Compost Compulsion's topics - tribe.net

soil too clay

redheadstepkid — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:51:02 GMT

My garden soil is very heavy and clay-like, even where the most compost is buried. I saw on an eco-show that dryer lint can be composted, will this achieve the same effect as adding peat moss? I'm trying to avoid buying any. Is there any other 'trash' that I could compost that would add the same consistency as peat moss? Newspaper? Soaked cardboard?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Bokashi

matt — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:32:10 GMT

I am making bokashi with coffee grounds to add to my compost.

It is very simple to make and is anaerobic, so it will thrive inside a pile filled with chicken manure.

1) The recipe for 5 gallon bucket:

2) Make a 1:1 ration of EM and molasses. 4 Tbsp. Put into 4 cups of water and let sit overnight.

3) Procure enough substrate to fill your container. I use dried coffee grounds. Wheat bran is popular to use. Wood shavings, food scraps,
etc.
The most important thing is to make sure that the end product has around 30% moisture. This can be determined by a strong man
squeeze. A nice hard squeeze should produce a few drops of water.
4) Mix the EM mixture into the substrate in a container. Wheelbarrows work well. Mix thoroughly. Add water until desired moisture level.
5) Fill into the bucket packing down firmly every few inches till full.
6) Cap the lid on airtight and wait three weeks for fermentation.
7) After three weeks spread the bokashi out to dry.

The bokashi is now ready to use. It contains millions of beneficial organisms and can be applied under mulch layers, mixed in with planting soil, or thrown in with compost. It will store dry in a cool shaded spot for a long time. If left wet and exposed to air, it will funk up pretty quick so drying is very important.

Any thoughts...

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

food containers compostable?

sue — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:41:39 GMT

hi, i live in a city that recently began allowing food waste into the green waste bins, and i'm wondering if food containers like what whole foods has for their hot prepared foods-soup, etc. can be composted? also, how about ice cream containers? thanks!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 6 replies

In S.F.- bicycle-powered compost mixer and potluck gathering

annabelly — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:15:34 GMT

Southern Exposure is a great gallery, and Wowhaus (http://www.thewowhaus.com/ABOUT/aboutwow2.html) looks like an interesting group, delving into art, architecture, sustainability...

http://soex.org/Event/173.html

June 14, 2008 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
a potluck gathering and bicycle-powered compost mixer

Join Wowhaus and Southern Exposure for a community compost mixer. Participants are invited to bring a dish featuring in season, local (preferably organic and home grown) produce. Please bring a dish that generates some vegetable scraps to contribute to the mixer and pick up tips for making your own compost mixer and compost.

Continuing on after the event, gallery visitors are encouraged to bring in vegetable scraps and to power the spinner by riding the bicycle. A clear door on the bin aids in viewing the decomposition process which when complete, will be used to enrich the soil of Southern Exposure’s and community members’ gardens. The Wowhaus Mixer helps overcome many obstacles to urban composting, offering a compact, efficient, and fun means of reducing waste and enriching garden soil.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

Composting How To's.....

tastypixie — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 05:17:13 GMT

hello,

i am new to this tribe and new to composting.....

i am fortunate enough to be moving into a home with an enormous space for a garden. because i live smack in the middle of mother nature unwanted pesties will be an issue if i have an exposed compost pile.

i am in the market for one of those cool supped up composter's but I have no idea which one to choose. if anyone has suggestions i would greatly appreciate it!

thanks a bunch!

renee

posted in Compost Compulsion - 5 replies

Plastic bin composting question

Sarah — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:32:37 GMT

I have several very large, blue garbage/waste bins that were given to me (I'm guessing around 95 gallons each). They do not have lids of any sort, but it seems to me that they would make great composters. I have never tried composting before, but I am really wanting to get into it. Any tips on what sort of lid I could use? Also, I find it a bit confusing as to what to put in. I've got plenty of leaves, but can I just throw in all the organic kitchen waste as well? Thanks in advance for all help!

Sarah

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

soil fertility and plant nutrition

greenman-23 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:11:23 GMT

hi all..

I'm just cross posting as this whilst not strictly compost is relevent to those of you who compost to grow food etc with...

http://soil-science.tribe.net/thread/d2bdef5f-2d47-4ae2-974a-0325a091e8ea

theres a link and an explaination to the doc in the thread in ASS

basically its a method of seeing how plant nutrition relates to soil fertility and approx how to measure it

regards

gm23

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Small Scale Compost

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:17:04 GMT

I'm looking to start my own compost at my apartment. Can anyone recommend a good small scale compost system? I have a backyard that I can use, but i'm not sure about making any large structures. Ideas?

Thanks!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

Compost ... let's spread the word !

GreenGrazzGuy — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:00:55 GMT

R&R Power Turf is pleased to introduce you to an all new, compact, and highly innovative piece of lawn care equipment for the sustainable future.

The Power Top Dresser allows landscape and lawn care companies the opportunity to enhance service in the most natural of ways, ...compost topdressing !

The Power Top Dresser is a uniquely designed, and fully self propelled spreader that has been engineered exclusively for the green industry. Turf professionals can now apply compost, top soil, worm castings, and other beneficial organic bulk material to turf grass areas as an organic alternative to traditonal treaments.

Powered by a Honda engine, and hydrostatic transmission this very stable and very versatile machine has a 10.5 cu. ft. hopper which will cover up to 3000 sq. ft in under 10 minutes. A single operator can effortlessly and without fatigue complete 15 properties per production day easily making this compost spreader a leader in the green marketplace.

Fast, Efficient, Rugged, & Profitable !

Email info@topdresser.ca and let us show you how !

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

compost tea as bioremediation?

matt — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:17:28 GMT

i have just moved to a coffee farm that is in transition to organics.
there are four or five nice pump tanks here for spray application,
as well as a large tank with an electric pump.
the only thing is that these previously had roundup in them.
as early as two months ago.
i dont want to have to discard these tanks, but i will if i have to.
i have run two full cycles of EM through the larger one, and
am going to make compost tea as a final flush.
does anyone know if this is enough for safe use after that?
any suggestions?

thanks

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Eureka

amyirish — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:42:04 GMT

Y'all have inspired me. I have 7 rescued cats, the volume of cat litter we consume bothers me and composting seems to be the solution. So I've built a separate compost bin and lined it with straw. My local Orscheln store sells huge bags of pine shavings for 3.50! So far two of the cats are using the new pine shaving litter. The others are curious.
The real test will be how long the pine litter lasts.

Oh, and just for arguments sake. All the cat waste and pine shavings will go in that separate bin for use on the flowerbeds and shrubs, not the veggies.

