Healthy soil and sustainable growing

["Activism98201" <activism98201@verizon.net>]

The pellets did get mushed up; had plenty of rain after adding them.  This was
over a month ago.

My problem is that this pile started out almost entirely from grass clippings
(hey, this is a rental, them's the cards I was dealt with).  There were a few
leaves underneath in black plastic bags which I liberated into the pile.  
Other
than the alfalfa pellets I've only been adding food scraps, coffee grounds and
other compost-able stuff in the normal course of day-to-day.

I turned the pile a few months ago, though this doesn't do an awful lot with
such a high concentration of carbons.  And that was before the potatoes 
started
popping up.  The potatoes add a complexity to the issue of turning.

The pile is roughly (L) 7' x (W) 3' x (H) 2'.


-Mark Nagel
Everett, WA


-----Original Message-----
From: livingontheland-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:livingontheland-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of 
TradingPostPaul


A thermometer is nice, but you know the pile is heating up enough when you
poke your hand in and steam comes out. The basics are simple as Catherine
pointed out. Might add that alfalfa pellets will take time to do their job
unless they're made into a mush with water and mixed thoroughly with the
browns, the high carbon materials.  Urine is good too, but unless you host
a big beer bust it'll take time to get enough and it won't heat up.

The single best guide I've found is Rodale Book of Composting
http://www.rodalestore.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogI
d=10002&storeId=10051&productId=12697&langId=-1&mag=OG&keycode=002786

Or Eco-Logic
http://www.eco-logicbooks.com/index.cfm?fa=book_details&book_id=118
"In our opinion the most comprehensive composting book in print. From
History of Composting through to Frontiers of Composting with a meander
through worms, compost structures, using
manure, shredders and a whole heap (geddit) more. The ultimate compost
book."
 

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