tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post258036574081520486..comments2023-11-02T05:18:38.925-05:00Comments on Antiquity Oaks: Visit with author of "Complete Idiot's Guide to Composting"Deborah Niemannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754242197245805551noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-39169820811772776492010-04-22T07:39:48.840-05:002010-04-22T07:39:48.840-05:00Thanks to everyone for contributing to the discuss...Thanks to everyone for contributing to the discussion, and a big thank you to Chris for answering all of our questions and donating a book to my awesome readers! Speaking of that -- the winner of the book is SpinnersEnd! Drop me an email (deborah at antiquity oaks) with your address, and I'll forward it to Chris!Deborah Niemannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10754242197245805551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-87615105099545131012010-04-21T11:51:34.062-05:002010-04-21T11:51:34.062-05:00Chris and Deborah,
Just wanted to stop back in a...Chris and Deborah, <br /><br />Just wanted to stop back in and thank you both for the time and effort you've taken to do this. I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts and am looking forward to reading the book.BJ Gingleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02816781442671196760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-66791969345770888642010-04-20T20:50:37.026-05:002010-04-20T20:50:37.026-05:00I stink at composting. grin. Anyways, we have ...I stink at composting. grin. Anyways, we have 2 big piles that we cold compost. I just can't seem to get the hang of hot composting.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575144481109944445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-40003995187005234012010-04-20T15:16:05.431-05:002010-04-20T15:16:05.431-05:00Hi Chris and Deborah!
I am in charge of the fiber...Hi Chris and Deborah!<br /><br />I am in charge of the fiber critters and my husband is in charge of their contributions to the compost. We too have sheep and angora rabbits and I'm convinced their output contributes to a happy marriage (I married a botanist and gardener). We have a large compost pile that is only dedicated to the dreaded spotted knapweed- it composts nicely but I'm unsure wether we can use it or not due to the plants allelopathic effects on other dicots- have you any experience or advice? I'm also wondering if the seeds are still viable after a few years in the compost. It is rather a nasty weed (though has a good evolutionary strategy).Spinners End Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13378599044206074919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-27756558893200418812010-04-20T11:39:02.559-05:002010-04-20T11:39:02.559-05:00Do I win a prize for being the 100 post, lol, no r...Do I win a prize for being the 100 post, lol, no really I threw myself into learning about composting when the kids where young and I home schooled- gardening was part of their science and home ec classes, so we did the worm casting and all! <br /><br />Love this! And apparently so does so many others!Chef Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11198603107302675448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-58394659029311778822010-04-20T10:33:19.267-05:002010-04-20T10:33:19.267-05:00BJ Gingles ~ The coffee grounds are excellent to a...BJ Gingles ~ The coffee grounds are excellent to add to the compost pile. Yes, in their original form they're acidic, which is why when I get mine from Starbucks, I share some with my blueberry bushes.<br /><br />However, one of the beautiful things about compost is that the end product becomes very balanced and basically neutral. So, if you used the compost in your garden before it's completely broken down (which is perfectly okay to do) then it could be a little acidic. But if you've given it some time to get the process going it all works out just fine. <br /><br />The wood ash issue you could get someone to argue on that. Some say yes...some say never. Wood ash is highly alkaline and can be a substitute for lime if you wanted to sweeten an acidic soil. But it also has good phosphorus and potash properties, too. <br /><br />For me, I don't think that adding a little is a problem but a little goes a long way in this case. Also, be sure the ashes are *cold* or you might get a hotter compost pile than you bargained for (fire).A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-60820212248331810302010-04-20T10:19:38.272-05:002010-04-20T10:19:38.272-05:00kstrating ~ You're going to be so happy that y...kstrating ~ You're going to be so happy that you did! By the way, our worms are named "Freds 1 - 10,0000". LOL.A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-48224520513692922982010-04-20T08:49:30.854-05:002010-04-20T08:49:30.854-05:00Hello Chris,