I really hope this works.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 19 replies

rolypig composter

juLiaMcN — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:03:56 GMT

Hey everyone :)
I have been pondering the purchase of a rolypig composter for quite some time. I was wondering if anyone has one and if they liked it?
thanks very much!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

greens and browns; a common misconception

greenman-23 — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:49:48 GMT

this belief, one I have been vainly battling against for years continues to raise is misconcepted head in compost understanding ..so here is an explaination of the true difference between green (fresh sappy material) and brown (dead woody material) material

One reads time and time again that greens are high in nitrogen and browns hign in carbon... actually the Carbon: Nitrogen ratios are virtually identical.....

greens are cellulose based materials whilst browns are lignious based. Chemically speaking the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in cellulose and lignin is the same. where they differ is structually.

Cellulose breaks down rapidly whereas lignin is more resistant. Where an excess of one occurs there is an inhibiting effect; that is too much cellulose and the structual integrity quickly disintegrates and the heap closes down and respiration is prevented and anaerobic conditions prevail. When the heap has an excess in lignin based feed stocks insufficient N is initially available so the heap fails to start.

this green brown thing being relevent to the C:N ratio is a classic example of "throwing the baby out with the bath water" or dumbing down to the point of changing the truth. It is the structural or physical properties of the two materials that is important, both in terms of mechanical and chemical integrity and not the C:N ratio's which are near identical.

regards

greenman-23

posted in Compost Compulsion - 8 replies

heat?

Nadia — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:10:38 GMT

how do you get it so hot?

I mean, I can understand 5 or 10 degrees (maybe!) above air temperature, but 120 degrees? wow...

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

What NOT to put in your compost pile...

yoshimi — Mon, 22 Nov 2004 22:00:51 GMT

I am extremely new to all of this. Basically someone left me with a compost pile without teaching me how to maintain it. I realize that there are plenty of books out there and resources online and fully intend on utilizing them.

I was actually just hoping that those of you who have a bit of composting wisdom to share with me the items that should absolutely stay off the pile.

So far, I know that anything that isn't organic shouldn'y go in and anything cooked, meat or seafood should stay off as well...is this all correct?

Also, I heard that citrus should stay off the pile...is that true?

And of course...if there is any other composting wisdom at all that you would like to share with me, I would greatly appreciate it :)

Thank You!!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 36 replies

building a thermophillic compost heap.

greenman-23 — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:43:08 GMT

hi all,

I recently built a compost operation for a client and using a cannon powershot A430 digital camera filmed it...........

the 'hot n steamy' movie is in three ten min parts...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=87xGvXkpNmo

http://youtube.com/watch?v=X-hHuM3UZ6A

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zd99ltcE5UI

I would appreciate any comments, queries, etc before (and after) I make the follow ups (turning, vermiculture, manufacturing bio-feeds and disease suppressants, making potting and seed composts..

I'm hoping that with a little 'devine intervention' to collate all the work/reseach/mental reconstruction that i've done over the last 20 years in this field in order to produce a full set of compost 'how-to's and whys............. so any input now would be greatly appreciated,

What i've attempted to do is to both show how to construct a heap and why;

I will all so be the 'daffodil' and embed them in my home page.

regards

GM23

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

winter composting...?

moonbeamstarshine — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:46:59 GMT

what's the best way to make compost over the winter? we get quite a bit of snow up here (mt shasta) and i was wondering if a bin made of wooden palletes (maybe insulated with some hay?) would do the trick..? would i need something more heavy duty maybe? thanks in advance for the input :)

posted in Compost Compulsion - 12 replies

What about dog kibble?

tereskasmooshie — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:46:01 GMT

Kind of a random question because if you have a dog, why would you have spare dog food? Anyway, can kibble go in? It has animal products in it, yes, but it's largely grain-based and seems to decompose quickly.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

trying to find Compostable utensils

Melinda — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:35:25 GMT

I work at a green company and we are trying to find compostable utensils. It seems that those that are, 1) break easily, 2) don't break down quickly enough, 3) are made and shipped from Japan so use more petrolum then local plastics.

Does anyone have a friendly product that doesn't fit into those categories? Anything in the NW would be helpful.

Thanks!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

TRUTH IS FREE; so is my RETREAT --Vermont

Bald Mountain Retreat, — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:47:20 GMT

Featuring the Compost Queen of Hornby Island.
I'm looking to network with folks, to extend an invitation to visit Bald Mountain Retreat (www.baldmountainretreat.com) as my guest. Like-minded people who appreciate rustic accommodations are welcome to come up at no charge. (Those who require a private room can inquire about those accommodations as well.)
Basically, I'm offering people the opportunity to come stay with a retired naturopathic doctor in a truly amazing natural setting, secluded, idyllic, peaceful...
Also, if you might like to lead a retreat, please contact me.
Thank you and you are welcome,
Dr David

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Rolypig

annabelly — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:08:52 GMT

http://www.rolypig.com/

I laughed when I saw where the finished compost comes out!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

Fall Ecology and Harvest: An Intergenerational Exploration

nathaniel — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:51:11 GMT

Scholarship and Worktrade available. Please call 541 937-2567 ext.116 or email nature@lostvalley.org for more information.

October 13-14, 2007 (Saturday-Sunday)
at Lost Valley Educational Center, Dexter, OR

We invite people ages 12 through 112 to join us to learn about fall ecology, indigenous tradition, and the harvest season here in the western Cascade foothills. Throughout this weekend of presentations, discussions, and activities, we'll explore how we can learn from one another and pass ecological wisdom and insights back and forth between generations. The schedule (subject to change) is as follows:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 morning: indigenous traditions and their modern applications
9-9:30 am: introduction/welcome circle
9:30-10:30 am: Esther Stutzman (Kalapuyan storyteller)
10:40-11:30 am: presentation and discussion circle featuring Bill Burwell (Kalapuya researcher), Jerry Hall (ethnobotanist, Lane Community College), Dharmika Henschel (ethnobotanist/musician), Jude Hobbs (Permaculture teacher and designer, Agroecology Northwest), and Rick Valley (Lost Valley land steward, Permaculture teacher and designer)
11:30 am-12:10 pm: break-out groups
12:10-12:30 pm: concluding morning circle
12:30-1:30 pm: lunch

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 afternoon and evening: seasonal harvest activities, ecological restoration, ecovillage development, youth initiatives, and bioregional culture
2-4:30 pm: tour (Rick Valley) and hands-on harvest- and land-related activities
4:45-5:45 pm: Alison Rosenblatt (NextGEN--Global Ecovillage Network)
6-7 pm: dinner
7:30 pm on: music (Dharmika Henschel and others), sharing circle about traditional seasonal celebrations, stories, poems, networking

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 morning: school gardening, youth, and horticultural exploration
7:30-8:30 am: breakfast
9-9:30 am: morning welcome circle
9:30-9:50 am: Sharon Blick (former director, School Garden Project)
9:50-10:10 am: Jen Anonia (Food for Lane County Gardens Program Manager)
10:10-10:30 am: Heiko Koester (Permacultural landscaper, Eugene Permaculture Guild)
10:40-11:20 am: Sarah Kleeger and Andrew Still (Seed Ambassadors Project)
11:30 am-12:30 pm: discussion
12:30-1:30 pm: lunch

