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Fruit Pile

Posted by kittens Zone 6 (My Page) on
Wed, May 11, 11 at 22:28

My neighbor has started a 'compost' pile which is consisting of hard to break down fruits and vegetables (corn cobs, watermelons) tossed on the ground about 5 feet from my compost piles. I'm concerned about vermin (rats, mice, skunks, woodchucks, etc.) coming into my yard and also making a home in my compost. I have a leaf pile which I layer greens in throughout the season for compost the following year. Since I have limited greens and don't stir, it doesn't cook at high temps very long. (I do bury food scraps in it once and awhile, too). Are the critters going to camp out for warmth in my compost? Should I not put food it it anymore?


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Fruit Pile

I would not stop adding the kitchen waste on the off chance the vermin your neighbors garbage pile will attract might also visit yours. Any vermin that come in will be more interested in your neighbors pile thent they would be in yours.


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RE: Fruit Pile

It pains my heart when humans regard wild animals as "vermin."

Anyway, few fruit break down faster than watermelon.


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RE: Fruit Pile

Okay, thanks kimmsr. I'm going to keep composting as usual. Now that I think about it, last year I found corn husks in various places in my yard. I actually thought he was throwing them over my fence but there must have been a pile I didn't see and vermin just took it and ran. My pile was indeed critter free this Spring :).


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RE: Fruit Pile

lisascenic

"It pains my heart when humans regard wild animals as "vermin."

Wow. I wish everyone thought like you.


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RE: Fruit Pile

well, not everyone does.


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