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Composting Basics If there is one undertaking that everyone has a special recipe for it has to be the making of compost. Any organic material is suitable for the purpose, from food scraps, grass cuttings, prunings and leaf rakings, to animal manures and blood and bone. You can even use paper and any natural fibres such as wool and cotton. These materials will all break down to form a rich and crumbly compost, ideal for use as garden soil enrichment, plant food and as mulch.

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Copyright (c) 1990-2002, Brian Rondel,GrowIt Gold, Innovative Thinking Software, All Rights Reserved

• Keep your compost moist but not wet.
  As the decomposition process gets underway, heat is generated which helps the material to break down. This heat serves to kill any weed seeds, virus diseases and fungus that may be present.
  Preferably have at least two heaps, bins or boxes in use at the same time so that a cycle can be established to provide a constant supply. (see graphic illustration) One bin is used for new material while the other is maturing. About three weeks after starting a new bin, fork the contents from the top and sides of the mature heap onto the new one and cover with a layer of soil and straw. Alternatively the top and side layers can be used to start a new heap, when this top layer becomes the bottom layer of the new heap.
  An eight to fourteen week cycle is normally required in good weather to fully decompose the contents of a new heap.
• If odour becomes a problem, sprinkle a thin dusting of agricultural lime on the heap.
  Also apply a dusting of blood and bone and ash to help the process of decomposition along.
  Avoid adding bulbous weeds, nut grass, onion weed, wandering jew, and kikuyu runners, as these may survive the internal heat of the heap and become a nuisance in the finished product.
• Add these roots and weeds that resist breaking down to a large container of water, this will make it rot and you have nutritous "green tea" to water your garden with.
  Add a little slow release fertilizer to the heap to add nutrients to the mixture as it percolates down through the material.
  Comfrey and Borage are 2 herbs that help to quickly break down the compost pile.
• Your compost is ready to use when you can no longer recognise the contents of the heap or bin.
  
  

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Commercial Products Available From Other Merchants

Compost Aerator Hinged "wings" fold in when pushed into compost and open when withdrawn.

Compost Alive!r One 2-lb bag for dry plant matter and one 2-lb bag for green matter Get some of each and save!

Compost Thermometer Hot Composting AccuracyHeat plays an important role in the composting process andfor that reason a compost thermometer is crucial. This thermometer will ensurethat the proper temperature is obtained and maintained.The waterproof polycarbonate enclosure, with its appropriate temperature scale, as well asthe stainless steel measuring probe are perfectly suited for the monitoring ofcompost temperatures.Length 20" Long ", 1/4" Pointed TipDial is 1 2/3" DiameterDial Case is Hermetically SealedMeasuring Range 0 to 200 Degrees FahrenheitFull One year WarrantyIn Stock and ships within 48 hours

Tumbleweed Tumbler Compost MakerThe vertical tumbling action of the patented Tumbleweed Tumbler designed witha stainless steel rod running through the center, creates an aerobic environmentthat offers a quick and odorless form of composting. A daily spin will produceup to 8 cubic feet of quick and odorless compost in as little as 21days!The unit has two animal resistant twist lock vented lids at either end, thatallow for easy filling and emptying of the bin. Constructed of durable, UVprotected polypropylene plastic. Made in Australia. Handsome patented designEnvironmentally friendlyEasy to use, no mess, no smellDual vented lidsStainless steel center rodCompost in as little as 21 daysSize Dimensions 46"h x 26"w and34" deepCapacity 7-8 cubic feetWarranty 1 yearShips Within 24 hours Low Price Guarantee!

Compost Crib (Downloadable Plan) Compost Crib (Downloadable Plan)

Bio-Nova Compost Accelerator 20 Pounds: A Bio-nova is an all-organic blend of composted ingredients, rich in beneficial flora microbes, enzymes and amino acids. Sea kelp and natural humates, as well as, plant acids and sugars are also found in Bio-Nova. Bio-Nova Compost Accelerator breaks down organic matter into readily available energy to the plant. Bio-Nova is very concentrated in a ready to use, powder-like form. To ensure a complete and rapid assimilation of organic elements, use Bio-Nova on seedlings as well as mature plants, soil or soilless. Bio-Nova can be used in conjunction with your preferred organic or inorganic fertilizer program.

Combination Vacuum/Mulcher This lawn machine picks up dirt, leaves, lawn clippings and other natural debris, then shreds everything, creating an organic mixture for making mulch.

NOTE: Graphics are GrowIt Gold (tm)Copyright (c) 1990-2002, Brian Rondel, Innovative Thinking Software, All Rights Reserved.

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