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 afternoon: autumn ecology and ethnobotany
2-4:15 pm: talks and walks with Dave Kofranek (lichenologist), Tobias Policha (ethnobotanist, Institute of Contemporary Ethnobotany), Heiko Koester, and others
4:30-5:30 pm: closing circle

Conference registration fees, including four organic vegetarian meals, are $105 for students 12 and above, $135 for non-students. Overnight lodging ($30) and camping ($10) are also available. We are offering a $10 discount/rebate from your registration fee for each paying registrant who first heard about the event through you, or who cites you as his or her primary influence in considering attending. A limited number of worktrade scholarships are available (for an application, follow the link within the online registration form at www.lostvalley.org/fallecology/registration). If space allows, we will also accept single-day attendees for $80 Saturday only, $65 Sunday only (or, for students, $65 Saturday only, $50 Sunday only.) See www.lostvalley.org/fallecology for updated event details, or contact Fall Ecology and Harvest Event, 81868 Lost Valley Lane, Dexter, OR 97431, (541) 937-2567 x116, nature AT lostvalley.org.

brochure: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20brochure.pdf
poster: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20poster.pdf

Cosponsors:
Lost Valley Nature Center
Lost Valley Educational Center’s 87 acres include oak savanna, natural meadow, stream and riparian areas, ponds, extensive forest lands in various states of maturity, gardens and orchards. Our diverse habitats and several miles of nature trails offer unique environmental education opportunities. Lost Valley Nature Center sponsors walks and public events (like May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Gathering) to help nature-lovers learn from the land and from one another.

NextGEN
NextGEN is a global network organized by young adults concerned with issues of sustainability. We hope to inspire you with examples of viable and positive choices for the future. We offer opportunities for action through conferences, educational workshops, and direct experience in communities. Our international support network develops connections among activists and encourages resource sharing.

Excerpts from May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Conference Proceedings:

Bill Burwell: At the start of each harvest season the Kalapuyans would have a first gathering ceremony. The spiritual leader of each winter village site would harvest a few articles of each resource, bring it back, prepare it in a ceremonial way, bless the plants or animals that were responsible, and then the regular harvest could begin. The first gathering ceremony was very important to them, and it was practiced all throughout the Kalapuya culture, religiously. Their belief was that all plants and animals, including humans, were part of the same format. As above, so below. Just like humans, plants and all animals had families, and then beyond the families they had communities.

There’s one word I know of that was utilized all the way up and down the Willamette Valley, the lower Columbia, and into the Salish area in Washington: Tamanawas. It’s been translated as spirit power. People who went out on a vision quest were looking for their Tamanawas. I think what it really related to was a person’s ability to interconnect with all the rest of nature. I’ve collected a number of tales of the people going out into the woods to find a particular medicine, and their ability to find this medicine came from the ability to plug into that certain plant and interact with it. The plant actually was the teacher of the person who was going out on the search.

Jerry Hall: When we started learning our language, songs began coming to us. There is the belief that songs are just in the ether or in the air, and they select somebody to come to at a time in that person’s life. … My experience is that singing evokes something from us that is beyond talking and gives expression to prayer.

I feel that nature is really part of the home and that people related that way five hundred years ago. People knew where everything was and they took care of it.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

cat pee and poo

Kat — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:09:47 GMT

on a cat tribe I saw that it is really dangerous to flush cat feces, landfill doesn't sound great either. I know I can compost the feces, but what are the opinions/ experiences? can I put it in with everything else? clumping litter with pee ok? should i be worried about pathogens etc in the finished product?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 11 replies

compost hell

lunabellasonriente — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:33:27 GMT

I work at a natural foods store in the produce department. We take all of the unusable vegetable matter and put it in our compost pile which is turned once a week. The problem is the compost is FILLED with roaches. It is weird to see. Will this compost clear up eventually? are roaches in compost ok? Is there something we can do about this problem. The piles are in bins approximately 4x4. We add all vegetable matter, straw, coffee grounds (coffee shop right next door).

posted in Compost Compulsion - 11 replies

What kinds of woodchips will breakdown into compost well?

janeO — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 19:07:26 GMT

There are free loads of woodchips available in most
area's from tree workers and I would like to get some for
use as a heavy mulch over newsprint in area's I recently
cleared of 10! years of blackberry, scotch broom, ivy AND
poison oak. ( I live in Marin county, CA)

What kinds of woodchips are best to have in the garden,
since they will end up composting?
Lots of pine is available now.
Would that be good for my use?

John Jeavons warns against magnolia leaves, eucaliptus,
Ca Bay laurel, walnut, juniper, acacia and cypress.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

rabbit waste

Kat — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:01:11 GMT

I know this has been a topic before, but I have two rabbits doing their thing. I change a large cat box full of oat hay every other day. I'm composting it, but at a compost class the instructor said that the hay waste is green. Hay is brown right? Does it make it green because it has the poo/pee in it?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

certifiable...

amyirish — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:13:41 GMT

I finally did it.

With the drought we're having, I've been disappointed in the size of my compost pile. So I finally gave in and mooched the neighbor's grass clippings.

Now they KNOW I'm crazy.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 8 replies

Compost-Modernism?

garlic_joy — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:32:11 GMT

Is a current art movement that we are forever in the process of defining.....
I am certain that "Compost Compulsion" holds some gems of wisdom into this discussion.....

Any insights?

Please add to:
http://tribes.tribe.net/shadowjam/thread/14e393c4-6201-436b-b1bb-67938099a953

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

Compost class in los angeles

Kat — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:09:16 GMT

Compost class at Gates Canyon Park: 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Calabasas CA
August 25th 9am - 11am.
Believe it is put on by DWP. They will have low cost compost bins for sale as well.
Think you can find info on other areas by checking out DWP website.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Compost observation.

Mike — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:12:23 GMT

Is it just me or do grass clippings seem to accelerate the composting of your piles? I compost anything organic and throw it all in one pile....Just grass clippings alone seems to take forever to compost....But throw a little grass clipping into the normal compost pile and bang Seems like everyting excellerates very quickly...Is it the temp increas due to the insulating affect of the grass or something else that Im missing? Perhaaps the grass helps the pile maintain moisture levels?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

composting fabric? (x post)

amyirish — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 21:56:29 GMT

I have a little quilt shop and I'm wondering about those little bits of material I have left over after cutting yardage. When I had hamsters, these bits made the best bedding material, but now that we have no rodents, I'd like to know if I can compost them.
I'm using all cotton fabrics and the bits are usually 42 inches long and less than an inch wide. Are the dyes an issue? And would this be considered brown or green, or pink?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

AUM Fest Vendor Req. for July 25th-30th, 2007 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

AdRiEnNe — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:51:56 GMT

AUM fest is getting closer: July 25th, 2007-july 30th, 2007 in the beautiful Ozark Mountains! Check out www.aumfestival.net for complete info.
We are currently looking for additional food vendors to provide organic, raw, or veggie friendly treats for the festival.
Interested parties please email aumfestivalvolunteers@gmail.com for specific details on vending and to be placed on the AUM vending list by July 20th.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Composting Grass c.lippings?

