compost

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What a marvelous subject.

Here in Istanbul I make compost.  At our nursery we are successful... There are 3 large bins constructed of pallets lined with mypex (black geotextile that we use under the plants)  One is for leaves only, One for all kinds of green stuff & one resting.  They are not covered, open to ground & sky.  The leaves stay loose and degenerate quietly.  The mixed compost generates loads of heat and seems to be doing well.  Later this autumn I'll be investigating the rotted one for success.

However, to reflect the stories from Greece... There is a huge resistance to compost in the population at large.  People are afraid of the mess, smell, bugs, snakes, rats, and what the neighbours will say.  Gardeners refuse to cooperate, and prefer to put their rubbish in bright blue plastic bags on the street or chuck it on the hillside...

Some further comments for compost in this climate:  The size is important.  Too small a pile just doesn't have enough mass to get going.  During the summer (no rain for 3 months) it has to be kept moist with grass clippings & other wet waste.  Sticks need to be cut up or chipped, & from time to time we also throw old soil (dirt) from plants in there too, which already contains some of the microbes necessary.

Istanbul soil is terrible.  Mostly clay.  Compost can only be good because of the organic improvement it will make, so my feeling is that it is essential that those of us gardening in Greece & Turkey must continue to persevere - if only for the sake of the planet!

Chevrel Traher

Istanbul Zone 8?