What Do You Need to Know about Garden Soils and Composting

by Doug
(Somewhere out in Lake Ontario)

So here's step one and what we need to do is figure out what you need to know.

Tell me as clearly as possible what you think would help you have a better garden when it came to soils and compost.

***Do add your note even if another person has said exactly the same thing!****

We can't answer every question or topic so we'll be dealing with those identified by the highest number of people.

To participate, please make a comment below.

Comments for
What Do You Need to Know about Garden Soils and Composting

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manure
by: Anonymous

Just spread it on in the fall ( you don't' want to fertilize edibles with manure that is not composted ) and then till under.

Steer Manure
by: Anonymous

I still have a question as to how I work bagged steer manure into my vegetable garden soil. Is there anyone out there who can answer my question?

Composting unhealthy material
by: Anonymous

In general, I know that unless a compost pile gets very hot (how hot, I'm not sure), one should not compost any diseased plant material. But, to contradict that, I understand that it is OK to compost maple leaves with tar spot so long as the pile is covered in the spring when the spores mature and release. Are there any other exceptions for very common diseases, say mildew or rust ?(I always get rust on my hollyhocks and am afraid to compost their leaves.)

location for compost bin
by: Anonymous

How much sunshine sould a compost pile get to lep it to get to the "right" temperature? I suspect my compost takes so long becuase itis most shaded.

Many thanks!

Mulch
by: Sandy

We get free truckloads of mulch from our town that is from tree trimmings, etc. Some we use as mulch and some gets matured into compost. My question is how good is the compost since it is mostly tree trimmings and no green. Is this a true compost? When shoveling it around plants for fertilizer, do we need to add other things to make it into a true compost? Add things before spreading around plants? How far from the house should we put it to avoid termites, etc., since it isn't treated? There are usually still some small sticks in the compost and mulch which may invite termites, etc. We live in southern IN.

Too Hot?
by: Bette

Can the compost be too hot? I had trouble getting the pile hot enough as I didn't have enough greens. Now that I'm getting the used coffee grounds from Starbucks and layering them with the dry leaves, the pile is really cooking.

compost questions
by: bonnie

I'm still using green plastic cones to compost (waiting for my husband to build me wooden bins). I can't stir them because I can't physically get a shovel in and stir it when it's 4 ft tall and I'm only 5'4...
We layer as much as possible with kitchen waste, garden clippings, dirt and grass clippings. My problem is fruit flies +++.
How do we control them?
When should we water it? (They have lids)

What I have learned
by: Bob Zone8b

End of my first year of gardening and I have learned many things from many people; so I'd like to participate to pass along what i have learned about compost and also to learn what I may not know.

Compost, Worm Castings, & Compost Tea
by: Angie Zone 5

Doug,
My questions are the same as the others. Step by step instructions on making worm casting & how to make compost tea without a pump if possible. Plus, I heard some where that you can use a small barrell to make compost in. I have a barrell that minerals for horses came in. It's 21 in across & 17 in tall. Will this work to start with & I do have several of them? I just had lower back surgery & can't do things the normal way for quite awhile. How can I adjust things so I can do them? I'm speaking of the above & gardening in general.

Thanks for everything that you do for us.

Composted Manure
by: Sarah

I just moved to a new home with space to build some compost bins. I have lots of scrap lumber and would like to build two or three bins. What would be the best way to do this? Do I need a door of some sort in the front, or just at the bottom?

Also I have been buying composted steer manure to put on all of my plants for years now because it is cheap and organic. Is this as effective as compost? I like using it because it won't burn my plants, but I don't know if it will be effective for compost tea. Should I supplement this with purchased compost until my homemade stuff matures?

Oh, and thank you for doing this Doug, I appreciate all your hard work. : )

disadvantages?
by: aluf (Joseph Goldstein)

Is their something in life with no disadvantages. Somehow it's hard to believe. Are there any pitfalls in the short time or long time use of compost. Can you use only compost of do you have to auguement it with some natural fertizers.