Dubcepticon — Thu, 31 May 2007 20:19:12 GMT

I'm a nubie looking to compost grass and leaves. Could someone hook me up with a good site for designs for boxes (multi-stage?). Super Cool!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 5 replies

WORMS!

Ollie — Mon, 21 May 2007 16:20:55 GMT

So my housemates and I have a worm compost thingie that has been continuously filled and emptied for the last 12 years or so. We just emptied the bottom layer again today and we've got a bit of a population boom. That's right folks, we've got worms and we want to share. I'd like to know a couple of things. First off, who want's worms. We'll give em' away, barter for them, whatever. Second, if you do want worms and aren't near Oxford, MI, we would have to send them to you, and you would pay postage and nothing else. How do we do it? Anybody have experience sending worms? They're red top feeders, by the way. I think that's the same as red wigglers, but I dunno.

Any takers?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 6 replies

Compost Workshops ?

reese — Mon, 07 May 2007 01:45:49 GMT

Hey there .... does anyone know of any compost workshops happening ANYWHERE ?

If so, there's a great new space (in addition to here) to post them where they'd be really appreciated : http://www.insightfulevents.ca/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4

Thanks very much ~*~

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

Bunny manure (x-post)

Katrina — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:33:33 GMT

I've been reading that rabbit manure is great for the garden--even better than chicken! I have some friends with a couple of rabbits, and they use a litterbox of shredded paper for their bunnies--if I wanted to use it, would I pretty much have to compost it, paper and all, first?

Does anyone know about herbivore urine and its effect on compost or being used in the garden directly? Or is there a good way to sift out the pellets and use them directly?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

compostable egg cartons?

moonbeamstarshine — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 18:14:02 GMT

i was wondering if cardboard egg cartons would be compostable? it says on the container that it was "printed with soy ink". has anyone ever tried?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 7 replies

indoor compost problems

Katheryn — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:01:32 GMT

I have an door compost and its getting really stinky when i stir it up. is taht natural or should i not be string it up? iv never had an indoor compost before with red wigglersso any suggestions would be great. It also seems o have alot of water that collects in the bottem, does it need small drainage holes?
namaste
-Kathy

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

best composter?

tamaranelson — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:24:55 GMT

Hi looking for the most highly recommended compost, wanting one that turns with a crank, and that makes compost quickly. or are wormbins the way to go for quick compost. we have dogs who LOVE to eat our compost, so we got to have a way for them not to get in. we have lots of space, so thats not an issue.
thanks.
tamara

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

~ ash?

Roric — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:36:15 GMT

Hello Fellow Composters,

Does ash do anything to help/hinder the composting process?

~ Peace ~

posted in Compost Compulsion - 7 replies

3 new related tribes

Lady Bird — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 07:32:08 GMT

Here's 3 new tribes that may be of interest to members of this tribe:

http://tribes.tribe.net/33367459 (Nourishing Traditions)

http://tribes.tribe.net/eatlocal

http://tribes.tribe.net/100milediet

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

ants and a possible solution

mgrossman — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:20:57 GMT

My 1st stage of compost goes into a 2' wide x 2’ wide x 4' high-uncovered mesh bin. (We don’t get much rain now) problem is I got lots of ants, big red ones that make a line and come out at night. I figure in one night I got like 2000 ants each taking maybe 1/4 gram of good stuff each trip, and they might take 5 trips a night. So this is like 2.5 kilos a night of good compost... arrrrr. Not that its really bad, the ants, they live under my fruit trees, digging holes to extend the root structures of the trees and bring nutrients right to the roots. But I want this stuff for other things, I mean the trees are really healthy anyway cause I water them with my grey water.

So I took this bin and dumped it out and spread out flat over like 9 sq. feet, and it was like 10 inches high. I then soaked it with water, then covered it with sawdust, and then put a 6" layer of good compost dirt on top, then soaked it again (its hot and dry here and the water seems to speed things up lots.)

I hope this layering system keeps the ants away.....

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

residential munching

lorien — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 23:33:13 GMT

We had some work done on our house, so some of the old timber beams and lathe was removed. We asked the contractor to save the wood so we could burn it in our fireplace. Then we put the ashed on the compost. We took the compost and spread it on our garden, then ate the vegetables that grow in our garden.

My husband mused last night that we were eating our house. Eating regularly at Chez Panisse is probably more cost effective than buying a house to eat in Berkeley.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

cat litter

mgrossman — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:21:02 GMT

Hi all, I am new to this tribe, but have been composting for over a year now.

I live in southern Mexico, 1 mile high, in a dry central valley with a 3-5 month monsoon season. Composting is easy here. I have to add water to my pile so it won’t dry out. The water also seems to make it compost faster. I have turned 500 grapefruits into compost in less than one month with all the heat here!

So, now we inherited 2 old cats that are addicted to a litter box. We buy a cat litter from Sams, (the only place that sells litter, most Mexican cats will just go outside on someone else’s property) it says it contains "clay, silica gel, and fragrance".

Can we compost this? I googled it and found many yes's and no's. Some said to remove the clumps and compost the remaining litter, but we never throw the remaining litter out, we ONLY throw away the pee clumps and poop gunk. And add fresh litter when needed to refill.

We have lots of land and I was thinking I could maybe just dig holes like 1 foot deep and bury it if I can't compost it. I hate throwing it in the trash because people live in the garbage dumps and sift thru it to make ends meet, and I hate to think of it when they rip open our litter bags and find a horrible stench in it and then contaminate lots of good stuff.

Any help would be really nice. Mark and family

posted in Compost Compulsion - 5 replies

leaves

mgrossman — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 20:39:37 GMT

most trees around me are semi-deciduous. they seem to compost much slower. are there any advantages or disadvantages towards using semi-deciduous leaves?

also, what about composting evergreen leaves/needles? and good or bad points?

what category would citrus trees fall into? i have orange, pomelo, grapefruit, and mango, none of these lose ANY leaves.... this is probably not true, we have lots of leaf ants, and i believe they keep our trees in balance. but my point is, they have leaves all year long and are not evergreen, what are they?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Compost Modernism a new experiment

confucious — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:13:48 GMT

http://people.tribe.net/confucious/blog/8480877a-5e59-4a44-9a51-481369200f21

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

Do you...?

theCryptofishist — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 17:30:07 GMT

Take your neighbors' xmas trees off the curb to compost them?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

What's the best worm for composting?

