Square Foot Gardening Forum
[table bgcolor=#000000 height=275][tr][td]
What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Toplef10What is the best Compost to buy in stores? 1zd3ho10

Hello Guest!
Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum.
There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? I22gcj10What is the best Compost to buy in stores? 14dhcg10

[/td][/tr][/table]

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

Square Foot Gardening Forum
[table bgcolor=#000000 height=275][tr][td]
What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Toplef10What is the best Compost to buy in stores? 1zd3ho10

Hello Guest!
Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum.
There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? I22gcj10What is the best Compost to buy in stores? 14dhcg10

[/td][/tr][/table]
Square Foot Gardening Forum
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
Search
 
 

Display results as :
 

 


Rechercher Advanced Search

Latest topics
» Square Foot Gardening In Singapore
by Scorpio Rising Today at 10:47 am

» Saucy Lady Tomato Seeds
by OhioGardener 12/7/2024, 5:13 pm

» Ohio Gardener's Greenhouse
by sanderson 12/7/2024, 2:11 am

» Interesting Marketing for Compost
by sanderson 12/7/2024, 2:09 am

» N & C Midwest: Nov. Dec. 2024
by cyclonegardener 12/5/2024, 10:50 pm

» Mark's first SFG
by markqz 12/2/2024, 11:54 am

» Indoor Lighting for Kitchen Herbs & Lettuce
by Jjean59 12/1/2024, 10:37 pm

» Famous Gardening Quotes
by OhioGardener 11/29/2024, 11:05 am

» Happy Thanksgiving from the USA
by Scorpio Rising 11/29/2024, 8:50 am

» Kiwi's SFG Adventure
by KiwiSFGnewbie 11/28/2024, 2:48 pm

» Cooked worms?
by KiwiSFGnewbie 11/28/2024, 2:45 pm

» Happy Birthday!!
by sanderson 11/28/2024, 3:14 am

» Catalog season has begun!
by sanderson 11/28/2024, 3:13 am

» Butterbaby Hybrid Squash (Butternut)
by Scorpio Rising 11/24/2024, 8:19 pm

» How does green turn to brown?
by OhioGardener 11/21/2024, 4:58 pm

» Tree roots, yeeessss.....
by sanderson 11/20/2024, 2:21 am

» The SFG Journey-Biowash
by has55 11/19/2024, 7:37 pm

» What are you eating from your garden today?
by OhioGardener 11/19/2024, 8:27 am

» New SFG gardener in Auckland
by KiwiSFGnewbie 11/16/2024, 11:25 pm

» Thanksgiving Cactus
by OhioGardener 11/12/2024, 5:40 pm

» Need Garden Layout Feedback
by markqz 11/9/2024, 9:16 pm

» Thai Basil
by Scorpio Rising 11/8/2024, 8:52 pm

» How best to keep a fallow SFG bed
by KiwiSFGnewbie 11/8/2024, 8:11 pm

» Preserving A Bumper Tomato Harvest with Freezing vs Canning
by plantoid 11/7/2024, 11:36 am

» What Have You Picked From Your Garden Today
by OhioGardener 11/5/2024, 2:29 pm

» Greetings from Southeastern Wisconsin
by sanderson 11/5/2024, 2:01 pm

» Spinning Compost Bin-need some ideas
by rtfm 11/2/2024, 7:49 pm

» Growing fruit trees in Auckland
by OhioGardener 10/31/2024, 4:23 pm

» Vermiculite -- shipping sale through 10/31/2024
by markqz 10/30/2024, 2:27 pm

» N & C Midwest: October 2024
by Scorpio Rising 10/30/2024, 10:38 am

Google

Search SFG Forum

What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

+8
Furbalsmom
littlejo
LittleGardener
auntij
Momma Pajama
Lavender Debs
camprn
GardeningMaster
12 posters

Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  GardeningMaster 4/4/2010, 4:26 am

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? I'm going to Make my first batch of Mel's mix. I have some already made from yard waste and leaves. I'm going to the recycle place and see what they have. I have some mix from a nursery that is a garden mix that I got last year. It has sand, mint, mushroom or mink poo, and I don't know what else it has. I don't know if I should use it.
Thank you Larry
GardeningMaster
GardeningMaster

