2020 Garden changes

[Irving]

The chicken poop was really helping with the moisture, but they are gone now. The bottom half is wet, and top half dry. I could/should use my rain barrel to add to the water. Maybe if I get lucky, I can keep on top of it and have something usable by May. Work has completely stopped, so I've got nothing else to do.

[MrPrena]

Without having a agricultural sub, price of water will be crazy.
I know a lady in aurora who hobby garden and convert majority of her backyard. She does provide small local markets with vegetables.
Not a lot of $ unless done on scale.

[buffalobo]

Turning and working it is key. I prefer to to dig a pit about 1' deep and what ever area you desire. Use the spoil to mix with composting material. Mound it from edge to center up to depth of pit above grade(1' deep pit + 1' mound = 2' total). Turn it weekly, add moisture after turn as needed, cover lightly with soil/leaves or tarp. It helps keep in moisture and heat, just don't let it smolder or catch in fire.

Depth or size of pit depends on your needs. I work mine with loader on my small tractor. I also chop/chip any branches/brush. Limbs take too long to decompose.

[Irving]

I've definitely find that limbs take too long. My pit is so large it is not easily managed.

[clodhopper]

I've definitely find that limbs take too long. My pit is so large it is not easily managed.

Consider reorganizing your system to a sequential one. Run several small piles of different ages rather than a single overwhelming one. In your current situation, decide what size mound you can work with what is available to you. Then break up your big one into smaller piles. Let some of them sit dry for the time being and focus on one or two. Keep the moisture up and turn them. As those start breaking down and making progress, add another pile to your schedule. Then, going forward, build one small pile at a time with waste, but keep the pile sizes manageable. One huge pile that is ignored does no good.

[Irving]

I don't have the space for multiple piles unless I get into it like a party time job. I think keeping on top of it and rotating once a week will make it easier than trying to flip a block that's been compressed for months at a time.

[clodhopper]

I don't have the space for multiple piles unless I get into it like a party time job. I think keeping on top of it and rotating once a week will make it easier than trying to flip a block that's been compressed for months at a time.

[Irving]

Not really. That's my problem. Heh.

[Gman]

A digging fork helps make pretty quick work of turning it.

[mindfold]

Soooo now this has been totally hijacked, No way in hell can you offset and/or grow more zucchini are my choices.


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