posted
I was just wondering if this would be good enough for the garden compost? I made it so I can remove the top. I sifted all the large things out......And I am going to build a bigger bin for compost and leave this one just for sifting?? What do you think?
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
That looks great Rita! I would only be worried about those sharp edges of the screen with your boys. It would cause a bad scratch if they ran around it and into it.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Ohh I snipped those off and bent them under Triss No more sharp edges!! But that is not an area that they are allowed to go either!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
Well that is good. You know me, ever the momma.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Welllll I must say!! after scratching myself on it that, I would of killed myself If I didn't bend it down
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
I bet. I know when we put up he fence at my in-laws house, I got several scratches. Not very fun at all!
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Looks good to me as long as it will stay in place when you toss the compost on it. I couldn't see how it was attached. I know what I use is a heavy gage sheet metal and it bend when I dump a pile of compost on it. And being rather weak my shovel fulls aren't heaping lol.
I have to say that when I sift I put the sifte on the top of one of those garbage cans on wheels. That way I can easily transport the finished compost to where ever I want to use it. So far that has worked out really well. And I don't have to shovel it up twice. I love saving myself work lol.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.72.131
posted
Thanks Tammy.. I screwed it to the other side to where I can remove the wire for easy shoveling... Problem is I didn't let it rest so now I think i have to re-add the big stuff and let it "rest" ... But am unsure of how long Do you know?? It did work very well though..I used a small garden rake to move it across the holes..
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
you don't have to add anything to it. Just leave it alone for a while and then use it. I think that's what Weezie means. Me I can never do that. As soon as I sift it I use it lol. Today I was out there adding some to our rain burm so that it looks pretty rather than all gravelly. And then I added some to the crocuses and daffodil bed. I still need to put more out there but it was getting a little warm out there so I came in. Then I'll put some in the container where the hollyhocks were. They ate a bunch of the soil I had in that contain and I'll have to add more to get it back up to the level I like to have it in there. I'm thinking of pulling up the marigolds in that container and putting something else in there. The marigolds are so spidermite eaten that they look dead. Ooooops off topic sorry.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.72.131
posted
I think it is all on topic!! Have you noticed a big difference since using the compost??
I gotta build another bin..think I will go with a 4x5 this time .. Just so I always have some on hand!! I hope there is enough leftover wood hahaa!! It would be easier to scoop from one right into the sifter and use right out of the box!!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
That does sound like a good system. But remember the optimal size is 3 by 3 by 3 feet. The 7 footers and larger can actually self combust. Or so I read somewhere.
Lets see as far as a difference. Remember I started with nothing but a clay embankment. With the compost the soil is softer, the weeds are much easier to pull up. The soil holds the moisture a little longer rather than all just running off before it soaks in. Making planting holes is much easier. And I have a hole bunch more tomatoes on my plants this year than I did last year.
Also I was able to grow chinese lanterns in 100 percent compost that I couldn't get to grow in the clay at all.
Of course I haven't been able to make much compost so we are only talking about 1 inch coverage over the entire bed for last and this growing season. Where ever I move I hope to be able to do closer to 1/2 compost to 1/2 garden soil in all the beds per year. But of course that won't be here because of the road widening.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.78.253
posted
Ohhh I don't have enough room for a larger one! I thought it would be easier to turn if it were a bit larger though! I noticed that the greens didn't turn as well as I wanted them to...
How do you do yours??? Like a lasagna bed or just toss stuff in? I just tossed and hoped for the best and 2 months later there it was..I did turn it offen too!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
Greatttttttt lookin' Sifter.. One question... Did you add more of those pieces of wood on the top of it, *I see only one*... For me, I would have made it so ther'es a bowl like, *I'll post a picture of mine to get an idea of what I am talking about (*ohhhhhhhh how I dislike typing sometimes and no pen and paper..*)
Okay got the photo... A bowl like, so that what I have a load of compost in there and I start sifting, it doesn't get lost over the edges... Does that make sense???
That reallllllly is a spiffy idea...
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
Well I did not add more wood but.... I have it so the wire droops and it is not extended totally to the front... I wanted to keep it so I would be able to easily remove the top so I would be able to shovel it out easily.. should take more Pictures Huh so you can see what I am talking about..
Back in a bit!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
I use a rake back to separate it.. And the top opens
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
I see how it goes now... You do small little loads, it's lower in the middle.... so it stays in the middle..
and the one side flips up to be able to get inside....
For me and when I have happy helpin' hands, I have to have sides on it, or else they'd be flippin' allllll my compost all over the place.. *without guidelines to keep it inside...*
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
worked pretty good I must say!..I am sure I will make ajustments as I go along!