No yard waste?
by: Anonymous

Thanks so much for all your hard work trying to help us. I live in a desert area with little to no yard waste. In our small town, I don't think anyone has grass. We don't have many trees and when the leaves drop the wind blows them all over the desert. I've been using weeds as my only source of yard waste but I've heard that's no good unless the pile gets hot enough to kill the seeds. What can we use to replace yard waste in our compost pile?

My other issue has to do with size. I've heard 3'x3'x3' in the minimum size for good heat. But as soon as I get a decent size it deflates and I keep adding more. It's just a cycle where I just can't get it that big.

Thanks again for all your help!

Compost-mixing
by: Phyllis

What do I use to mix the compost? A pitch fork? But then I will mix the diffferent layers and won't be able to use the older mature compost.

How do I prepare grass clippings to add to the compost so they can be counted as "brown". I think you mentioned somewhere putting them in a green bag. What is a green bag?

Thanks so much for all the information you make available to us, Doug, and for the humor that is sprinkled throughout it. I have learned so much!

I recently learned that my township will give residents a composter worth $80 (for free) if they first attend a class on composting. I plan to sign up for the next class! Right now I am using a homemade composter using an inexpensive plastic trash can. Your articles made that possible.

I'm really looking forward to this e-book!

Mixing the Compost in
by: Casey

Ok so I’ve made the compost...and every time I add new plants I mix the compost in the soil and work it up very well before putting in the plants. My question is, what to do with the existing plants, do i need to dig them up to work over the soil? At the moment I am just putting the compost around the existing plants but not working it in... is this the right process?

We are having a very wet year in Zone 5. I have had to move several plants to different areas because they were not draining well and were getting to much water. With all this rain we are getting, do i still add my compost tea? I already have a soggy wet issue. Do I want to add more liquid to the problem?

Doug, I really enjoy your newsletters and eBooks. I wanted to thank you for your knowledge and the humor... for the first time in my life we have a lovely green lawn that our neighbors are jealous of.

Sawdust Soil
by: Judith

So interesting reading through all the questions. I garden on a lot of gravel; it's hard to keep plants watered enough. I made a BIG mistake a few years ago mulching cedar sawdust on my vegetable garden paths which later mixed with the soil. Since then I've hardly had a veggie grow well. Stunted and a waste of my time, energy and money. Well, I learnt that the nitrogen wasn't available. I'm trying to put liquid fish fertilizer on. Do I need to do this all sunmer? Is there another (quick) way to fix this poor garden of mine? One inch beets just don't do it for me! Thank you for these seminars so much.

Additive to compost
by: Fate

What are your thoughts on the commercial accelerators that you can buy to encourage the breakdown in the composter

Clay Soil Amendment
by: Sue

What is the best way to amend/improve clay soil with lots of rock?

Compost
by: pearls

I would like to know
(1) Can cooked veg. be added to compost bin.
(2) What is the correct Soil to plant cacti in.
(3) When the compost bin is full how long do i he to let it sit.
(4) The formula fpr cpmpost tea
THANKS DOUG.

varmints in the composter
by: Dee

I used to have 3 rubbermaid composters going. I would cold compost over the winter and use the compost in the spring. However we live in an area that has black widow spiders and funnel spiders. Now I know that they eat a lot of bugs, but I was terrified to take the lids off of the composters for fear of finding those spiders in there. Also they multiply and when there is no longer room in the composter, they go under the house etc. I'm afraid of getting bitten, especially if they get into the house. I wear gloves and my composters are a ways from the house. We live on a 1/2 acre. They are in the middle part of that. Also how do you keep mice and other rodents out of the bins. One place that we lived, we had big bull frogs or toads get into the bins and I was afraid of forking them when I turned the compose. Well enuf of all that. Thanks for all of your advice and I love your sense of humour.

compost tea
by: Anonymous

I would like a video on how to make compost tea.

compost tea
by: Anonymous

I too would be interested in a video on how to make compost tea.

