the free mulch thing. Anybody know where to get inexpensive wire for putting under my raised beds to keep the moles out?
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Where to find cheap or free compost and/or mulch in Orlando area?

Comments (2)

four (9B near 9A)

KennsWoods

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