Male Posts : 5
Join date : 2010-03-29
Age : 72
Location : ALBANY OREGON

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  camprn 4/4/2010, 8:30 am

Hi there! Wow, those are some fish! Shocked
I am not a pro, but it sounds like you have a good start. The recommendation is to use 5 types of compost in your Mel's mix. I only found three sources of compost, so that's what I went with. I don't know :scratch: about the mix you mention that you have from last year, but the mint in the list would ward me off.affraid Mint can be very invasive. Perhaps I was misunderstanding what you were trying to say.
Let us know how you proceed. Cheers! flower
camprn
camprn

Forum Moderator Certified SFG Teacher

Female Posts : 14129
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 62
Location : Keene, NH, USA ~ Zone 5a

https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-week

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  Lavender Debs 4/4/2010, 9:28 am

Hello master, and welcome !!!
Your mint-mink must be a local mix? Locals are always a favorite of mine. I am guessing that the mint has been composted and will not take over your bed but if in doubt, ask around. Otherwise it sounds like a great choice. Mix it right in with your homegrown.

The best choice for me is (#1) organic and (#2) local.

Many here love mushroom compost. I'm not sure that it is organic.
Cow or chicken poo is popular. So is the compost from the yard recycle place but again, if organic is important, you cannot get a guarantee from any of those that they are organic.

My local nursery and the local food co-op both sell bags of nice sounding mixes enhanced with local ingredients but they are not cheap.

I think that both Portland and Seattle sell "Zoo-do" that is somewhat composted. Horse farms often have composted horse poo (can be weedy if not really composted).

I had good home-grown for my first box and used only that. So far it has been ok.

Deborah ....in Everett, Washington; Happy Easter!
Lavender Debs
Lavender Debs

Posts : 2050
Join date : 2010-03-03
Age : 67
Location : Everett, WA USA

http://songs-of-coming-rain.blogspot.com/

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty The mint

Post  GardeningMaster 4/4/2010, 2:33 pm

The mint has been cooked and the oil is extracted out. My dad used this in the garden for years . Its great.
GardeningMaster
GardeningMaster

Male Posts : 5
Join date : 2010-03-29
Age : 72
Location : ALBANY OREGON

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty My compost

Post  Momma Pajama 4/5/2010, 12:36 am

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Oscar10

I can't resist chiming in: this is my new manure-maker, Oscar! I have read over and over that rabbit manure is the ultimate, chemistry-wise for gardens. I was able to score a free hutch from a neighbor and I picked up 8 week old Oscar 2 weeks ago. He is a New Zealand Red. Now I am adding his contributions to my vegetable compost twice a week. (I compost about 50-75 lbs of organic fruit and veggie "garbage" from the health food store per week.)
Momma Pajama
Momma Pajama

Female Posts : 58
Join date : 2010-04-03
Age : 58
Location : Edmonds, WA

http://momma-pajama.blogspot.com

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  auntij 4/5/2010, 2:41 am

Has anyone had any experiences with shrimp and seaweed compost or lobster and seaweed compost. I bought a couple bags of the shrimp and will be getting more of both to finish filling my boxes. But I was curious if anyone else (outside the nursery) had anything good or bad to say about it. Also has anyone ever heard of a product called Chickety do do?
avatar
auntij

Female Posts : 136
Join date : 2010-03-19
Age : 51
Location : Providence RI Zone 6a

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  Lavender Debs 4/5/2010, 8:43 am

Awww, momma P! We used to raise bunnies back in our attempt to be self-sufficient days. (If it had a name it did not have a recipe). I also had chickens. Chicken house litter went right on the compost but the thing about bunny poo is it does not have to compost before it goes in the garden (did not try that with root veggies). My experience was that when I did put it on the pile I would still have pellets even though I had a hot pile that I turned weekly.

When I put a layer of grass clippings right under the hutch (and a small fence to keep the chickens, ducks and dogs out, the worms did a wonderful job of breaking down EVERYTHING. A nice, crumbly, ammonia-free green gold (not gold in color but in value) for my veggies and plants.

