Homemade Compost and Mel's Mix

B00kemdano on 2/13/2012, 5:38 pm

Hey folks, I'm just getting started with gardening. I'm pretty excited to start with a small SFG, and I want to get the MM right.

I just finished Chapter 5 of ANSFG, and I have a question. It says on p. 106, "You need blended compost made from at least five different ingredients. Mix several different types of compost together if you buy your compost."

I have been composting for a couple of years. I put grass clippings, fallen leaves and pine needles, and a tiny bit of vegetable kitchen waste in my piles. Is this compost sufficient on its own for the compost third, should it be one of the "five different ingredients", or should I not even use it in the mix?

Thanks for the tips!
Dano

plantoid on 2/13/2012, 5:45 pm

Look for the " composting 101 " thread in the site search , there is a shed load of information for you.

**llama momma** on 2/13/2012, 5:46 pm

Hi there,

Flip back to page 96 for a quick guide and you will see the chart, grass, leaves and pine needles are listed. . Note the percentages. Pine needles are recommended at 10% of the compost heap. You have 3 of the 5 composts. Check out the list and see what else you can add and you are on your way. If you can you should get 2 more sources, if you find even more than go for it, more won't hurt .

TN_GARDENER on 2/14/2012, 7:29 am

@B00kemdano wrote:Is this compost sufficient on its own for the compost third, should it be one of the "five different ingredients", or should I not even use it in the mix?

Thanks for the tips!
Dano

Perhaps, but having a couple other sources of compost would be even better.

Lavender Debs on 2/14/2012, 9:15 am

My BEST garden had nothing but compost like the one you describe BOOkemdano. Like you, I saw the little word "if" (as in IF you buy your compost). As that box has aged (this is my 3rd year) the mix in that box continues to be my best MM. I used home grown (and only home-grow) compost in a new box last summer, the biggest broccoli head I have ever grown came from that box. Personally, I think you will be miles ahead of those who only have bagged compost even without adding anything except equal amounts of peat and vermiculite. You should be fine.

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Homemade Compost and Mel's Mix

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