Re: compost
>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?
Chevrel, I could have written the same exact message from here in
California! Same issues, same climate, same soil!!!
Nan
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Nan Sterman
San Diego County California
Sunset zone 24, USDA hardiness zone 10b or 11
