cstronks
Songster
Interesting idea regarding the aquarium water. I have a few tanks and normally put the old water down the sewer drain outside. I want to start composting now that I am keeping chickens, and I want to make sure that I add the right stuff so I don't screw up any natural processes. I'll be sure to print out this list and reference it when composting!!I normally have 3-4 compost piles on the go.I make sure they get alot of sun and if they start to dry out i give them a good soaking. Here is a little list of stuff you can use. (not sure where i grabbed this from but has been sitting in a folder on the computer.
- Aquarium water, algae, and plants (from freshwater fish tanks only) add moisture and a kick of nitrogen.
- Chicken manure has high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Dead houseplants add a dose of nitrogen, but don't include thorny or diseased plants.
- Fresh grass clippings should be mixed with plenty of drier, brown material, or you'll risk creating a smelly pile.
- Green garden debris, such as spent pansies, bolted lettuce, and deadheaded flowers, can all be recycled in the compost bin.
- Horse manure contains more nitrogen than cow manure.
- Manure from pet rabbits and rodents (e.g., gerbils and hamsters) can be composted with the accompanying wood or paper bedding.
- Vegetative kitchen scraps (carrot peelings and the like) should be buried in the pile so they don't attract animals. Eggshells are okay, too.
- Weeds can be composted! No joke. Just remember never to add weeds that have set seed or weeds that root easily from stems or rhizomes.
- Brown garden debris, such as corn and sunflower stalks, dried legume plants, and dried potato and tomato vines, adds bulk to the pile.
- Hedge prunings and twigs help keep a pile fluffy but should be chipped first so they decompose faster.
- Leaves are an abundant carbon source and full of nutrients. Stockpile them in fall so that you have them on hand in summer.
- Pine needles decompose slowly. Add only small amounts to your pile. Use excess needles as a mulch.
- Straw bulks up a pile, but it should not be confused with hay, which often contains weed and grass seeds and shouldn't be added to compost (unless you want to deal with the potential consequences).
Only things i steer clear from are meats and cheeses.
cheers
matt