I have been composting for just a sh...Hello Chris,<br /><br />I have been composting for just a short while. While I don't tend the pile often, I do turn it about twice a week. I am patient though and figure that eventually it should become the black gold I hope it will. <br /><br />My question concerns coffee grounds. A local coffee shop gives away large packets of used coffee grounds to anyone for the asking. I usually only add the grounds from our personal use but am tempted in getting some of the free stuff. Will I throw things too much out of kilter if I add several bags to my bin? (My hubby built the bin... wooden frame/wire mesh and I think it is 3 x 3 but it could be 4 x 4...I'm not certain)<br /><br />Also, I would like to add some of the ash from our fireplace this winter (in moderation of course). Is this safe?BJ Gingleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02816781442671196760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-87623373512074729502010-04-19T21:11:28.361-05:002010-04-19T21:11:28.361-05:00Ahhh... just in time information! Just bopping in...Ahhh... just in time information! Just bopping in to say Chris' book will be on my list, as well. I received a small handful of red wigglers, at a county extension seminar on vermicomposting (& rain barrels) and have been tending them carefully! What were 98% barely discernible "threads" that moved are now very visible, very wiggly strings, lol. There were, maybe, 3 adults in the whole bunch! Next to tackle: the "regular" compost! DD & I were just conversing on what / how / where to get started.KimShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117472095277011388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-80798116506693421272010-04-19T16:22:17.781-05:002010-04-19T16:22:17.781-05:00Rachel ~ L0L, my family is on the big side, for su...Rachel ~ L0L, my family is on the big side, for sure! However, we do live in a traditional suburban area and we have only 3 hens which give us plenty of eggs. We have 5 rabbits (4H) and the bins just aren't big.<br /><br />To get a nice pile cooking all you need is about 3 x 3 x 3 of space. Measure that out on your floor. Mine open bins are a little bigger but they're close to each other in one area of the yard.<br /><br />I, too, have always loved the Idiot's Guide and am thrilled to be writing for themA Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-87446523677128217082010-04-19T16:21:17.102-05:002010-04-19T16:21:17.102-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-70953805708966101682010-04-19T16:08:01.079-05:002010-04-19T16:08:01.079-05:00I've only ever been successful at worm bin com...I've only ever been successful at worm bin composting, and I would LOVE to know enough to be successful at the other. Complete Idiot's guides are some of my FAVORITE books when it comes to how to books.<br /><br />I see that you have bins, chickens AND compost. How big is your family?Mrs Pretzelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15013942924710797563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-58071161202375815272010-04-19T15:46:05.657-05:002010-04-19T15:46:05.657-05:00Debra ~ I'm thinking that you'll either ha...Debra ~ I'm thinking that you'll either have to stand on the tire with a shovel and scoop it into a wheel barrel...OR get wait until it's all been composted and get some handsome young (strong) men to lift the tire up and off of the pile, LOL! Then I'd just start a new pile inside the tire right where it is. Great idea with the tire, though!A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-11193081194503839002010-04-19T14:48:25.149-05:002010-04-19T14:48:25.149-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-78007654674238388472010-04-19T14:39:48.682-05:002010-04-19T14:39:48.682-05:00I compost in an old tractor tire in my backyard. ...I compost in an old tractor tire in my backyard. I copied the idea from a friend. The problem I have is, <br />I don't know how to get to my dirt! <br />I need some know-how!!!Debra R Bultnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-83856222655883742002010-04-19T14:34:18.817-05:002010-04-19T14:34:18.817-05:00Birgit ~ Yup. This is called cold composting and e...Birgit ~ Yup. This is called cold composting and eventually compost will just happen. BUT if you give it just a *little* attention (balance the materials a bit and turn it just every so often) I think you'll be thrilled with the results.A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-43480258751949170692010-04-19T14:32:39.848-05:002010-04-19T14:32:39.848-05:00Carolyn,
