Comments on: The Sandbox Self-Fertilizing Garden

By: Cindy Smith

Cindy Smith — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:35:46 +0000

…wondering what you do with this trench from year to year? Does this trench eventually turn completely to soil without tilling or double digging? I have a large garden (no raised beds) and am going to try this trenching. I will only have my own organic waste from our household and grass clippings but feel it will be sufficient for one trench per season. Any thoughts? I also produce sawdust in my woodshop and wonder if you have had any experience with using wood dust to composting or mulching. Thx

By: James gardener

James gardener — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:03:46 +0000

“For those of you who don’t have access to a large organic wastestream, it might not make much sense to install as extensive trench system “…..

I’m guessing that most house holds would be able to generate enough green waste for this size garden. If not, you could probably use a pea straw and lucerne mix rather than plian straw. It would probably add more nitrogen to the soil.

What do you guys think?

By: Compost Guy

Compost Guy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:13:21 +0000

Hey Uncle B – that’s definitely something I’ve been looking into and well..uhh…experimenting with a little bit myself (going to be writing more about it soon). I found a great book several years ago called “Liquid Gold – The Lore and Logic of Using Urine to Grow Plants”, and it’s inspired me to be a little more open-minded about this stuff.
Aside from lots of nitrogen in urine, one should also be consider the salt content – some plants are definitely more tolerant than others.
Anyway – thanks for sharing your thoughts!
8)

By: Uncle B

Uncle B — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:05:41 +0000

Humanure, urine specifically, diluted well, can provide a healthy boost of nitrogen and phosphorous to any garden. Don’t be squeamish, and do not use solids without first treating them to a long and separate composting. Urine has been used for ages, especially in harder times when commercial fertilizers get expensive. Don’t apply Urinee just before plants bear fruit, as it is very high in nitrogen. Happy Gardening!

By: John P

John P — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:49:06 +0000

Great blog post! I love learning about this online as gardening/landscaping are not only hobbies of mine but I actually do a little bit of work like that during the summer months as a second job. I appreciate your content in your blog and wish that you would keep up the good work

By: Manure Magic

Manure Magic — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:47:52 +0000

Hi Compost Guy,

Brilliant stuff, I just love what the lowly worm can do with “rubbish”.

For any UK readers based in the cities, we can supply composted cow manure to “feed” your worms, comes with some starter worms

Keep up the good work Compost Guy, lets not fill the landfills.

Cheers

By: Compost Guy

Compost Guy — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:13:47 +0000

Thanks Hannah – much appreciated. If you knew me better, you’d change your mind about the “better than ‘good’ gardener” bit!

By: Hannah

Hannah — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:55:42 +0000

This is fantastic, I think encouraging more and more use of natural fertilising gardens is great. Also using your clay soil tyo your advantage…Id say you were a little better than “good” gardener! Keep up the good work I say!

By: Compost Guy

Compost Guy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:36:53 +0000

Tanner – all I did was send the restaurant an email inquiring about taking some of their wastes. I’m sure many of these businesses would be happy to give the stuff to anyone who wants it – especially if it reduced their labour/costs etc. Also gives them something to brag about (“hey look at us – we’re green”)

SJ – I would imagine that within a month you should start to see material that looks like compost down in the bottom. They certainly help to accelerate the decomposition of waste materials. You’ll find that there are lots of worms in the material though, so you may need to lay it out on a tarp in the sun and gradually remove compost from the top (worms will bury down) – this will help dry it out as well.
Make sure you don’t add too much stuff to your bin at once – if it heats up to much you may have some cooked wormies!

By: SJ Chapman

SJ Chapman — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:49:29 +0000

Hey this is so great. I just started vermicomposting in a bin in my “yard” (I live in brooklyn so my yard is a few slabs of concrete fenced off from the sidewalk). I bought my bin 1 month ago and have been adding just enough N+C that it doesn’t stink. Its about 1/2 full, and I just added worms Saturday… how long til I open the little door on the bottom of the bin and reach in and pull out compost? A month? 3? Do you have any estimation?

Every time I dump something in there and turn it the dogs run behind me while I’m going “time to feed the wormies!”

Thanks!
SJ