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Micks Garden
Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree
Joined: 24 Jan 2017
Posts: 66
Location: Ennis
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 Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2017 12:22 am Post subject: Free Carbons |
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I have been hither and thither for a few days collecting material for the next hot compost heap, the greens are always easy to find but the (free) browns can be a problem . So here is a secret ingredient for this time of year.
Washed up river reeds.
If you live near a lake, take a walk , you will find areas where this stuff gathers in quantity.
I make heaps during winter 60% spent reeds 20% fresh horse manure 20% raw seaweed . This stuff is ready in about six weeks, up to now I have used it on perennial / shrub beds but this year I am going to try it on veg.
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tagwex
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 23 Feb 2010
Posts: 5188
Location: Co. Wexford
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| Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2017 9:58 am Post subject: |
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Nice one, good tip.
_________________
“It’s my field. It’s my child. I nursed it. I nourished it. I saw to its every want. I dug the rocks out of it with my bare hands and I made a living thing of it!”
This boy can really sing http://youtu.be/Dgv78D2duBE |
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kindredspirit
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 2300
Location: Mid-west.
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Micks Garden
Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree
Joined: 24 Jan 2017
Posts: 66
Location: Ennis
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| Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2017 11:08 am Post subject: |
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| kindredspirit wrote: | | I'm amazed that reeds would decompose in 6 weeks. If they have, then good on you. Do you add anything to the mix as an accelerant? |
I use a hot composting method no accelerator needed.
If the heap is big enough 4f X 4 x 4 it will heat up in three days , from day 4 to day 15 you could nearly cook your dinner on it .
My heaps take about four weeks composting then two weeks cooling - from there you can use it.
If you google hot composting you will find sites which claim to produce lovely fine compost in 18 days and yes if you get your Carbon / Nitrogen ratios 100% right and chop the material in to tiny bits this is possible.
After six weeks mine is still rough looking but is cooked and usable .
I expect to put the next one together tues / weds I might make a video .
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Sue Deacon
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 31 Dec 2014
Posts: 2029
Location: West Fermanagh
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| Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2017 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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Very impressive, 6 weeks! I know stuff decomposes quicker when it's chopped up. Dave bought me a shredder for Christmas 2015 - I've yet to use it.  I must make it a priority - it's obviously worth it.
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Be noble, for you are made of stars |
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Ado 2
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 15 May 2015
Posts: 1204
Location: Dublin
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| Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2017 7:45 am Post subject: |
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| Goid post. I see people using shredders to put a mulch over their plants too
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Micks Garden
Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree
Joined: 24 Jan 2017
Posts: 66
Location: Ennis
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| Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 7:28 pm Post subject: |
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| Sue Deacon wrote: | | Dave bought me a shredder for Christmas 2015 - I've yet to use it. . |
I'm on the look out for a cheap 2nd hand, how you fixed  .
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Sue Deacon
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 31 Dec 2014
Posts: 2029
Location: West Fermanagh
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| Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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Nope, sorry!
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Good guy
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 11 Feb 2013
Posts: 2593
Location: Donegal
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| Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2017 8:40 am Post subject: |
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My electric shredder jammed (again!)on some too-tough stuff a few years ago and I've not bothered to clear it. These days I run over stuff with the lawnmower which does a pretty good job of reducing bulk and enabling faster decomposition.
Now the shredder is just taking up room in the shed - I suppose I could clear it and flog it/ give it away?
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tagwex
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 23 Feb 2010
Posts: 5188
Location: Co. Wexford
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| Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2017 8:57 am Post subject: |
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Electric shredder? Does it run on paddy power or orange juice?
Take it apart and unclog it, no point in having it otherwise.
_________________
“It’s my field. It’s my child. I nursed it. I nourished it. I saw to its every want. I dug the rocks out of it with my bare hands and I made a living thing of it!”
This boy can really sing http://youtu.be/Dgv78D2duBE |
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Sue Deacon
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 31 Dec 2014
Posts: 2029
Location: West Fermanagh
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| Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2017 9:57 am Post subject: |
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Or sell it to Mick?
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Be noble, for you are made of stars |
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Blowin
Rank attained: Vegetable garden tender
Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 930
Location: Drimoleague, Co Cork
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| Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 5:28 am Post subject: |
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That's a long hike from Donegal to Ennis?
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A novice gardener on newly cultivated, stoney ground. |
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Greengage
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 09 Nov 2011
Posts: 3129
Location: Kildare
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Sue Deacon
Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 31 Dec 2014
Posts: 2029
Location: West Fermanagh
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| Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:16 am Post subject: |
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I don't know who scares me more, Trump or that looney in North Korea?
As for Climate Change, 'global warming' is one thing, but the world's climate has ALWAYS changed - it's what it does - change. If it didn't we wouldn't be here to argue about it. 
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Be noble, for you are made of stars |
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Micks Garden
Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree
Joined: 24 Jan 2017
Posts: 66
Location: Ennis
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| Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:29 am Post subject: |
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| Blowin wrote: | | That's a long hike from Donegal to Ennis? |
Its a long, long way from there to to Clare .
We have come a long way from hot composting reeds.
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