I live in suburbia, as well. My open com...Carolyn,<br /><br />I live in suburbia, as well. My open compost piles are about 4 x 4 x 4 - it's not very big. There are also commercial bins available that are somewhat smaller. <br /><br />But if you don't have room for either of those - yes, vermicomposting can be done on a back porch, garage or even the kitchen! But they aren't very fast at it - and you won't get as ton of compost this way. I use my worm castings as side dressings or I use the leachate (worm juice) as a liquid fertilizer (diluted with 50% water).A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-3673073873823211052010-04-19T13:40:26.126-05:002010-04-19T13:40:26.126-05:00Great idea for a book ... and one that I need. Ho...Great idea for a book ... and one that I need. How bad is it to just throw stuff in the plastic compost tower for years with no regard for brown/green mix and no stirring ... will I, at some point, get nice compost?Birgithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00844550801393348962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-37705588583694560242010-04-19T12:32:46.807-05:002010-04-19T12:32:46.807-05:00Is guinea pig manure as good as rabbit? We put thi...Is guinea pig manure as good as rabbit? We put this with sheep manure, wasted hay, paper from the guinea pig cage and chicken poop together. Is that ok?Shulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04357891034163165341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-16462320767098737082010-04-19T12:21:38.615-05:002010-04-19T12:21:38.615-05:00I'm a suburban gardener. There is just no pla...I'm a suburban gardener. There is just no place to put a big compost pile. What's the best (and quickest) way to get some good compost? Worms? Compact bin? How long do the bins take to turn into good compost? I wish I had rabbits around!! Thanks for the advice!Carolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01327584134075351544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-30994722609480404912010-04-19T11:43:58.271-05:002010-04-19T11:43:58.271-05:00Oh - got it. I feed mine hay, as well, but haven&#...Oh - got it. I feed mine hay, as well, but haven't had a problem with seeds because of that at all. Also if you keep the pile on the hot site it kills the seeds.<br /><br />I bred show rabbits for many years and have only 5 at this point. I do miss the few angoras that I had.A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-34572787803507210872010-04-19T11:39:44.486-05:002010-04-19T11:39:44.486-05:00Hi,
My question is around hay seeds. The rabbits ...Hi,<br />My question is around hay seeds. The rabbits need hay on a daily basis to keep them from getting wool blocked, of course some falls through into the trays. I'm concerned that there is a lot of grass and timothy seeds in with the rabbit poo, won't that increase my need to weed LOL.<br />JoyceJoyce Scallornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05256072501696934065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-47334246955459219992010-04-19T11:32:23.480-05:002010-04-19T11:32:23.480-05:00Christine ~ Your chicken manure is nitrogen and wi...Christine ~ Your chicken manure is nitrogen and will help get the compost cooking. The only way to do this quickly is to have equal parts of nitrogen and carbon then turn it a couple of times a week. <br /><br />By the way - I WISH chicken manure was the same as the rabbit poop...but you really do have to compost the chicken stuff first before adding it to plants.A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-81956382814178605172010-04-19T11:29:27.538-05:002010-04-19T11:29:27.538-05:00Joyce ~
Oh ~ Be still my heart. You're sittin...Joyce ~<br /><br />Oh ~ Be still my heart. You're sitting on a gold mine! Without getting into all of the other great things about why rabbit poop is the best poop for your garden...the short answer as far as composting is "nitrogen". <br /><br />Get yourself some carbon (the browns) : straw, dried leaves, paper, paper towels, dried grasses, sawdust, etc. <br /><br />Now add your yummy rabbit poop in even amounts. Don't weight it or try to see what the C:N ratio is - just eye it...a handful of carbon, a handful of nitrogen (or shovelful).<br /><br />Dude, if you turn the stuff once or twice a week, you're going to have compost in no time! <br /><br />By the way - take your rabbit pellets and use them directly on the garden bed. Don't overload things like tomatoes (you want some fruit not just leaves). But the rabbit pellets are super nutritionally balanced.<br /><br />Now what seeds are you referring to? Do you give your rabbits seed (I stopped doing that).<br /><br />All things rabbits + compost + worms are in my book, too!A Suburban Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15669171212762565064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054991.post-53786584843543495442010-04-19T11:22:53.084-05:002010-04-19T11:22:53.084-05:00I've added the book to my Amazon wish list, bu...I've added the book to my Amazon wish list, but in the mean time talk to me about chicken manure. I have gads of it mixed with pine shavings. What would be the fastest way to break it down? I never seem to have enough greens, given that we have sheep and goats that eat all things green.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17995851593213427196noreply@blogger.com