Can weeds be put into the compost pile? I pull up what might be called field grass......it has long, long, white roots... that I inherited with a load of not so great topsoil. I am reluctant to put it into the compost for fear of it growing, so I end up throwing it out in the garbage.

Composting challenged!
by: Lilia

What is the right percentage of food stuff, garden weeds, leaves and grass clippings? How long does it take for the compost to be ready to use? I've started many, finished none. Mostly because we kept moving but I had one for 2 years and still produced nothing. Is one type of composter easier/better to use than another or does one produce compost faster? Thanks.

Compost tea
by: Pat

Do I need to clear away my wood chip mulch to add compost to my flower beds or will the rain wash it in ? Also is there a way to make compost tea without a pump ?

saving soil from pots & planters
by: chris

1. is it ok to save potted soil from one year to the next?

2. if so, how much and with what do i fertilize?

3. is added compost each year enough?

4. how long can i save soil from my pots and planters?

5. what's this about worms in my compost? we've been composting for years and i have not seen any?

6. even though i crush my egg shells, they do not completely break down from one year to the next. why?

Feeding the worms
by: Betty Jane

I have a worm bin under my kitchen sink and have experimented with an outdoor bottomless bin with redworms (the shredded paper attracted carpenter ants). But what about liquifying vegetable & fruit scraps with water and pouring around plants. I have done this and the worms seem to love it. An especially heavy soil was broken down in 2 years with this method. Is there any negative aspect to this?

composting and clay soil
by: Goodie B.

I am in the process of amending my clay soil on a slope by digging a large area where I want to plant, adding gypsom and bagged compost (Organic Humus and Manure by EarthGro) and mixing it with the clay. I then plant my perennials and shrubs a little high to help with drainage. I won't know until later if my efforts are working.
I also would like to start composting to top-dress in the spring and to continue in the other clay areas that have not been amended to help break it down. So, I am interested in info on all the previous questions mentioned as well the best tumbler-type composter to buy and what volume to expect to make it worthwhile. I do not grow any vegetables, only flowers and shrubs.

Thank you.

Composting Wish List
by: Anonymous

How do I know when my compost is ready to use, i.e., the weeds won't grow after I apply the compost to new beds previously pretty much weed free? Or, should I not be adding weeds to a 4x4x4 slatted bin that I can fill easily in a month. Also have started just a pile or weeds and leaves for the overflow.

Would love a video on making compost tea, to include ideas on ways to do without a pump.

Can I/How to add compost to areas with ground cover.

I have problems with nearby trees and shrubs sending their roots into the bottom of my compost bin making it extremely hard to accomplish turning (rare tho' that event is). Any suggestions?

Thanks for your great advice -- oh so much learned -- oh so much more yet to learn.

Compost
by: Judy 5B

I know I should make my own, but I am overwelmed at the thought. I do not have an "out of the way" sunny location. I have an "out of the way" shady location but I'm thinking you need sun to be successful. Do the bins that you can flip really work, or do you need a stationary pile that has to be turned by hand? We mulch when we mow, so we do not have grass clippings to add to the compost. The only green I would have would be from weeding and deadheading . . .does this work? So is it possible to make decent compost with just weeds/flower cuttings, kitchen scraps, newspaper?

Too much green stuff!
by: Yvonne

I seem to have so much green stuff in my compost from pulling out weeds, and invasive (but loveable plants). I live alone so don't have so much kitchen stuff. Should I add soil to offset all the greens? How much? I've always composted but not very scientifically and feel I should learn more. What about commercial compost "pills" to speed up breakdown?

compost
by: Marilyn Zone 8

I have both a stack & tumbler composter but especially w/ the batch composter rarely seem to have the proper volume and mix of green & brown to cook the material--should I do something else?

