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Re: compost

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

I didn't see anyone answer your question and I'm afraid I don't know the answer to
the manure question, but I don't think *old* manure would be your problem. Some
people say it should be aged even before adding to the compost pile because of the
wormers, etc. that are put in horse feed nowadays.

I do have a question and a tip for you. Have you turned your pile? Sounds like you
probably haven't since there is grass growing on it. Try turning it and watering
each layer of the new pile as you turn. Compost needs air and moisture to cook.
Turning it allows the air to get in. It is important to water each layer. It's
almost impossible to get a pile moistened throughout by watering from the top
after you are finished.

If you think you may not have enough greens, add more grass clippings or manure to
it as you turn it also. If you don't have those in sufficient quantity (as I never
seem to), try alfalfa pellets. You can buy them at a feed store. I pay 7.50 for a
50 lb. bag so they aren't very expensive. Sprinkle a light layer of pellets every
so often as you turn. I promise that will definitely get your compost cooking.

The first time I used them, I used too much and my compost got to 160 degrees the
very same afternoon! However, the experts say that is too hot and kills some of
the good micro-organisms.

Hope this helps.
Ruth

CynMob@aol.com wrote:

> Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html
>
> Well, since it's so quiet --
> Compost.
> This is my first year gardening.  I did some reading on composting.  Layered
> brown and green layers, dried leaves and horse manure in what I thought were
> the recommended proportions.  Watered it down well and have kept it damp.
> It doesn't seem to be cooking or getting warm.  I think the horse manure may
> be fairly old, so perhaps it doesn't count as my green layer?  Put another
> way -- how old does horse manure have to be before you can use it without
> having to age it?  I've got grass sprouting on the top of my compost heap in
> spots.  Is that a sign the manure was already aged enough not to burn?
> My soil is pretty much decomposed granite, so I'm looking forward to using
> raised beds with wire to keep gophers out as soon as I can figure my soil out.
> Cyn in Southern Cal, zone 14 I think, according to the County Master Gardener.
>
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