arguing over what to put in compost

My husband and I debated briefly yesterday about what to put in the compost pile. I went outside and found plastic wrappers and then he said it was ok to put raw eggs in there too along with the crushed egg shells. Two raw eggs were cracked and egg yolk and whites were poured into the compost. Is this ok?


Carolyn

From what I have read, raw eggs are fine in addition to the egg shells. Plastic is a no-no though. I am sure that got in there by mistake.

I used to think "no animal products" meant eggs. But it means no meat and no manure from meat eaters.

The only problem with eggs is that it can bring racoons and other critters invading your compost pile. Also neighborhood dogs.

Oh no the plastic didn't get there by mistake. I saw at least 5 of them and some kind of metallic paper wrapper...UGh! Do we need to start all over then?
I am going to make a big (the ultimate) list of yes and no stuff for compost, laminate and post it near the tree by the compost. Unless someone made one already.
Carolyn

You probably don't have to start all over again, but when you turn your compost, pull out the plastic bags and other bits that you see. They won't decompose, so don't worry about getting them all out the first turning, just keep an eye out every time you turn.

Here's a resource on what to compost and what to leave out of your compost.

happy....google 'compost' and I'm sure one of the articles will list the do's and don'ts for compost. Print it off and post near the door leading to your compost pile so you both will only use that which is good for it.

In the meantime, here's a bit of help on the subject:
Remember, a good compost pile combines a mix of greens to about 20 times that amt in brown goods (dried grasses, dead leaves, dry hay, anything dead and brown), and be sure to water now and again so it can cook. Turn the pile a few times a week with a hay fork or whatever works for you. You want to get air into the center of the pile.

No meats, bones, dairy products, eggs, plastic, metal, fish, used cat litter, dog or cat feces, or any manure that has NOT been aged for 6 months.

Eggshells should be dried and crushed before adding to the pile.

Some of the things you can use are veggie and fruit food scraps, peelings, corn husks, cobs, shredded or torn newspaper, torn egg cartons, coffee and its filters, teabags, AGED manures, worm castings, leftover crop residue that is NOT diseased, grass, weeds, fall leaves. Do not use slick pages from magazines or colored newspaper pages. If its big and thick, chop it into smaller portions so it will decompose easier.

You can use weeds because your compost pile should heat up to 140* or more and cook any weed seeds so they don't survive in your compost.

Don't pull your brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) plants and toss into the compost pile. Their roots, in all probability, will spread clubroot in your compost.

Check for a fuller listing on google or in a garden book featuring a compost chapter.

Good luck.

I know this may sound stupid but what does this mean????


"Avoid weeds that have gone to seed, as seeds may survive all but the hottest compost piles."

How do you know when a weed have gone to seed? I see weeds I chop it down with the ax --then I place in compost pile...Not a good thing?

Carolyn
I feel so stupid

happycc wrote:I know this may sound stupid but what does this mean????


"Avoid weeds that have gone to seed, as seeds may survive all but the hottest compost piles."

How do you know when a weed have gone to seed? I see weeds I chop it down with the ax --then I place in compost pile...Not a good thing?

Carolyn
I feel so stupid

You will likely see a seed head of some sort. A dandelion, for instance, has gone to seed when the yellow petals become the white feathery stuff that flies into your neighbor's yard. Grass goes to seed when it looks more like wheat - you can see the little stalks that have seeds on them rather than just the blades of grass (often used as an excuse for not mowing - self seeding the lawn - LOL) A little observation ges a long way. Once you get used to looking, it gets easier.

I have one hated lawn weed that goes to seed by producing sticker type things that are pokey and get all over the dogs and my socks. and if barefoot they HURT. Th seed is usually contained within the flower and flowering denotes the beginning of the seed production.

I am sure the vast world wide web can give you better info than I just did! LOL And more reliable.

No your explanation helped greatly.

I stuck weeds when this compost began with weeds that have gone to seeds...so I guess I should begin again...ugh sigh!

Carolyn

No worries most of those weed seeds will probably rot anyway. No need to start over if they do sprout in the compost, they wont survive long if you turn the pile. Also, if the pile gets hot enough the seeds will probably not be viable.

Hubby and I are disagreeing again about where to put compost pile. I think it should go in the sun...to break down sooner. He thinks it goes in the shade...

Please help us!

Mine is in the shade under a tree. I don't have to be in the sun when I am turning the pile. I have made 3 heaps of compost this season, pile 4 is in the works. Could have done another one except for I couldn't turn the pile for a month.

If that is the main factor that you're considering, then it should go in the sun. The extra heat will accelerate the process some.