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My compost pile: What do I do?

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Posted by sunriseonthehill 6 (My Page) on
Sun, Apr 12, 09 at 15:25

Hello there,
I have accumulated my grass cuttings and vegetable scraps and maple tree leaves in my yard since last summer.
I didn't turn it over as frequently as I needed to.
Now, It looks like as I uploaded. But I don't know if it is ready to put in my garden or if should I wait sometime until it gets flatter? I mixed it some today and I saw lots of fat worms and leaves still inside.
I would appreciate any input. I'm a very inexperienced gardener.
Thank you!

Image link: My compost pile: What do I do? (35 k)

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RE: My compost pile: What do I do?

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Sunrise, I would let it sit for a few more weeks, then chck it again.

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RE: My compost pile: What do I do?

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It sounds like it should be turned and sit a bit more, but I'm surprised.
Grass breaks down very quickly --- if you put grass in there last fall it should be gone (unless not turned over and aerated properly). Ditto on maple leaves --- they are far less fibrous then, say, oak or hickory leaves and break down pretty quickly.
Are you spading the pile (turning it inside out)? A pile of materials that is truly 'composting' gives off a lot of heat. If you get to the middle of your pile, and don't notice any warmth, it's not breaking down. You'll also get that nice earthy smell (well, not everyone likes the odor) of organic materials breaking down. 0
The other option, if you need to get out there and prep, is to add what you have to the garden and till it. It will definitely break down once mixed with the garden soil.

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RE: My compost pile: What do I do?

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Your compost is not completely finished.

Though you can put partially finished compost in the garden.

  
 

 

 


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