I have a worm bin but it doesn't seem that the output will ever be enough to make a difference in anything. How much worm casings is needed to make a difference per sq. foot of garden? Is it better just to spread it around potted plants.

Compost Tea & Mulched Beds
by: JanO

We have added about 3" of free wood chips to all beds to help prevent weeds and add to the soil. I've made one batch of compost tea (used a panty hose leg to hold the mulch) and applied it to the soil before mulching and over the plants. Now that we've mulched, how do I apply the tea, and how frequently should it be done? Does it interfere with the use of fermented salmon fertilizer? How is your new compost bin working? I need one! Zone 5 Burlington WI. Hi Mayo!

Bad Compost?
by: Ken

I have followed Doug's advice for years and have a wonderful garden that everyone loves. The magic is compost, compost compost. I now have a large pile, no worms which is highly unusual. Is ther such a thing as bad compost. Can it sit too long etc.

I purchased the container garden ebook (the original) Doug, do you reccommend that I also purchase the updated book? Is there much more in it?

Thanks, Ken

Gardens,compost, soil & testing
by: Anonymous

Do you really have to test the soil? For what
purpose? Need all the basics and step by step
instructions for gardens, soil & compost

compost
by: Joann

I have had a compost pile for several years. I am like one of the other gardeners in that there is never enough. Just doesn't seem to grow as fast as I would like to use it. It is full of eggshells, kitchen scraps, leaves and grass (cut). Is there anything I can add to it as I grow it to make it compost down faster so it is ready to use?

A Turning compost bin
by: Susan A

When I moved to this place there is a green compose bin in the back yard. The prevous owner said it is supose to make compose within 3 weeks. It is a bin on a frame that you are to turn each day. Sounds great except that it is to hard for me to turn when it gets over the halfway mark. Am I add anything I thionk will compose to it. Am I adding the wrong items or is there something I don't know about as there is no manual.
I have a medium evergreen tree that is showing signs of brown on the tips. I was told it needs ash. I have a fire pit will that ash work? Not sure if this is a compost question or not!
Any help on these two questions would be great.
Keep up the good work we all need you out here.

Enough compost?
by: Janet

How can you ever make enough compost? I have 2 piles and a tumbler but it the piles take months and I only get a wheelbarrow from each. The tumbler is a little faster but again just a wheelbarrow full. Also, if I get horse manure from a friend, how old does it have to be before I can put it on my beds? Can I put it on straight or does it have to go through my compost piles?

Wiggler worms
by: Alex D

I see some small red worms in my compost bin. Can these be used to compost kitchen food waste in a seperate bin? Are these the red "wiggler worms Iv'e read about?

compost pile
by: Anonymous

I have a compost pile that I recently started adding shredded newpaper to, the worm activity and heat have increased after starting this. My question is what types of newsprint is safe to use in the compost?
Great stuff you do Doug!!!!

Mulch
by: Marie

Years and years of organic mulch has seemed to improve my soil. How does that work?

Compost bin
by: Marie

Many years ago I had a compost "pile". I never gave it much thought and used the stuff on the bottom. I remember being terribly annoyed at the roots from surrounding shrubs invading the pile.

Then family and jobs took up too much time and compost went by the wayside. My garden was mostly on it's own.

Now I have a plastic bin from the county extension - not quite a year -but full to the top with layers of chopped cuttings, weeds, scredded leaves, vegetable kitchen scraps and coffee grounds.

I want to buy a thermometer and hand turner. Any suggestions as to what works best? How do I keep the roots out of the compost?

I started using the stuff at the bottom (through a little lift-up door) for compost tea - following your aerobic compost tea recipe. I would like a seminar on compost tea. Your fertile brain always spills out little gems of information.

compost, mulch and soil testing
by: Marion

How do I add compost to an area with groundcover and woodchip mulch?
What is the best way to amend the soil in an area covered with grass and what are the best amendments for healthy grass?
If plants seem to grow OK, how necessary is soil testing?

new zone 8 gardener
by: Anonymous

have recently started a compost pile and don't know what to do with it. does it have to be turned, or what to add. any information would be helpful to this first time composter. also interested in learning about compost tea. how to do it and what are the benefits.

