3: Gardening Diaries ...

[Upsy Daisy]

Definitely worth it @BigC!

We have 3 Darlek type ones and a huge one that hubs made from corrugated sheets which is the size of our greenhouse ( in length).

We put the same stuff as @Logan does into the Darlek bins then after a while ( 6-9 mths) these get transferred into the big one .This time of year the big one is used to mulch and bulk up the borders, it's truly lovely looking stuff! Literally hundreds of red worms in it working their magic!

I also sieve some and mix with MPC to sow seeds in.
Wouldn't be without ours.

 

[Perki]

Cloudy again this morning and rain all afternoon up to 7pm, picked up another trough for the strawberries and potted them up, that about it today.

Most has already been said about compost bins, like logan said the sun will warm the bin up and therefore speed up the composting process. I not a fan personally of the darlek bins, they tend to keep the contents to dry if your not careful but better than nothing, nearly anything can be used to make a bin.

Another tip is to cut thing up smaller with shears / lawnmower / shredder it decrease the time for the material to compost drastically. I turn mine now again to get a bit of air into the heap.

I know it sounds odd but composting can be a bit obsessive when you get into it, nearly every bits of waste is looked at - can I compost it

I grow my tomatoes and cucumbers in home made compost, I do feed with tomorite and other feeds as well. I use the rest to mulch veg patch and herbaceous borders.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

Yes agree you do have to monitor the Darlek bins and keep a check on their moisture levels.....but the big homemade ones really take care of themselves.
Well worth making your own @BigC

 

[MaryMary]

I know it sounds odd but composting can be a bit obsessive when you get into it, nearly every bits of waste is looked at - can I compost it

That is no joke!!
https://www.gardening-forums.com/threads/things-i-wouldnt-have-thought-of-composting.13404/


Definitely worth it, @BigC!

 

[Logan]

Morning all

 

[Logan]

Definitely worth it

Yes I could empty mine twice a year and use it as a mulch. Mine is a bit wet but it dries out if I leave it in a open container. I put fruit stones in and sometimes the cherry ones start to sprout.
I know you should turn it, but those bins aren't easy. But it still works, sometimes there's big bits but that doesn't matter for what I want it for.

 

[BigC]

Morning @Logan and the rest of the gardening crew.
Okay! you have convinced me about composting. I only have room for one dalek type bin I would say thats in good sunlight position near the oil tank behind the greenhouse...This would be ideal and accessible...Question now is what NOT to put into a compost bin..any advice on this one, things that definitely should not go into the bin to be composted.. do you have to seed it with anything i.e liquid feed starter or anything (newbie questions) and what do you use as your first layer cardboard?...do they smell badly because it would be right up against a neighbours fence?..Apologies for the novice to composting questions. never envisaged doing this before.

Just been looking online they are pretty expensive for what they are (plastic types)..and the wooden ones even more so....I think I'm going to make my own from old pallet wood or cheap decking boards..yes that would be a better option in my situation. plus I can make it to the size I want that will fit where I want.... See what I can muster up in the comming weeks

I checked last night and there is a total abundance of Strawberry flowers in the hanging baskets, hopefully I will get a good crop this year..last year was the first time I ever grew them outside and the birds got to them first, so back to protective mode.

 

[alp]

Good morning to all: BigC As you have the means and ability, Why not try this one?

Save a lot of space and time

 

[alp]

Good morning: I will be out weeding soon. Hope you all have a good day!

 

[BigC]

I'm liking this @alp Simply because I'm more into wood and may have access to a few spare pallets..I hope

 

[BigC]

Good morning: I will be out weeding soon. Hope you all have a good day!

I read that one wrong..I thought you said you were going to a wedding

 

[Upsy Daisy]

Good morning everyone!

What a lovely looking one it is too!

We are off on a National Trust visit today ,not sure which one but it will be one within an hour's drive. That will blow away the cobwebs!!

Glad to hear that we have managed to enrol you in the C C (Compost Club) @BigC.....welcome!

No they don't smell at all......if you ensure that you only put the right stuff in .
Some people do use an accelerator to help things along, but we have never needed to add anything.

Have a great day!!!

 

[Logan]

Some people do use an accelerator to help things along, but we have never needed to add anything.

You can use rhubarb leaves for a accelerator.

Have a good day Upsy, you need it.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

@Logan...and you too

 

[alp]

I read that one wrong..I thought you said you were going to a wedding

LOL! Finished weeding 5 minutes ago. Also finished lawn mowing and the mercury in me has shot up. Need to do more before being sauna-ed.

Nearly missed your post, @Upsy Daisy ! Where are you going to today?