Corn gluten and (other) Non-Animal Compost

Hi Everybody!

Newbie here, trying to go from a haphazard gardener with a lot of weeds to a square foot gardener with lots of edibles.

In trying to find five types of compost, I'm challenged because I want only non-animal types (no manure). I've got LeafGro from Maryland and assume that other leaf mulches don't count as diversifying.

I have gotten some responses to my requests for backyard compost via Freecycle, and figure each of those could count as one, since any individual wouldn't have exactly the same mix. Does one source count multiple times if they use kitchen scraps and grass?

Is corn gluten a possibility? I saw it recommended somewhere and just saw some for sale. It's billed in the newsletter as a natural weedkiller rather than as compost, but I know that doesn't necessarily mean I can't use it.

Any other ideas for types of non-animal compost I might seek out? Bonus points if you know of sources in Arlington/Northern Virginia/VA

After lengthy consultations with Arlington and with VA Master Gardeners, my large supply of fruit compostables will be too tempting for rats in our urban area. I could do lawn stuff, but I expect instead I'll be continuing to source compost as needed.

Thanks!
Caryn

Freshenista wrote:After lengthy consultations with Arlington and with VA Master Gardeners, my large supply of fruit compostables will be too tempting for rats in our urban area. I could do lawn stuff, but I expect instead I'll be continuing to source compost as needed.

Thanks!
Caryn

Fruit and veggie compostables are very tempting to rats but if you would get a compost container such as this....




I can't see a rat being able to climb up those metal legs. Fruit and veggie scraps are far too valuable to not compost them.

1

Look for organic cotton boll compost.

Another non manure type would be shrimp and seaweed. I just found some in southern VA. Brand name FAFARD

Fafard Premium Compost
• Organic blend containing shrimp & seaweed
• Use for: Flower beds, vegetable gardens, annuals,
perennials, trees & shrubs.

(main source seens to be forest fines according to the bag.)

I found this info on corn gluten:

http://gardening-articles.com/Organic%20Weed%20Control%20Using%20Corn.htm

http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h531cornglutenmeal.html

I have never used it but I would be very concerned and do lots of researching before you do. For one thing it is a byproduct of corn which is mostly GMO, unles you can find organic, non-GMO corn gluten.

Then from the above sources I would think it will inhibit seed germination.

I see you have a rabbit in your avatar. Rabbit manure is an excellent fertilizer and would also be a great addition to your compost.

I don't know what part of the corn is the gluten, but it would keep any seeds/plants from emerging in your garden. It will prevent weeds in the walkways.

Jo

Say no to corn gluten and give your local dairy, goat or horse farm a call, they may have some really nice composted manure available. to the Forum!

walshevak wrote:Another non manure type would be shrimp and seaweed. I just found some in southern VA. Brand name FAFARD

Fafard Premium Compost
• Organic blend containing shrimp & seaweed
• Use for: Flower beds, vegetable gardens, annuals,
perennials, trees & shrubs.

(main source seens to be forest fines according to the bag.)

It must be nice to be able to get stuff like that and not have to special order it.

I'm jealous.

This was just a fluke. I wasn't even looking for compost. I just stopped by a road side nursery to check out their plants. I don't know how good it is, but I'm always on the lookout for something new. I would like to find organic cotton compost. My work horses are Black Kow, Black Hen, and Black Velvet mushroom. The others are just insurance. I also started a worm bin to insure my compost will grow veggies. And I was 45 miles from home. I also pick up compost when I visit my son 200 miles away.

Kay

I've seen Black Kow around here and a chicken manure(not sure of the brand though) but that's it.

Thanks, everyone, for the great help. I'm especially appreciative on the Corn gluten, which would have been a disaster.

Right now I'm up to two backyard composts from locals and two leaf products (I know, not very different.)
• Will look for the cotton
• Manure and anything else animal is what I'm trying to avoid

Also interested in Milorganite (Milwaukee sewer processed stuff - yup, really). Asked at the garden center and the guy said it was too concentrated to use as compost. But maybe I could use less to diversify what's looking like a pretty mono set of compost?

DH built two squares today and I did the grid, so getting very close.

Hampton Rhodes, VA also does a biosolid compost that is available at local nurseries.

https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1173-nutri-green

http://www.hrsd.com/biosolids.shtml

I decided not to use it. Worry about all the medicines that are in the sewers. Not sure they test fully for all this.

Kay

See if you can find a source of mushroom compost