Soils, composting etc
by: Anonymous

Please add all the previous comments plus especially:
1. compost tea
2. worm casting process
3. at home soil sampling/ testing to determine type of soil
THANKS!

Clay soils in garden and pond
by: Nannagrandma

Drainage with clay soils
How do I make new gardens with clay under them? Dig a deep trench and add new triple mix soil? How do I make it drain?

Pond soil question
Can I use some of this clay soil to plant pond plants? What I bought in a bag at the garden center wanted to float away when I repotted some of the new plants. Should I plant in between the rocks or leave them in pots?
Thanks for all your great info, Doug.

Saving container soil
by: Kathy M

Doug, I understand what you said in the container e-letter I received, but what I want to know is, where do you store this soil, once you mix the 1 shovel of compost to 3 shovels of potting soil.

Also, if stored in a garbage container, do I leave it outside, or put it in the shed?

compost
by: Grammadirt Zone 4

My PILES of what compost is suppose to be made of keeps growing bigger but nothing happens to it except become more unmanageable! The only ingredient not readily available is food scraps, there just aren't any in great quantity. Can anything else be used? Our local waste plant collects yard waste and makes compost. Could it be as good to use in place of what I can't seem to make? Will using compost eventually break down hard pan clay soil? Or is there something else that can be used to help amend it without replacing all of the soil in the yard? Not a real option!

Compost questions
by: Anonymous

I purchased a compost tumbler. It is supposed to make compost in a few weeks. My problem is keeping it at the correct moisture--it seems to dry out and never "cook". Are there tricks to this? Is there some guidance as to how small the pieces to be composed should be. I have problems with stems of plants that get caught on the cross bars and prevent the mixing that is supposed to happen.

Is there a way to rescue the dried out mess that I have now? More green? Or just throw it out?

How do I know when compost is finished? Can it have some sticks in it?

Is it a good idea to add egg shells to compost?

Compost
by: Anonymous

Want to know the easiest way to make compost. I just pile everything up, burying the kitchen waste. I don't want to turn it to expose the kitchen waste. It eventually turns to compost but would adding an accelerator help?
Thanks again for your hard work!

Compost tea and compost
by: Elaine

I also would like a demo on making compost tea as well as making a good compost. I have plants growing in my compost and how do you turn over compost that is 4x4x4 in size. I have tendonitis in my arm is there anyway to make this easier

chirt
by: Anonymous

at the end of each shovel full of dirt chirt begind. red rocky hard dry . there is no way to change it because it goes to the center of the earth. ive made the soil on top better. what can i do now

Clay Soil
by: Sheree

My first garden and the only soil type here is clay. This is my second year trying to better the soil with bags and bags of black soil with compost (3 in 1 soil) but would like a alternative or quicker way to combat this soil. My wrist are arthritic and i am having a hard time digging to plant flowers. I am trying to get to the point where i can mulch so i don't need to pull weeds every week. Vicious circle.
Any information would be welcomed.
Thank you.

new garden area
by: Julie G

I have an area that the horses have been living in, and doing what horses do best. I am in the process of moving about a foot of manure and hay off of the ground. It has been there for several years. and is stinky and rotten smelling towards the bottom. The ground is compacted badly, no sign of life. How can I bring this dead earth back to life?

Compost Tea
by: Shirley

....and one more. I'd like a demo on compost tea and how to put together the "gubbins" for making it without buying a compost tea maker. i.e. aerator, garden hose, 5 gallon pail, and so on. Seeing how much bubbling is just right would be very helpful.