You do have a treasure! Was Oscar an Easter bunny?
Deborah. . . .wondering if the terriers would go cracker dogs if I got a bunny or chicken hutch?
Lavender Debs
Lavender Debs

Posts : 2050
Join date : 2010-03-03
Age : 67
Location : Everett, WA USA

http://songs-of-coming-rain.blogspot.com/

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  Lavender Debs 4/5/2010, 8:50 am

We get kelp meal on the west coast auntij. It is VERY expensive but is really great in the garden. Vegan gardeners are willing to pay. It is that good. I still buy it for my garden. The lobsters are imports. I imagine they are terrific.

Deborah . . . .if you try some, keep records and share what you find out
Lavender Debs
Lavender Debs

Posts : 2050
Join date : 2010-03-03
Age : 67
Location : Everett, WA USA

http://songs-of-coming-rain.blogspot.com/

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  LittleGardener 7/21/2011, 6:49 pm

Hi there,
Forgive newbie-questions: what is "Mel's mix" ?
and
re different Animal-poops for different foods & flowers: web-search no results.
I've heard
1. horse-poop: good for a Rose-garden; and
2. bunny-poop: good for Food growing
3. chicken-poop: ??

If someone has a Chart, addressing this, I really appreciate knowing Smile
LittleGardener
LittleGardener

Female Posts : 365
Join date : 2011-07-21
Location : PNWet 7 B

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  littlejo 7/21/2011, 7:50 pm

LittleGardener wrote:Hi there,
Forgive newbie-questions: what is "Mel's mix" ?
and
re different Animal-poops for different foods & flowers: web-search no results.
I've heard
1. horse-poop: good for a Rose-garden; and
2. bunny-poop: good for Food growing
3. chicken-poop: ??

If someone has a Chart, addressing this, I really appreciate knowing Smile
Welcome to the forum!

Have you read the book"All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew?
It explains most and the forum answers the rest!
Mel's mix is an organic set of ingedients to grow our veggies in: 1/3 Vermiculite, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 compost(5 different kinds-mixed together)
As for the list of poops: If you Google manures. rather than poop, you will get better results.
Jo
littlejo
littlejo

Female Posts : 1573
Join date : 2011-05-04
Age : 71
Location : Cottageville SC 8b

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  LittleGardener 7/21/2011, 8:04 pm

littlejo wrote:
LittleGardener wrote:Hi there,
Forgive newbie-questions: what is "Mel's mix" ?
and
re different Animal-poops for different foods & flowers: web-search no results.
I've heard
1. horse-poop: good for a Rose-garden; and
2. bunny-poop: good for Food growing
3. chicken-poop: ??

If someone has a Chart, addressing this, I really appreciate knowing Smile
Welcome to the forum!

Have you read the book "All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew?
It explains most and the forum answers the rest!
Mel's mix is an organic set of ingedients to grow our veggies in: 1/3 Vermiculite, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 compost(5 different kinds-mixed together)
As for the list of poops: If you Google manures. rather than poop, you will get better results.
Jo
No, haven't read that, as just arrived here today; also we use Ixquick,
not 'google'.
too
was raised in Grandpa's garden, & have played in different gardens,
1st. referencing "Complete 5-acre Homestead", a book.

Thank you for answering about 'Mel's mix' Smile
LittleGardener
LittleGardener

Female Posts : 365
Join date : 2011-07-21
Location : PNWet 7 B

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  Furbalsmom 7/22/2011, 1:22 am

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? 654548 Littlegardener

Glad to have another member from the PNW. Hope you get and read ALL NEW SQUARE FOOT GARDENING very soon. It defines SFG and how best o make you boxes and fill them. There is also great info on when to start seedlings indoors and the correct spacing for your plants for optimum growth.

A really good read for making your mel's Mix is this HOW STRONG IS YOUR BACKBONE . It will really help you out when making Mel's Mix for a SFG.

Please feel free to ask questions, but remember, the book has many answers.

