First batch is, pretty much, done

[boggybranch]

I haven't been posting in the last several days...been busy "hand processing" the compost pile. FINALLY got the job done. Now it will, just, "rest" until the fall. Got another big pile started. Acquired three more pallets and am ready to start a manure compost pile. Hope to go get a load later this afternoon or first thing in the morning...when it's cooler.

 

[lesa]

What does "hand processing" involve? Are you sifting it already? It looks great- I love to make dirt!!

 

[boggybranch]

What does "hand processing" involve? Are you sifting it already? It looks great- I love to make dirt!!

Ok...everybody is going to think I'm a little bit on the "straight jacket" side, but, when I have a pile that has quit "cooking"....I take it, one handful at a time, and rub it between my hand to break it down, completely, before leaving it alone till time to use it. It, also, gives me a chance to remove any "foriegn" objects and hard sticks and such. When I get ready to use it....there won't be any surprises. I do EVERYTHING, having to do with the garden, by hand. Of course, all I have is time on my hands and I do love to dig in the dirt........and like you, MAKE "dirt". Gardening always reminds me of Pearl S. Buck's book..."The Good Earth". Don't know why....it's been well over 40 years since I read it.....but it does.

 

[vfem]

You are full of fantastic information. I made a screen I use to sift it out when I get mine out to the garden. I wait until I'm ready to use it to do that. Then I dispose of whatever was in the 'screen' in the burn pile.

I use the ash from the burn pile in my chickens run for mite control....

so everything still comes around to being reused again and again.

I do not think I have your patience, or your time boggy... you are amazing!!!

 

[crazzzymike13]

Never heard of ashes for mite control. I will remember that!!!

 

[RickF]

... I use the ash from the burn pile in my chickens run for mite control....

In terms of ash.. Is the ash only from a fireplace or can bbq ash be used as well? I'm going to guess 'no' on the BBQ ash but figured I'd ask..

 

[hoodat]

... I use the ash from the burn pile in my chickens run for mite control....

In terms of ash.. Is the ash only from a fireplace or can bbq ash be used as well? I'm going to guess 'no' on the BBQ ash but figured I'd ask..

If you're using processed briquettes it's best to keep it off the garden but if you use actual hardwood charcoal you can use it like any other wood ash.

 

[Ridgerunner]

When I sift it I do not throw the stuff out that does not go through the screen unless it is not organic matter. I put it back in the next batch. It is usually wood or something like that which will eventually break down.

 

[digitS']

One-quarter inch hardware cloth over the wheelbarrow will give you as fine as the commercial stuff, Boggy!

digitS'

 

[RickF]

If you're using processed briquettes it's best to keep it off the garden but if you use actual hardwood charcoal you can use it like any other wood ash.

Cool.. In my case I'm using Royal Oak hardwood lump charcoal (not briquettes) so I guess it's OK.. Good to know.. I've got about 3 gallons of ash sitting in the bottom of my Kamado BBQ ready to be emptied.. I gather I can put it in the chickens run as well.. Hmm..