RegicidalManiac — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 16:31:46 GMT

currently, i'm using earth worms that i dug up from the dirt for my ccomposting needs. i have heard that red worms areespecially good composters. i would like to know what you all think are the best worms for composting, and why?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

First time

shehoopsalot — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 19:14:46 GMT

I'm FINALLY moving from an apartment to a house at the end of this month and, though I still don't have much of a backyard and don't want a "pile" in the front, I need advice on how to start. I do have a small concrete fenced in backyard, so should I be using some sort of container? I will say that I have never even seen a compost pile/bin/etc. The only reason I know about piles is from reading posts on this tribe. Can somebody please give me good getting started advice? Much appreciated--thank you.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 18 replies

Alcohol Effects?

Karen — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 17:27:16 GMT

I was straining the tea and other flavoring agents out of a cordial the other day, and was debating whether or not it was compostable. Its been soaking in brandy/everclear/whathaveyou for about a month, and Im not sure how such high proof alcohols would effect my composting reactions...
Anyone have thoughts/experience on this?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 6 replies

worm bins and fruit flies

yabadabadoo — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 22:26:01 GMT

hey folks!

I've been trying to use a worm bin in my apartment for about six months now, but I keep running across a problem that I don't know how to solve. I keep getting fruit flies. The first worm bin I had going was one I made myself, but it didn't have adequate drainage and the ventilation wasn't very good either, which I thought was causing the fruit fly problem. So, I purchased an actual worm bin, b/c I'm not one to give up easily, and I had the same problem. I tried adding more browns (dry things, like dry newspaper) to decrease the moisture, and that didn't work. Then I read online that if you put a piece of carpeting over the top of the compost in the bin, that can help. That didn't work either. So, right now I have my worm bin/science project sitting out on my fire escape. I haven't been adding any new food scraps for about 4 weeks now. The fly popluation has definitely dropped, but I'm a little afraid to start up again in fear of the same problem occuring. Any tips or suggestions about how to get rid of the flies? do I need more worms or should the worms reproduce enough to eliminate the problem?

many thanks.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 12 replies

part of an eco-conscious design forward hotel management group...

UncleFishbits — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 22:34:20 GMT

we are building a property in a sensitive part of the bay area, and are a leeds compliant and eco-conscious property management company. If you need background, search "post ranch inn" and you will see our dedication to stewardship, understanding our environment, and educating our guests on the ease and importance of being sustainable and eco conscious... I love it! I only get nervous because people on tribe can sometimes be a bit threatening when you say you work a job. They think that is corporate and lame.

Anyhoo... you guys are like burners... you are COMPOSTERS!!!! Which is like low level aerobic burning.... yummy humus!

I am not new to composting, but I am TOTALLY new on a commercial level composting level. I have experienced a bit of the agbag method wineries use, but it is quite foreign to me.

SO...
1) what resources are there for industrial or commercial composting. I know the college in SF has a great Earth composter... but I am not sure of its limitations
2) beyond the normal trash pickup.. is there a one on one relationship that any farmers, explicitly wineries.. that partner with biomass producers, and take it off our hands?

We want to keep the composting on site for educational purposes, but at the same time... if we could ease our load with money and space issues... we would love to partner with a winery.

The only issue with letting normal trash pick it up is that we will feel awkward when we are getting humus from them and paying for it.

Let me know people and I adore all of you for creating this tribe. Yay doin' good.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

Intro and mouse problem

Lianna — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 19:11:52 GMT

Hello all! I know I'm not such a freak when there's a whole tribe of people who love their compost. Digging out that black stuff makes me so happy!

Unfortunately I have a new problem. After several years of successful composting I suddenly have mice moving ino the bins. We first noticed it when turning over the compost a couple of months ago -- we found we had massacred a nest of babies. It was awful. I kinda figured that would be the end of it, since they might notice this was an unhospitable place to live, but then last night I opened the bin to dump stuff in and disturbed another little guy.

Has anyone dealt with this? Maybe the compost is too dry -- "dry" takes on new meaning living in Colorado -- but will watering get rid of the critters? I wouldn't care that much since the bins are well away from the house, but I don't want to spear anymore babies on the end of the pitchfork. Plus, I want compost, not mouse poop, on my garden.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Composting with Effective Microorganisms (EM): A Free Teacher's Manual

yochi — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 06:20:02 GMT

The EM Technology Network (directly affiliated with EM inventor and developer Dr. Teruo Higa) out of Tuscon has some exciting stuff going on.

EM Teacher's Manual:
http://www.emtechnologynetwork.org/~en/_web/library/teachersmanual/teachersmanual.html
(Tons of info about composting with EM although intended as a teachers curriculum)

TRADITIONAL COMPOSTING
• Aerobic process
• Putrefactive decomposition pathway
• Requires turning
• May produce foul odors
• May attract flies and unpleasant insects
• Nutrients are turned to elements (unsoluble) and are not readily available for plant intake
• Loss of energy - up to 80% of original nutrient content is lost through leaching and volatilization
• Requires large amounts to meet plant nutrient needs
• Requires 2 to 3 months to complete
• No control of microflora

EM COMPOSTING
• Anaerobic process
• Fermentation pathway
• Not labor intensive - does not require turning
• Produces no foul odors
• Attracts beneficial insects
• Nutrients are readily available in soluble form for plant intake
• Increase of energy- beneficial substances are created and shared between aerobic & anaerobic organisms, retaining nutrients in the compost
• Requires smaller amounts to meet plant nutrient needs
• Requires only 1 month to be ready for use
• Controlled inoculation of specific beneficial microflora

Tribal: http://tribes.tribe.net/effectivemicro

We owe a lot to these guys! Check it out...

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Compostable Utensils

theCryptofishist — Wed, 23 Jun 2004 21:59:52 GMT

Has anyone tried composting that plastic picnic silverwear made from cornstarch? With what results? There's a restaurant in Marin County (California) that uses compostable bowls for its soup. I have a certain amount of skepticism, because if you've eaten something meaty or greasy or high sugar from it, aren't you introducing unwanted elements? Our office recently bought a whole bunch of this stuff and it's just going into the garbage as yet, although since there is city compost pick up in San Francisco they will apparently make arrangements. I keep meaning to try one of these in hot water to see if they really dissolve. (We have seperate soup spoons. . .) In the meantime I have one (well-wiped) fork and the exterior of a compostable pen in my heap. No word on how it works, but I've barely turned the pile and I'm more likely to know that it doesn't work than to find out if it does.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 16 replies

Vermicomposting tribe

masterchen — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 01:05:42 GMT

Hi all,
Just started a new tribe on Vermicomposting, thought it would be of interest.
http://tribes.tribe.net/wormseatmygarbage

see ya in the worm bin.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Earth Tubs

gambletron — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 19:43:08 GMT

Does anybody out there have any experience using Earth Tubs on a alrge scale? I live in an intentional community, and we process a LOT of food waste. The Earth Tubs work pretty well, but we are still trying to work out the kinks.

Any tips at all would be helpful (especially in the realm of keeping the smell at bay).