PS can you send some of those helpers???
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
quote:Originally posted by SpringFever: PS can you send some of those helpers???
Ohhhhhhh Spring, you might not want them the whole day.... They're pretty good in the very beginning... but then they tend to like to start flicking it at each other... or having trowel wars, "Luke, here is your compost" *like Darth Vader*, or then start digging tunnels in it, and you're not allowed to sift into there, Mom!!! I just f@rted, and oh, they're a scream alright...I tell them they are lucky they are soooooo cute...
Keep me posted if you make any other adjustments.. That really is a neat getup you have there....
*what kind of wood did you make it out of?*
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
Plain ole 2x6 treated wood ... I plan on putting some type of cover on it though... on account my 4 year old, wanted to fill his little dump truck with my compost!!
OK you can Keep them Weezie.. I think I have the same kids Including My husband!!
I have thought of a few ajustments I may do...But I want to build My new bin first... so I know I have enough wood left over! if I decide to do any!!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
Only for the flowers ... I know about the chemicals in the PTL so I would never use it around any food types! they don't grow worth a hill of beans in my yard either!
The only area that Might be good is in the very front and People would just take it anyhow!!
I say the same thing to My Husband too
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
Thanks! Angel are you lugging it home with you?
Weezie Had to do it fast !! Stuff was piling up!
Ohhh I got the mother load of leaves!! Nice soggy on the forest floor!! I am gonna mow them and throw them hehee!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
I am very Excited!! I have already used up all the last batch of compost!! I hope there is enough time to make some more this year!! That is why I am gonna chop it all up small!!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
The last batch took me only about 6 weeks not tooo tooo bad .... All free to me Keith would so never get me a tumbler! I just make sure I turn it every day with my garden claw...It really works well to chop and mix things up! And keep it damp..That is all I can do at this point!! For the amount of land I have I am sure this will be fine for me! Unless I just get totally addicted to making dirt
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
Yeah Keith is about the same.... DO I have to save THIS or that... YES you do!! How do you expect me to save on my gardening if you do not contribute!! Ohh and the Do I have to bag the grass!! Ummmm YES haha
The tumbler does sound quite nice though! How long does it take?? Would mine work faster if I put a top or plastic over it??
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
I don't chop my stuff up like you're supposed to..*really small* I don't have time these days.. but it works nice.. It does take a bit to get used to a different way of composting though.. not the same as on the ground composting... but once you get both bins set up and working and the first dumping from each bin, it's alot easier... *the inside of the bins are filled with the microbes and such... and is easier to get the next bins/load started...*
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
I did dump the bigger things in the new bin.. I remember you saying about the microbes before..But I am sure it will help out..the wood I used was sitting in a pile of leaves and such for 3 years..
I think it might of absorbed some of the beneficial Hoping though!
Tomorrow I am planning on getting some of those leaves and dirt mowing them up
I know I am not doing it perfect!! Worth a shot..Hoping for a jump start for next spring!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
OHH No I said there room for you Here to build mine I have an extra bed room , plenty of wood and many a nail and a hammer thats calling your name RR-IIIII-T-AAAA !!!
posted
Thanks there Angel!! A vacation without kids hmmm sounds nice and quiet!!..
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
posted
On the composting Tumbleweed tumbler: A-1 product! I like it because it's off the ground (no ants). It took me more than a year to get excellent composted goodness from mine. I don't cut anything up from the kitchen (oops). Maybe I should!
I used this batch in the tomato and watermelon garden. The crops looks gorgeous and healthy. Can't wait for harvest!
Years ago I bought 5 square rain barrels. They didn't get used for rainwater so I use them as compost bins. Two side by side, and they stand about 4' tall. They come apart easily so I can pitchfork the contents into the assembled one a couple of times over the summer. I keep a few others around the garden for clipping, etc. They're black, absorb the heat from the sun and I leave them open for the rain. So far, this portable system has worked for me.
SpringFever, your bins are a work of art! That was a tremendous effort!
* * * * Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album Plants: 13562 | From: Lawrence,Ma | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 66.31.21.34
login | 
| 
| 
![[thumb]](graemlins/thumb.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
Do you know?? It did work very well though..I used a small garden rake to move it across the holes..
I use a rake back to separate it..
![[grin]](graemlins/grinnnn.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
cute... ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[shocked]](graemlins/shock.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[clappy]](graemlins/claps.gif)
![[flower]](graemlins/flower.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[scaredy]](graemlins/scaredy.gif)
![[perplexed]](graemlins/dingbat.gif)
from him when I talk compost...
Printer-friendly view of this garden