Re: Sifting Compost
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Sifting Compost
- From: D* B* T*
- Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2000 09:27:58 -0600
- Importance: Normal
Marge, given Bobbi's approach to NOT screening, do you think you'll screen
less?
Diann
-----Original Message-----
From: PRIMROSES [s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU]On Behalf Of
Marge Talt
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2000 11:13 PM
To: shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: [SG] Sifting Compost
I use 1/2" hardware cloth to screen compost for potting mix. If I'm
simply putting it on as a top dressing, I don't screen - just pick
out anything really not cooked yet; large twigs, etc.
I think I bought this screen, along with a smaller one that has 1/4"
hardware cloth on it - I find that really too fine. I've had them
for a long time, but think I might have gotten them from Gardener's
Supply.
The one I use all the time fits over my wheelbarrow just fine - has
the side members extended and made into handles to grab it with on
both ends...frame is wood, like 2x3's or so. Works a treat. Seem to
remember having to get step-son to screw an extra bit of wood on to
reinforce it so the wire didn't pull loose - things aren't always as
sturdily made as they need to be;-)
You really need a screen that is as stiff as hardware cloth - chicken
wire would bend to much under the weight of the compost thrown in for
screening, plus the holes are really too big.
I've used my screen to sift gravel out of soil, too. Couldn't garden
without it.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
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----------
> From: Marian Raitz <mraitz@ACCESSONE.COM>
> Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2000 7:04 PM
>
> What kind of screen do you use for sifting compost? Half inch
> hardware cloth seems too small and one inch chicken wire seems
> too big for mine. (Some donated leaves were left in bags and
didn't
> decompose enough...) Thanks for any advice,
> Marian Raitz