Composting and Soil
by: Ruth Lee

I would like to know the best way to start a compost bin. I don't like pests to get into it. I have kitchen scraps, cuttings from the garden, and leaves to use every fall (bags, bags, and more bags - Maple leaves, from 9 huge trees) Also what type of ratio is best for raised beds and once mulched the best way to keep nutrients in the soil. Thanks.

Vermicomposting
by: Heather Black

I'd like to know more about vermicomposting, in the house and out. A demonstration would be great, too!
Also, how am I supposed to add compost when I already have an established garden covered in mulch? It seems like a lot of work.

John B
by: Anonymous

I have spent about 10 years augmenting aged horse manure and staw to clay soils. It is better to a limited degree now. However, I have since planted prennials in this very large bed and covered it with about 3 inches of bark mulch. How do you augment this soil with compost once one has put that much mulch on or do you forget it?

Lotsa stuff
by: Shirley

What is colloidal compost? This one has me stumped!

Can one make "bad" compost? ...as long as it doesn't go anerobic and smell?

This spring I had a brilliant yellow blob (moist) grow out of my leaf mold under some sunflower seeds that the squirrels had deposited there. It surfaced when I pulled the seedlings. Then over about a day or two grew into a large, about 15 inch diameter, amorphous beige blob that looked vaguely yeasty or fungussy, then dried out and disappeared. Any ideas???

Do you add dolomitic lime to sweeten compost to be used on beds that don't tolerate acid?

Now that I have great hummusy soil in my beds, what can I do for clay for my pond plants?--do I really need to buy the stuff?

I've "robbed" my veggie bed many times for soil for containers and such which I now know is a no-no and I should have been using a peat based soiless mix. The result is that my veggie beds are almost all compost and peat moss. I still seem to grow OK veggies; should I do anything to make them better??? The reverse problem to most people's beds!!!

Is the value of compost and compost tea as good as well-rotted manure in terms of nutrient value?

That's all for now. Are people who were in the first Seminar automatically registered for this one or do we have to register again?

lazy woman's compost
by: Carole

How about some composting information done the lazy way (via Helen and Scott Nearing). I have 4 bins (4 x 4) going which I do absolutely nothing to exceprt add more stuff, green, fresh, brown, dry. whatever comes out of the yard/ garden that day. Then it just sits for 3-4 years, no turning, no nothingI Just sift it and use. Thats all. As I don't care about wildlife gertting into it, I add meat scraps, bones, etc. whatever my animals don't eat. I have been doing it this lazy way for 15 years with great results. Maybe some of the "time/energy" challenged gardeners would compost more if there was less time and energy invested. I am curious.

compost and soil
by: Anonymous

#1 I'd like to know how to hot compost quickly from start to finish in a plastic bin.

#2 I'd like to know about some common compost problems and how to slove them

#3 Can I spread compost over the top of a wood chip mulch?

#4 how do I keep the soil in my raised vegtable be from settling?

#5 what are some common soil born insects and diseases and How do get rid of them.

#6 How do I grow hardy cacti in poorly drained clay soil.

#7 (related to #6) How do I improve clay soil's draniage

#8 How do I improve the soil in an existing perenial bed.

#9 what can I add to my soil to improve it.

#10 should I ammend the soil were I plant natives.

Compost Additives
by: Skydog

What, if anything, can you add to your compost pile to speed up the process?

soils & composting
by: Betty Jane

1. How can I make a lot of compost quickly? I only have fall leaves and occasional grass clippings and vegetable scraps.

2. My soil is dark, loose and loaded with worms. Is this an indication of good soil, great soil? Or no indication at all?

3. What is needed to maintain great soil?

4. Vermicomposting may be outside of your interest/area but I have a small bin under my kitchen sink with red worms. I feed them and they give me castings, which I use in my plantings. But it is a slow process. Any ideas?

compost
by: diane zone 6

best and easiest way to store compost - bins opposed to piles. How often to apply

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Doug Green