how long does it take to use in the garden? it's only about 8 mos. old; (our compost pile) and my hubby wants to use it. i thought the standard time was 18 mos. i started a new pile in an old automatic washer tub. thanks! Oh, our pile is about 4 feet high, about 2 feet around.

-- jeannie (mmp@theofficenet.com), March 24, 2001

Answers

Jeannie, I would make your pile bigger arround so it will heat up more. As far as how fast you can use it. We use ours as fast as 3 months. It all depends on how much the pile heat up(ours about 165) and how it looks. If it's brown and crumpy, it's ready.

-- David in NH (grayfoxfarm@mcttelecom.com), March 24, 2001.

Wish I could help you Jeannie, but I don't know annything about composting. I want to get started though but don't know where to begin. I hope you don't mind me posting a few questions here (rather than starting a new thread). I live in the city and have a VERY small plot (about 8 - 10' x 6') in which to even attempt to grow a few veggies. I have had no luck in the past 2 - 3 years and I know my soil needs HELP. I would love to know in what type of container etc., could I get started with a SMALL composting project? I have a small screened in back porch (patio), but whatever I put it in must be closed or I'll have all the neighborhood critters camping out here. What "ingredients" should I start with (I've heard NO animal by- products)and what would be my daily requirements with it? I have seen these little "crocks" that you can put on your kitchen counter to put your daily kitchen "scraps" in until you get them out to your composting pile (quite pricey - about $40.00 or so ). Do I need something so expensive and fancy or would a large coffee can under the kitchen sink work just as well? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

-- Greenthumbelina (sck8107@aol.com), March 24, 2001.

David's answer about 3 months was a good one.We use ours,as we need it,whatever the age.Compost of any age is better than no compost.And yep,you do need to make the next pile larger.

-- JT (gone2seed@hotmail.com), March 24, 2001.

Depends on what all is in it.... A regular pile should be ready in three or so months if its big enough to really heat up. If not, brown and crumbly as was said.

Coffee grounds, egg shells, shredded paper can be used immediately without being composted. Rabbit manure can be used fresh as a top dressing or dried and turned into the soil. Let chicken manure compost a couple weeks and or dry out thoroughly.

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), March 26, 2001.