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

Does composting material 'use up' nitrogen?

maggiemae — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 08:12:19 GMT

I know that the end result is nitrogen in the compost, but seems to me that someone said it wasn't a good idea to compost around plants (using grass) because it actually takes nitrogen to compost. T/F?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

jerk pork sammys

MellyMel — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 03:44:44 GMT

I have to share this one, it's been so GOOD!!
Pork shoulder, jerk sauce (i found a good one directly from Jamaica at a local grocery store)and a bit of lime juice (2 tbs or so) in the crock.
After the pork is cooked, you add a "lime mayo" which is basically a few tbsp of mayo, 2 tbs diced red onion, 1 diced garlic clove and a tbs of lime.
Add lettuce and MANGO (uh, yeah, fabulous mango) slices on top, and a sammich that will make you groan!
If you need specifics, email me. But anyway you go, you can't go wrong with this. SO good!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

composting toilettes

Menaka — Tue, 09 May 2006 09:51:47 GMT

Aloha all you earth lovers,
i am writing this in attempts to get a reall good feel for some of the experiences, successes, failures y'all have had with composting toilettes. we are moving to a 1800 acre farm comuntiy in the interior of british columbia where the families primarily use out houses, i have for a long time been hesitant about the use of them as it feels like waisted waist to me.
we are seriously looking at buying a composting toilette, the ones through the sun-mar website are pretty great, but pretty pricey too. is 1300$ the going price for basic systems?? and if not then where can i find a cheaper one, that is still efficient and reliable.
we are moving on the first of june and as of yet the log house has runing water, micro hydro, solar, but no toilette system other than an out house. i have two young kids and see no other solution than to get a composting toilette, i need your help to make sure we're not getting ripped off, and also to learn from others experience.
many thanks and i look forward to hearing from you

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

whoa! discounted compost bins

nieveshagmeier — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:09:44 GMT

if you live in alameda county you can get a cheaper compost bin or worm farm. I'm stoked, I've been looking for one ( I have limited space so I couldn't just do a pile) and didn't want to pay over a hundred bucks but at $29 for a wriggly wranch worm bin it's cheaper than making one.
fuck yeah!

www.stopwaste.org

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

when you love decomposition and regeneration so much...

Hayden — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 07:37:53 GMT

I have decided that if it is feasible, I would like to be composted when my soul leaves my body.
Having so much love for the earth and its great process, I want to be a part of it.
Has anyone come across this at all? I know it would naturally occur in the wild, but what about in controlled environments?
Would the humanure type process be adequate?
Am I going too far? :) ...mmm, not possible.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 10 replies

New Effective Microorganisms (EM)

yochi — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 02:58:06 GMT

I just started the first effective microorganisms (EM) tribe which can be found at: tribes.tribe.net/effectivemicro

EM technology has now become a major science, assisting in the creation of sustainable practices for agriculture, human health and hygiene, animal husbandry, nature farming, environmental stewardship, disaster relief, construction, industrial, community activities and more.

I would welcome others to share in this movement and please spread the word promoting this Earth Saving Revolution.

Peace, chi

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Passiv Haus

lorenzonine — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 17:59:08 GMT

A passive house is a building in which a comfortable interior climate can be maintained without active heating and cooling systems (Adamson 1987 and Feist 1988). The house heats and cools itself, hence "passive".

http://www.passiv.de/

comments??

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

do you layer or do you stir?

chloez — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 03:14:24 GMT

i've heard a couple different theories about the ultimate compost...
just wondering what other people think works best.

some folks say you should stir and turn your compost often.

others say its not necessary, instead, layering green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) makes stirring unecessary.

any thoughts?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

we take care

chilambalam2013 — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 13:07:14 GMT

A New Generation of FamilyGathering is on its way. From June 16th - 21st 2006, Sunrise Summer Solstice Celebration will unfold on a 1000 acre estate in South Somerset. Complete with many familiar Green Field faces and a range of innovative and unique offerings, Sunrise promises 5 beautiful midsummer days of contemporary music and performing arts, permaculture and sustainable living. The festival blends healing arts and electronica, ancient vibrations and new-time culture, visionary art with green crafts - an alchemical synthesis of science, art, spirituality and culture.

We are seeking to pioneer a new concept in Festival design offering the highest quality of production and excellent value, combined with strong ecological and ethical standards. 13 autonomous areas complete with 6+ stages provide a wide range of great activities, entertainment, education, information and celebration.

Through these, we aim to facilitate personal and planetary transformation, inspiring creativity, imagination and the re-discovery of our sense of community and family.

Please feel free to browse through the sections of this site and examine the exciting aspects of this unique event. As the site has just gone live, some sections are still incomplete, but they'll be updated consistently over the coming days. More sections will also be added in time.

The Sunrise Celebration Team

Find out more about the 13 arenas and just where it's all exactly going to happen - WHAT'S ON www.sunrisecelebration.com

Whether you are a trader, performer, healer, artist or want flyers to give to your friends and family, we are interested in knowing what you could bring to Sunrise 2006.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Common Ground class, Palo Alto

annabelly — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 05:30:59 GMT

COMPOSTING
Carol Cox Sat, Feb. 18
10:30-12:00+ $20

GROW BIOINTENSIVE composting is the basis for growing the healthiest, most
nutritious, and most disease-resistant plants. Learn the easiest and most
effective way to compost. It is so fun and satisfying that we must warn you
composting can become addictive! We will go to a nearby site and build our
own compost pile. Bring a five-gallon bucket of “green material” (grass
clippings, weeds, and/or non-meat kitchen scraps).
Carol is an excellent teacher, co-author of “The Sustainable Vegetable
Garden”, and Garden Manager at the Ecology Action Research Garden/Mini-Farm
in Willits.

Please register and prepay in advance by mail or in person.
Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center
559 College Avenue * Palo Alto, CA * 94306
650- 493-6072 www.commongroundinpaloalto.org
http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

200

annabelly — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 03:55:13 GMT

Just wanted to welcome our 200th member!!!
And everyone else of course...
*******

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

animal urine...

skunky — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 05:45:46 GMT

Would animal bedding (newspapers that line a cage) be ok to worm compost? I seem to remember worms liking damp newspapers, but I don't know whether the pee would hurt them...any ideas?

thanks muchly-
---me

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Groucho knows what's going on!

annabelly — Fri, 23 Dec 2005 23:33:55 GMT

"I raise oranges and tangerines... and these are earthworms over here, Ed. This is very interesting, you know. This is compost full of earthworms and I put all kinds of garbage and ashes and stuff on here and that's what the earthworms eat. And then I take the earthworms with a pitchfork and I put them around the base of the trees and it's far superior to any kind of a commercial fertilizer that you could possibly get. And the trees are just doing wonderfully since I have that!"

