Expert: Greg - 11/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Greg,

I just started gardening at the beginning of this year.  I'm very excited to see my plants when they come up next spring and have a question.  Can I throw eggshells, celery, other throw away greens in with the mulch with my garden without letting them decompose first?  Or do I have to make sure they are well-composted until I put them in my garden area?  

Looking forward to your reply,

Lynn

ANSWER: Hello Lynn


Sorry for the delay, I was having log-in Issues.


As matter decomposes, it takes nutrition from the soil to complete the process. This could cause problems as this robs available N-P-K and the plants could suffer. Composting these first, before you use it, solves this. Eggshells take a while to break down, but add Calcium back to the soil, and don't be alarmed at that, it's ok for them not to fully Decompose as you add Compost back into the Soil.


The Best of Luck

   Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Greg. Can you tell me the best/easiest way to compost?  I used to chop up the stuff and throw them into a pile in the backyard, but grass eventually swallowed it up and I ended up mowing over my pile.  I don't want to purchase a compost bin either.  Any suggestions?

Thank you

Lynn

Answer
Hello again Lynn


There are many Variables in this question like, How much matter are you Composting? this determines the size that you require. If you are just chopping up your Kitchen Wastes, the size of your Compost Pile need not be so big, as it becomes a Chore, and neglected. Something as simple as a Plastic Garbage Can, with holes drilled on the Top, and Bottom, and a few on the Sides, is an inexpensive Composting Bin. This will run less than 20 Dollars. Add some sawdust or leaves in with the Kitchen Scraps, a little at a time, roll it around every week or so, and you have a Composting Bin.



Greg