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Posted: Apr/30/2007 1:35 PM PST
hello all! My name is Aisling and I am a complete beginner at all gardening subjects, but am looking forward to learning much to come as I start my first garden ever. My mom and I also started a compost pile, but quickly realized we were in over our heads. WE literally just threw anything that wasn't plastic or meat products into our pile (it is mainly veggies and fruits). Soon after I realized we were doing this all wrong, and took a look inside our make shift compost bin. We have attracted maggots (I know, it's disgusting) and now I am just not sure if there is a way I can work with them or if I should immediately scratch the whole compost pile and start anew, with a compost recipe. Would it be allright if I just added a dirt mixture to this pile? Or are maggots a serious problem that has to be delt with in a different manner. Any suggestions? Thank you! |
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Posted: Apr/30/2007 1:44 PM PST
Hi and welcome to GG! I can't help you with your question. However, there is a whole section on composting that may have the answer to your question. Here is the link (cut and paste into your browser): http://my.gardenguides.com/forums/forum/240 |
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Posted: Apr/30/2007 2:20 PM PST
Here's an easy way to start. Save all your kitchen peelings, chop them up in a food processer, and dig them right into the soil. I only use garden trimmings and leaves in my compost. I don't have a compost bin and would rather not have to turn it, keep it moist, and keep the right ratio of greens to browns. I always thought it sounded too complicated! I think my method is called slow composting. |
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Posted: May/30/2007 11:41 AM PST
Like you, I compost everything that isn't meat/dairy that comes from my kitchen, mixed in with yard waste, weeds, etc. I suspect the maggots are a result of the pile being too wet, under-aerated, or both. The piles I keep get too hot for the maggots. (By the way, they are actually aiding the compost process and are not actually doing any harm. Unfortunately, they turn into flies, and that can be a problem.) Try turning the pile with a spading fork a little more often to keep it loose, and bury the kitchen scraps well into the pile. If that doesn't work, try the direct composting method mentioned earlier. If you have earthworms in your garden, they'll make short work of those kitchen scraps. |
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Posted: Jul/05/2007 7:23 AM PST
You don't stir or turn your compost? Do you do anything besides throw stuff in there? Have you been sucessful? |
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Posted: Jul/05/2007 10:42 AM PST
Mo, start making a pile. If you're not using a mulching mower, put your lawn clippings in the pile. Throw on top any plants you cut back. You can add weeds without seedheads. Keep your kitchen scraps and coffee grounds in a closed container--we keep ours in the fridge. Cut everything into pieces or chop them in a food processor. When your pile starts to build, put your kitchen scraps at the bottom. In the fall, don't bag your leaves--run the lawn mower over them and rake them into your pile. That's what will make up most of your compost. Keep everything moist and turned. You'll have compost for next spring. I'm not sure if there's anything special you need to do for your winters. Mine just sits and decomposes. |
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Posted: Jul/07/2007 9:18 AM PST
Do you have it in a bin? I would need a closed bin otherwise the dog will be in it. |
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Posted: Jul/07/2007 10:30 AM PST
No, it's a pile on the side of the house, next to my neighbors who never weed. 
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Posted: Jul/07/2007 11:01 AM PST
Aren't you worried their weed seeds will get in it? |
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Posted: Jul/07/2007 1:27 PM PST
It's the only place I have for it. I'll just have to deal with any weeds that overwinter. |
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