-Grouch Marx, in a 1954 interview with Edward R. Murrow

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

(NY) Worm bin for free

hrana — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 03:09:29 GMT

I have a vermiculture bin to give away, if anyone wants to pick it up (Ulster County, NY). I freed the worms when I moved to my new home and got a 3-bin made of palettes going. I used this bin for years.
The bin is an earlier version of this one (the large size) without the round top vents:

http://cerp.cornell.edu/newstore/Product.asp?pid=199&aid=11&

anyone who wants it, let me know.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Lay your compost down

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:39:09 GMT

Materials in your compost are important to your soil quality. When there is the opportunity available to you to purchase compost or when you have fickle questions about the topic here is a neat place to subside. If you ever visit this venue please see their demonstrational garden, yo! ~commence compostation...

www.sonomacompost.com/gardening.shtml

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

compost problems in a residential area

cooldawn — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 02:18:26 GMT

okay, so I realize not everyone knows what compost is or why it's a good thing, but some of my neighbors (plural) really aggravate me. My backyard meets 3 others in a + and my compost pile is in the corner; about 3 foot square. It doesn't smell, we have stonewalls (instead of chainlink) so there isn't any bleedthrough, and I covered it with a flattened cardboard box when my neighbors began throwing noncompost friendly items on my pile. I've spoken to them and they denied it, but I'm still getting trash in my yard. I'm thinking of just moving the damn pile to the middle of the rear wall, which means I'll need some way to contain it....any suggestions??

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

bigger is better

devon — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 05:45:23 GMT

just found this forum and I love it. wonder if anyone has a methane digestor or interested in making one for farm use. I know it takes a huge amount of input to get going and a six month period to get the most out of it, and then the sludge factor going into compost. just makes me feel goood all over.
methane digester hooked up to a natural gas stove will work fine, lower btu output than propane or natural gas, but perfectly usable.
my best story is using a compost pile at the end of my15X40 hoop house greenhouse to heat it during hte winter, just put the end flap of the greenhouse over a large new compost (10X10X6ft high)and trap the co2 rich heated air in the hoop frame, worked great during a really cold winter in S oregon, (-5degrees) and the greenhouse didn't freeze!!!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

Pile reduction?

tye — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 05:18:12 GMT

What's the average size reduction you can expect with a compost pile from start to finish?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

No new topic just a boost

tye — Sun, 27 Nov 2005 13:23:25 GMT

Hello all I'm new here, i was going to reply to Spidra's topic (Hot Tips) until i seen the date on the post, then just decided to type a few words of my own. The last three or so weekends i've been working on building my compost pile i'll get pictures tomorrow. I'm putting in four ingredients which are alfalfa, leaves, already composted cattle manure, and shredded paper, oh and of chores water. I'm running everything through a shredder/chipper before it goes into my pile.
I have my water hose spraying the material as it leaves the shredder/chipper and the pile. As of yesterday with all of my calculations i have 21 cubic yards but i've made more than that, the pile is just a hot one. I have anywhere from 140 to 160 degree's through out it.
The tip i would of suggested to Spidra is make all your ingredients as small as you can, this gives you more surface area for the micro's to be on and make sure you pile is damp not wet.
Any who i got to go i still have 32 bags of leaves and a whole big round bale of alfalfa to get through today before it rains here in Iowa.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Compostable Diapers!!!

Monica — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 21:03:20 GMT

http://www.gdiapers.com/

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Worms in NY

Gonzo — Fri, 06 May 2005 02:57:25 GMT

I'm starting a worm bin in my apartment and I was hoping somebody could tell me where to get worms in NY. It seems silly to order them through the mail.

Thanks.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 7 replies

For those with OCCD

HarleyLady — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 05:33:53 GMT

For those with obsessive compulsive compost compulsion, heres a Compost Mix Calculator . You just enter the type of material you have and the volumes and it tells you the C:N ratio. You can then adjust the quantities of materials to get the optimal 30 ratio.

I'm not very obsessive, I just toss in whatever I have although I try to get a good mix.

http://www.klickitatcounty.org/SolidWaste/fileshtml/organics/compostCalc.htm

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

I LOVE COMPOST!!!

atomicearth — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 21:50:16 GMT

its the simple things in life that really do it for this I. Imagine; coming back from Burning Man with at least a 1000 lbs of compost and toping off the ol pile (mound sort of topping) and working some innoculatory magic on it and then wellah>>>2 weeks later, 2 feet broken down, a pile worth saving the nectar remnants to grow amazing juicy melons for next year's Burn!!! the cultivation and cumulation gets me off... <breathe> ok yes. Composting Fear.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

Maggots in mY compost..icky

LugNut — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 22:45:24 GMT

How do I get rid of them?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Sustainable Backyard Gardening tribe

annabelly — Sun, 08 May 2005 05:42:54 GMT

http://backyardgardening.tribe.net/

Just stumbled on this tribe created by Cygnet, one of our members. Lots of great discussion and lots of compost talk... check it out!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

composting sponges?

annabelly — Thu, 05 May 2005 19:09:18 GMT

I hate to put anything in the landfill, so I'm considering composting these sponges. They're Pop-Up Sponges from Trader Joes and they're made from natural vegetable cellulose. Do you think there are other things in it too? I would cut them up into chunks before I throw them in the pile.

Is this a bad idea?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

!! BACKYARD PERMACULTURE WORKSHOP IN SF !!

Sebastienb — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 18:43:29 GMT

BACKYARD PERMACULTURE WORKSHOP

APRIL 30th – 9am-5pm

Take action and join us for a day in the Sunset
District. This one day class combines fun, theory
and practical experiential learning. The topics will
include Permaculture Ethics, Design Principles,
greywater and rainwater catchment, forest gardening,
sheet mulching…

Permaculture is a design system driven by the core
ethics of:
- Care for the Earth
- Care for the People
- Re-Distribution of Resources.
It uses knowledge from Nature, Indigenous Peoples, and
Modern Science to create beautiful and plentiful
living environments for all living beings.

==================================

Facilitators: Deverie Gehlen, Sebastien Bacharach.
Cost: $50 or trade. Lunch included!
This class will be nice and intimate as there will be 10-12 participants maximum.
Location: Sunset District (exact address will be given
upon registration).
For more info and to register: email
sfbackyardpermaculture@yahoo.com

==================================

Event sponsored by the San Francisco Permaculture
Guild
To join the SF Permaculture Guild listserve,
email permaculture-sf-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

Hot Tips?

spidra — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 20:40:22 GMT

I've always cold composted. But I have a pile now that I really need to heat up to kill oxalis. I've alternated green and brown, I've keept it moist, I've got a hefty bag on top of the pile (Smith & Hawken composter) to make the heat direct and still the pile isn't hot.

Is there anyone here who's a successful hot composter? Can you give me tips on how to get my pile really going?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 5 replies

appartment composting

kathe — Wed, 13 Apr 2005 22:32:15 GMT

I have a crazy idea and was wondering if anyone else had tried this. For an appartment compost get a large planter and then layer soil/brown matter with kitchen scraps. When you reach 2-3 inches from the top top it off with potting soil and plant some seeds. Are there any obvious BadIdeas with this set up? Has anyone tried it?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

Problems with Pests?

