Using straw on the BOTTOM of raised beds

[catjac1975]

Do you have any neighborhood kids that you could "hire" to move the dirt and fill the boxes.

Oh, wait a minute.....My brain's stuck in the past, when kids would, actually, jump at the chance to make a few extra bucks.

If I lived close to ya....I'd help you get it done...for free.

My husbands hires young teens for mindless back work. He traded math tutoring with one who brought a friend that needed community service points. Free for 2 separate days. There are still plenty of young people who want to make money. He does pay them well. Many LOVE doing it because they do not have this kind of FUN at home. You can call the local HS and Middle school and ask the guidance councilor if they have any kids who want to work. They have to be more careful these days and connote give out names. But they can post jobs. Lots of kids need money.

 

[catjac1975]

Whew! Never thought about getting mad cow disease from it. Will carefully dilute the rest of mine. It does help repel deer, although other critters have ripped open my bags in the barn to eat it. Thanks.

I read you should only use steamed bone meal for the same reason.

 

[ducks4you]

Here is just ANOTHER good reason to make your own compost and use THAT in our garden.
Here are a few articles to help if you're a newbie.
http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/composting-101?page=0,1

http://www.bigsteamypile.com/what_is_composting.php

http://www.bigsteamypile.com/how_to_build_a_composter.php

http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/backyard-composting.asp