STORM2K

Can you leave what is in the compost bin year 'round? I didn't plan on using what is in it until next Spring (probably should've thought about this BEFORE I started the bin ). I figured that I'd work it into the soil in my gardens before I do any serious planting and mulching.

I started it in an old Rubbermaid trash can. I poked alot of holes on the side of it and just left the lid off. I turn it once a week and put all of my weeds and plant cuttings in there, then add a handful or so of leaves. I have alot of trees in the back of my yard. I've also added coffee grinds and shredded newspaper.

It should be okay. Hubby's aunt lived in W VA. She had a pile that she kept in the back of her yard. It was ready to use when she was ready to plant. Or
you could toss it into the beds and let them start breaking down. Just turn them over in the dirt.
I think it will be fine, though.

Debbie

Thanks Debbie!

As you said, I could probably just throw some in after the first frost kills the remaining flowers and perenials.

I read some more information through the Burpee Seed Co.'s website about composting. It was very informative. It has been taking a while for my stuff to breakdown - I don't think I have enough "browns" in there and we haven't had rain for alittle bit and I've had the cover off. It said that if you start out with 3 parts of carbon (or brown compost) to 1 part of nitrogen (or grenn compost) items, then I should be off to a good start. I know that I've put in way more weeds and cuttings than I have of dried leaves and newspapers.

Here's the link to the article;

http://www.gardeners.com/gardening/cont ... py_id=5061

"gardeners.com" is affiliated with Burpee.

We used to compost everything before we moved to town. I would add some of the local manure now and then to get things going. I don't think that compost will 'go bad'.