NATHAN — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 06:54:56 GMT

Hello, I'm very new to composting. In fact I've never done it myself (I do understand the basic principles). My parents "compost" their horses' manure/hay and man can those piles COOK! They said it's even possible to have a pile combust (very rare, but can happen). They even order these special wasps in the mail that eat the bad flies on the composting piles.

My question has to deal with compost attracting animals to an area. I am a renter and live in a cottage in a rural area, and my land-lady lives in the adjacent house. She burns her trash, but I want to compost my scraps.

I know about the no-meat rule. But can't fruits and veggies attract certain rodents, raccoons, birds, etc and cause unwanted problems? I just want to make sure I have a clean, well-functioning compost situation.

Thanks in advance for your help,
-Nathan

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

ECOPALOOZA Green Living Expos

kirstenmichel — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 06:48:13 GMT

Hey,

Check out
http://ecopalooza.tribe.net/
http://www.ecopalooza.com

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

what to put the compost in

Beth — Tue, 22 Feb 2005 01:50:36 GMT

Hello all,
I'm starting a compost, but i was wondering what to put it in..a bucket...or what???

Thanks all in advance!!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

White worms in compost!

Gil — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:20:41 GMT

I am putting this out there to the guru's of composting...

What are those white worms in my compost bin? They are white-ish maybe an inch or two long. stringy-like not centipede-like.

thanks - Gil

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

red wrigglers

Eve — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 18:48:17 GMT

Right so I've got this great setup, going on 3 weeks now, with 250 redworms living under my sink in an indoor vermi-composting setup.

All's going well, they're pooping and eating happily, but I;m starting to get concerned that some worms have escapee tendencies, they're crawling onto the top of the bin recently and seemingly not excited about their bedding anymore. None have crawled out yet but that would not be so great... ahhem... bin too small? Not liking the small white bugs (possibly aphids) that are also present??
Have any hypotheses on what's going on with them?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 7 replies

worms in limited space and means

shabbychef — Thu, 13 Jan 2005 23:30:28 GMT

hi; i'm trying to compost in an urban setting.
will use the compost for my house plants. i had
been composting in 3 gallon kitty litter buckets
(i find them in the trash), but i do not appear to
be able to get a critical mass into that size bucket.
moreover, given that i don't generate a lot of waste
(no yard clippings or such, only apple cores, vegetable
scraps, etc), it's slow to fill such a bucket, and a
little stinky.
so i was hoping to put worms into one of these buckets
and go with vermiposting. i've read that you generally
need about 14 gallons to make the worms happy. i don't
really have space for that, and don't feel comfortable
buying another bucket into the world.
so, can i do it? will the worms be ok with such a small
space? should i just get not so many worms?

thanks.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

soggy compost

battle angel — Sun, 08 Feb 2004 23:16:23 GMT

so, we've had a serious amount of rain recently.

I just went outside to add my most recent bucket of kitchen scraps to my pile and turn it a bit, and I noticed my pile is SOGGY.

This is my first pile, so I'm still learning the ropes. Should I be concerned?

I went ahead and turned it completely by transfering it from my active compost bin to an empty one. I hoped that would help aerate the bottom of the pile which was a mushy mess.

The pile smelled like... um, I dunno... horse manure? It smelled definately earthy, but it also smelled like it had been through the intestinal track of a large mammal too. Is that right?

Is there anything I should be doing differently?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 11 replies

want to give compost

Lisa — Sat, 11 Dec 2004 21:34:27 GMT

I live in SF Bay Area. I am a raw foodist, so I always have alot of compost. My building does not compost, so I want to find out how I can locate a way to compost and give it to someone who needs it. All suggestions are welcome. I am really frustrated with the amount of food materials that I am putting in the regular trash.

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

Bin Shopping

spidra — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 00:14:44 GMT

Alameda County used to provide a free compost bin. Now they provide subsidized bins. I'm really regretting that I couldn't find a way to take the compost bin with me when the landlord pressured me out of my house in July!

Anyway, the county is now charging $39 for the Smith & Hawken black plastic bin. I'm sure that's a good price but as long as I'm going to have to pay $ anyway, I thought I'd ask people's opinions on the various compost bins out there.

I have a disability that affects my hands and arms so I can't do a lot of turning. I toss food scraps as well as some hedgeclippings in. But mostly food scraps. I'm terrible about getting around to eating my vegetables before they rot in the fridge. :-( Anyway, I'm a pretty laissez-faire composter.

Recommendations?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 4 replies

photos

annabelly — Tue, 23 Nov 2004 22:19:00 GMT

Owen, the photos you've added to the tribe album are GORGEOUS!

posted in Compost Compulsion - 2 replies

Fall leaves, leaving! No!

OwenT — Sat, 13 Nov 2004 06:53:06 GMT

I'm dogmatic about leaves not departing the yard I tend- nothing better than a rich local source of nutrient richness. So sad to see the neighborhood green "waste" get put out on the curb for collection.

Saving me the investigation, who could brief me on the full story? What happens to all those yard trimmings people send away from the curb? A huge composting center? Energy plant? Where, what, how?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 1 reply

popcorn for composting!

ladygoat — Fri, 29 Oct 2004 17:31:35 GMT

I just read somewhere online about going to local movie theaters and picking up their big bags of stale popcorn for composting. I thought this was a great idea, since I see them throw out huge bags of the stuff. I couldn't possibly use all of it, but it's a thought. I wonder if it counts as brown or green ....?

posted in Compost Compulsion - 5 replies

Brown matter in Berkeley

Rahel — Sun, 17 Oct 2004 17:48:18 GMT

Greetings, earthlings...

I have a compust bin that's been EXTREMELY happy since I started adding a handful of brown matter to it each time I add kitchen scraps.

Problem is that the brown matter came from a limited supply (my long-living reptilian friend passed away, so I had "bedding" or "shavings" that she would have used as flooring, but they're almost gone). Now I'm wondering...where do other Bay Area/Berkeley types get a reliable source of brown matter?

- Rahel

posted in Compost Compulsion - 3 replies

11/13 Worm Composting Class

annabelly — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 00:50:49 GMT

Another class at Common Ground in Palo Alto:

Feed some worms. They'll feed your soil.
WORM COMPOSTING.......................................................
Alane O’Rielly Weber Sat, Nov 13
10:30-12:00 $19
"Everything you always wanted to know about worms...but were afraid to ask."
Come join us and learn all about this tidy and very efficient way to turn all your kitchen scraps into botanical gold. Alane has been nurturing her compost worms for 15 years and teaching vermicomposting for the County of San Mateo for the last seven years.

Please register and prepay in advance by mail or in person. Seniors and low-income persons may request a $3 discount on classes. Some classes do extend beyond the scheduled time.

Please stop by and pre-register or send your check to:

Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center
559 College Avenue * Palo Alto, CA * 94306
ph: (650) 493-6072 fax: (650) 493-6073
www.commongroundinpaloalto.org

posted in Compost Compulsion - 0 replies

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