Re: plastic trash cans
I saw this method on Martha Stewart Monday:
STARTING A COMPOST PILE
Compost bin, commercial or homemade (building instructions follow), with at
least a 1-cubic-yard capacity
Brown (carbonaceous) materials, such as dried leaves and pine needles,
sawdust, shredded newspaper, straw, small twigs, and wood chips
Green (nitrogenous) materials, such as grass clippings (free of pesticides),
kitchen scraps and vegetable trimmings, and soft prunings or cuttings (also
good: coffee grounds and filters, eggshells, and deadheaded flowers)
Garden fork
Compost thermometer (optional)
Compost sifter (building instructions follow)
Carbonate of lime (optional)
1. Situate the compost pile in a partially shaded area near a water source
such as a garden hose.
2. Begin the compost with a 6- to 12-inch layer of brown material. Build the
pile by alternating with 6- to 12-inch layers of green material. Bury
kitchen scraps beneath a layer of brown material to avoid attracting pests
and producing odors. Continue layering until bin is full or pile is 3 feet
high.
3. Once layered, turn the pile with a garden fork, mixing the green and
brown materials well to improve air circulation. This aids in decomposition
and helps prevent odors. Try to add equal amounts of green and brown
materials to the pile. Dampen with water.
4. Compost should maintain a moisture level similar to that of a wrung-out
sponge. Average rainfall will usually suffice-should the compost become too
dry, add water; if it becomes too wet, add dry materials like leaves or
shredded newspaper.
5. Healthy decomposition causes the compost to literally heat up, sometimes
to 120 degrees or higher. You can periodically gauge the temperature of the
compost with a compost thermometer. In cooler weather, steam may rise from
the compost when it is turned.
6. Continue to turn the pile whenever new material is added. In three months
to a year, the compost will resemble rich, crumbling potting soil. After a
thorough sifting with a compost sifter, compost can be used for any planting
needs, indoor and out.
KEEPING COMPOST HEALTHY
1. Protect the pile from such compost poisons as animal matter (meats, fats,
bones, and dairy products); cardboard; certain woods, including black
walnut, eucalyptus, and red cedar; diseased plants; domestic-animal waste;
glass; lawn and garden cuttings treated with herbicides or pesticides; very
wet lawn or garden cuttings; metal; and stones.
2. Excess green matter might cause the compost to develop a strong odor; if
this occurs, add a light sprinkling of carbonate of lime to aid in
decomposition, and turn well.
3. Cut up any large kitchen or gardening debris to aid in quick
decomposition.
BUILDING A COMPOST BIN
Compost bins come in many shapes and sizes, and can even be made out of
recycled materials. Or, you can build a simple bin that will hold a lot of
compost with discarded wooden shipping pallets.
4 wooden pallets, measuring at least 3 by 3 feet
Heavy-gauge galvanized wire
Wire cutters
Create an L-shape with two wooden pallets and wrap the common edge together
with wire. Repeat with the other set of pallets. Join the two sets with wire
to make a four-sided, open-ended container. Follow composting instructions
above.
Pottsey
zone5, OH
----- Original Message -----
From: Nan Sterman <nsterman@mindsovermatter.com>
To: <perennials@mallorn.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 1999 9:05 PM
Subject: Re: plastic trash cans
> Craig -- I've also tried the trash can method and the results were less
> than satisfactory -- rolling the trash can helps aerate the top half or so
> of the contents, but the problem is that you can't mix the contents from
> top to bottom. You end up with sludge in the bottom of the can. I do far
> better with rounds of chicken wire < <
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