The Vernal Equinox and Canada Blooms have come and gone but more important we have enjoyed a glorious run of spring weather this past March. I can't imagine any gardener -- barring illness -- not getting happily started in the garden.
Most of us know the drill: Walk on ground that has dried off sufficiently, otherwise we risk destroying that all important soil structure. Besides, it's uncomfortable up to your ankles in cold mud. Work around the garden, choosing your spot to loosen and remove the winter mulch.
This stuff makes great starter material for the new compost pile, our main topic today. Why? Because it has always been one of the real gardener's source of soil conditioner, safe fertilizer and all-round useful material for a millenia.
Lately, the rest of the world has suddenly caught up with us.
Spring pick-up starts with the big stuff, all the twigs and branches broken off during the winter storms. Break the wooden detritus into smaller, manageable pieces and spread in a nice layer for the bottom of the new pile. Then add the old winter mulch as it's removed.
Again, spread it in a nice even layer and pack it down lightly. It doesn't need to be tightly packed because we need some air through it. Think about the way good soil feels -- like that but lumpier.
One there's a nice layer about 10 cm thick, cover it over with some soil to about 2 cm. Then, begin a new layer of vegetable organic matter. Remember to add the kitchen gleanings as you go along. At this time of year, there's almighty little green stuff to add to our pile.
When I'd gotten about this far with my new pile there was a problem about where to find some less-than-wet soil. The solution was at the garden centre where I got a large bag of sheep manure.
It worked perfectly, and was just right for coverage and added its own nutrients to the compost. Plus, it was easy to handle -- something to keep in mind for the rest of the season.
Since we have had rain, I didn't need to give it anymore moisture. This isn't really necessary at this time of year, anyway. It's during the summer one needs to water the pile lightly to keep it moist so it can decompose.
Location for the composting operation should be handy and easily accessible, but out of the way. This doesn't need to be a garden focal point.
Whether the area is sunny or shady or a combination of the two doesn't matter much. Though, if it's in total shade, there won't be the need for much watering.
Soggy compost is stinky compost. So is compost with meat products in it. Putting anything like that in is a real no-no. Besides the frightful smell that it generates, it will also attract four-footed animals we really don't need or want as guests.
Good compost doesn't smell. If it does, more than likely it's because it's too wet. Add some dry stuff to soak up the excess moisture. Shredded paper works well.
The best system I've found is a three pile one. Until this year, I've just had three informal piles behind the garage. Then last summer, the resident handyman fell heir to an old board fence. After some time spent manoeuvring around this pile of old wood, I had a brilliant idea.
R. H. has spent his life reading, drawing and following blueprints. After showing him a few pictures of a three-bin composter last fall, I became the proud owner of a lovely slatted one with the front slats removable. Needless to say, this spring I've started on bin number one.
There are still two informal piles behind this treasure -- one was finished last fall and the other will be used this spring. Next year, informal number two will be used. Then, the year after that, bin number one will be ready.
Such riches.
