Your 2024 Garden

[Sally PB]

Trying to figure out composting. Every site I look at has different ratios and lists and instructions

That's because there is a lot of leeway. It's possible, but not easy, to mess up compost. Use what you have that is plant material, or chicken poop, or coffee grounds, or shredded paper, or left over food....

Some things are "less good" than other things. If you're using an enclosed bin, you don't have to worry about attracting critters. Meat and bones can and will compost, but they might stink, and my open bin would get a bunch of possums or whatever rooting around in it.

As mentioned, avoid any diseased plant material, as the diseases can pass to the soil and infect the next year's plants.

 

[fuzzi]

Have some seeds ordered that should shipbout soon, planning to place another order hopefully soon.

Trying to figure out composting. Every site I look at has different ratios and lists and instructions

There is no one right way to do composting. My mother dug holes around her garden and buried vegetable peelings. It did a great job improving the sandy soil, but it took a few years.

Best way I heard it described is this: leaves and bulky dry are carbohydrates, fresh and wet stuff like kitchen scraps and lawn clippings are protein. Mix equal amounts and keep it moist, not soaking. Turn or stir in air every few days. If it just sits there add more protein. If it's smelly add more carbs.

ETA: Composting works best when the pile is at least 3' x 3'. No fat or bones if it's going to attract vermin.

You'll be fine.

 

[Dough Hill]

Completely understand about the lung damage. Same with myself and much worse with my wife who is on oxygen 24/7 now. We still do a little at a time. Best wishes with your garden no matter how small.

Thank You. I always tell myself I could be a lot worse off like your wife. I just go and enjoy life as much as possible what I can get done then that’s all I can do Thank God I can at least do that.

 

[Dough Hill]

I’m working at the local feedstore/mill again this winter it’s always exciting when the New Seed Packets come in about February. I can’t wait till they do like I need them I bought a lot last year and had plenty left over. I’ll probably buy more this year can’t have enough seeds on hand.

 

[Sally PB]

I just ordered seeds from Sow True Seed (Asheville, NC). They have free shipping through the end of December.

I really like doing business with them. Small business, nice people. Their catalog is full of information about how to save seeds, seed viability, planting guidelines.

I ordered peppers (habaneros, jalapenos, and banana), long beans (totally new to me), kale, spinach, butternut squash, and a couple of other things I've already forgotten.

 

[Nomadicus]

Wow! How many quarts for that?

You can grow a lot of peas for $50! I haven't bought any in many years because they are easy to grow and save seed. Do you can, freeze or dry? I mostly freeze them.

Curious, what variety do you grow? There are so many. I grow a bush type called Top Pick Pink Eye Purple Hull. They are easy to pick and shell and very tasty.

4 as it looks like a gallon ziplock bag.

 

[Debbie292d]

That's because there is a lot of leeway. It's possible, but not easy, to mess up compost. Use what you have that is plant material, or chicken poop, or coffee grounds, or shredded paper, or left over food....

Some things are "less good" than other things. If you're using an enclosed bin, you don't have to worry about attracting critters. Meat and bones can and will compost, but they might stink, and my open bin would get a bunch of possums or whatever rooting around in it.

As mentioned, avoid any diseased plant material, as the diseases can pass to the soil and infect the next year's plants.

We learned even if covered, as ours are two bins that lock and unlock so we can spin them, that we still shouldn't put meat or bones in it. To each their own though. Banana peels w/o the sticker, coffee grounds WITH the filter, and dryer vent fuzz were the weirdest things I learned we could compost but now we throw those in too!

 

[Iluveggers]

I have a big pile at the end of my property against the woods, and we just throw all of the kitchen scraps that the dogs and chickens can’t eat back there. (Avocado pits & peels, molding produce/bread…) in the summer I dump the chicken shavings there during coop cleanouts, but in the winter I pour the daily scoops directly into the garden in one of the rows…it breaks down pretty well before spring, and adds some nutrients before it’s time to plant.

Only problem is I don’t mix it. It’s more just to not make waste. I would love to utilize it, but the ratio seems waaaay off. Dried leaves go into the chicken run, along with grass clippings and pulled weeds…any suggestions?

 

[fuzzi]

We learned even if covered, as ours are two bins that lock and unlock so we can spin them, that we still shouldn't put meat or bones in it. To each their own though. Banana peels w/o the sticker, coffee grounds WITH the filter, and dryer vent fuzz were the weirdest things I learned we could compost but now we throw those in too!

I cut my dh's hair, put the clippings in the compost.

 

[tripletfeb]

I heard, a long time ago, that you can even compost used tampons. Don't think that is something I would ever try