In episode #7 Craig Jacobs & Luis Chamorro answer questions relating to compost top dressing, different types of compost, artillery fungus in mulch, how to compost at home, using galvanized containers for growing veggies & herbs, and the basics of bacterial vs fungal compost.
Compost top dressing basics:
layer 1/4” to 3/8”.
use a bow rake’s flat side and work compost in your lawn by creating small piles and working the product into the matting of the lawn. Move the bow rake’s flat side back and forth to work product into the lawn.
You can opt to core aerate your lawn prior to doing a compost top dressing.
Types of compost:
yard trimmings, food waste, leaves, manure, mushroom, worm compost, bio solids/sewer sludge.
Bacterial vs Fungal Compost:
Bacterial - high nitrogen ratio.
Fungal - higher carbon ratio and used as an all purpose compost.
How to compost at home:
Make sure your compost area is not shaded.
If using a barrel or compost turner, follow this rule:
80% brown (carbon)
20% green (leafy or fruit scraps, coffee grounds)
If your compost is stinky: this may indicate your Nitrogen ratio is out of whack.
AVOID composting meats, dairy, and pet poop.
Growing in Galvanized containers - is it safe?
It’s safe as long as you punch holes on the base and allow for water to drain properly.
Artillery Fungus:
Also referred to as dog vomit or yellow slime.
Not harmful/non toxic.
Occurs due to breakdown and decomposition of bark or wood mulches.
How to control:
turn the mulch and spread.
You can also place a black plastic on top and prevent sun rays from hitting the affected area.
Naturally occurring. Don’t panic!
Good products to use: Consan 20.
Good products to use as a cleaner if spores affect siding of home, pots, or other surfaces: Bio degradable cleaner.
Seed Starting:
Use a sterile soil for seed starting (Quality Feed will have a private label starting the week of Feb 25th)
Once seed sprouts and you have established roots, you can transplant to a larger pot and use TGU’s MY Veggie & Herb Soil.
LEAF MOLD COMPOST:
Currently in the works.
Keep up on updates for our exclusive pile of Leaf Mold Compost. Follow the twitter handle @leafmoldcompost to see updates on composting.
Companies and Websites mentioned in this podcast:
http://l3-design.com/ - top dressing
http://urbanorganicsonline.com/ - raised beds
http://qualityfeedco.com/ - seed starter
https://buchanansplants.com/ - compost barrels
https://wabashfeed.com/ - garden center