Re: Compost

**"* S* <m*@gmail.com>**

Hi,

Yes, the way that you compost determines the quality of the finished
project. I've done enough research, complete with testing all the way
through and at the time that it was stockpiled for curing, 3 months after
that time, and 6 months after that, to know that is so--the "formal" way,
with or without composters in tuxedos and tiaras, gives the highest quality
product.

But there is a huge caveat. Unless you are using the compost as a disease
suppressant, in greenhouse containers or starting mixes, or composting
something smelly in a suburban environment, does improved quality matter
enough to inspire you to monitor the piles every day and adjust accordingly?
I don't think so. For ordinary uses, sloppy compost works fine--as long as
it's really broken down. And you can tell that with a simple "cress test."
Before you buy compost, do a cress test with it: take a sample, plant land
cress in it--no additives like peat moss or vermiculite--and see how they
do. If they are fine, you can use it in starting mixes. If not, you know
that it requires a few more months of curing before it is safe to use for
sensitive applications.

Best,

Miranda

On Jan 14, 2008 11:37 AM, <loisdan@juno.com> wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
>
> Last week I posted a piece to my blog on troublefree composting. Out of
> curiosity, I browsed several GWL member sites to see what you all have to
> say on the topic. Of those I read, while most gave at least an obligatory
> nod to the "rules" of composting, nearly everyone seemed to use some type
> of desultory method similar to my own. What say you? Do any of you
> compost only by the rules? It might be an interesting exercise for us to
> discuss whether formal composting actually has much effect on the final
> product.
>
> Regards,
> Lois
> Visit http://loisdevries.blogspot.com
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