Again, Welcome!
Furbalsmom
Furbalsmom

Female Posts : 3138
Join date : 2010-06-10
Age : 77
Location : Coastal Oregon, Zone 9a, Heat Zone 2 :(

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  Goosegirl 7/22/2011, 8:43 am

GardeningMaster wrote:I have some mix from a nursery that is a garden mix that I got last year. It has sand, mint, mushroom or mink poo, and I don't know what else it has. I don't know if I should use it.
Thank you Larry

I would be most concerned with the mink poo, as feces from predators/carnivores can carry diseases that do not necessarily compost out . That is why dog and cat droppings are not recommended to be added to the compost pile.

GG
Goosegirl
Goosegirl

Female Posts : 3424
Join date : 2011-02-16
Age : 59
Location : Zone 4A - NE SD

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  AprilakaCCIL 7/22/2011, 8:55 am

Be sure to add worm castings to your mix...and if you buy any compost from the stores, be sure to read what's in the bag.



AprilakaCCIL
AprilakaCCIL

Female Posts : 219
Join date : 2011-06-30
Age : 50
Location : Zone 7b

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  cachecrashers4 7/22/2011, 7:47 pm

auntij wrote:Has anyone had any experiences with shrimp and seaweed compost or lobster and seaweed compost. I bought a couple bags of the shrimp and will be getting more of both to finish filling my boxes. But I was curious if anyone else (outside the nursery) had anything good or bad to say about it. Also has anyone ever heard of a product called Chickety do do?
I used both the Coast of Maine Lobster Compost and the Fafard Shrimp and Seaweed Compost in my mix. It seems to be good stuff. I've had issues with parts of my garden, but I think it's the amount of sun (or lack of it) the garden is getting. Others on here love the stuff as well.
cachecrashers4
cachecrashers4

Male Posts : 40
Join date : 2011-03-06
Age : 54
Location : Maine

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  sherryeo 7/22/2011, 8:11 pm

auntij & cachecrashers4,

Was the shrimp compost you bought already finished compost? I recently went to buy some and found that it was only pretty finely ground shrimp hulls, cleanly washed and dried, but still pink & identifiable as shrimp hulls. It was also sold in bulk, but I got a smaller amount for what I thought was a really good price - about 32 cents per pound. They threw in extra so they wouldn't have to divide it up, so it came to less per pound than the usual price. Anyway, I bought some and am putting it in my composter. I hope it'll work out ok. It's really not even terribly smelly, so I don't think I'll get any complaints from the neighbors, lol.
sherryeo
sherryeo

Female Posts : 848
Join date : 2011-04-03
Age : 72
Location : Mississippi Gulf Coast Zone 8B

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  Goosegirl 7/22/2011, 9:59 pm

Forgot to mention earlier - Oscar is ADORABLE!
Goosegirl
Goosegirl

Female Posts : 3424
Join date : 2011-02-16
Age : 59
Location : Zone 4A - NE SD

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  auntij 7/23/2011, 12:56 pm

Sherryeo

The shrimp & seaweed and Lobster & seaweed I got was fully composted. I purchased it at Whole foods and at my local nursery. It has a wonderful black color and a very powerful odor. I have yet to find anything that resembles any type of sea life in it (except maybe the smell).
avatar
auntij

Female Posts : 136
Join date : 2010-03-19
Age : 51
Location : Providence RI Zone 6a

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  sherryeo 7/23/2011, 1:10 pm

Thanks, auntij. I'm a little surprised to hear it still has that powerful a smell after being fully composted! I haven't been able to find any here that's fully composted, but you'd think there'd be plenty here on the Gulf Coast. I envy you guys the lobster compost. I'm trying to do a better job of getting a good variety of composts for my 3 new sfg beds than I did with my first 2. I think I got some of the not-so-good kind before. Thanks again.
sherryeo
sherryeo

Female Posts : 848
Join date : 2011-04-03
Age : 72
Location : Mississippi Gulf Coast Zone 8B

Back to top Go down

What is the best Compost to buy in stores? Empty Re: What is the best Compost to buy in stores?

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum