25 Aug 07 |
Although maintaining a compost pile is an excellent way to responsibly recycle organic materials, there are some things that you should never try to compost. First of all, any materials that are chemically or biologically contaminated or may promote disease should be avoided. Materials that attract pests, have a strong smell, or create nuisances should also be similarly shunned. Don’t throw fish, meat, or dairy products on your compost pile; nor should you add bones. Charcoal ash should be avoided, because the sulfur dioxide in it is dangerous to plants (especially when mixed with water, when it becomes sulfuric acid). In addition, don’t let weeds with seed heads get into your pile, or any material that you’ve cut off an infected plant.
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This entry was posted on Saturday, August 25th, 2007 at 4:31 pm and is filed under Gardening Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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7 comments ↓
Not specific enough. I haven’t time to filter out all the weed seeds, and by the end of the season, MOST of my plants have some disease or other. Isn’t the purpose of the high heat of composting to resolve most of these issues? More specific examples would be helpful. Also, even if folks haven’t read Mike McGrath’s book, I can’t imagine anyone putting animal product (except manure) in their compost more than once. No comment on eggshells, fr’instance.
Very useful, thanks
It is interesting to learn about your new blog. Keep it up.
I have read quite a lot about compost suitable materials, but am always eager for more information. I avoid weeds that have produced seed heads just in case the composter turns into a weed incubator! The same is true for maple seeds and hackberries whenever possible. They seem to thrive in spite of our best efforts. Is something going wrong?
I have a question that needs a creative answer.
I live in a 3rd floor apartment with a large balcony. I’ve started a compost in a large rubbermaid container (it’s kind of ugly, but it was cheap and does the trick). Any suggestions on how I can make it into a plant stand and not make it look like plants on an ugly plastic container? I would rather not purchase anything new, but rather be creative and reuse something.
Am I asking too much?
Jill -
The first question is whether your compost has had time to decay into humus (nutrient rich soil without any undigested debris). If the compost is still active, it can produce heat that harms plant roots or attract bugs that will eat your plants. In that case, I’d give it some more time and/or consider adding digester bacteria.
If its ready to use, then I would suggest temporarily emptying the rubbermaid container and putting holes in the sides at the bottom (for drainage). Then, find a plastic bowl that you can spare, and superglue it to the bottom of the rubbermaid container without blocking the holes. Put your finished soil back into the container.
Since the resulting container is going to be even more ugly, I would suggest planting something that overgrows the sides. Perhaps an Asparagus Fern would work?
Alternately, you could transfer the finished soil into a new pot and continue to use your homemade composter for future compost. I’m using a Self Watering Planter at my apartment and it’s doing really well. The garlic I planted is climbing straight for the sky!
I hope that helps, and good luck with your composting!
Is it ok to put used rabbit bedding (straw, hay, woodchips) and the soiled corn cob litter in a composter? If not, do you have any other disposal suggestions?
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