February 6

As the winter continues, I constantly think to myself, “I need a better compost pile.” The magazines and supply catalogs I am reading feature compost bins made of plastic, snow fencing, chicken wire, lumber and the list continues. In my mind, the bins made of lumber look the best to fit in my garden. The downside is my carpentry skills are limited, though the design plans look pretty easy. Fear also plays a part in why I haven’t constructed one.  The fears of cutting off a finger, while using a skill saw, or measuring a board wrong haunt my dreams of accomplishing this project. 2009 is the year to battle through the fear, for I made it my New Year’s resolution. And I’ve now gone public with it, so I have to accomplish it by early summer. Currently, I have what is called a compost “heap”, where I put my compostable materials in a small corner of my garden. It stays somewhat tidy, and I, ummm, look at it once in awhile, when I add more items. This way is productive, but I want to produce more and have it a little more concealed. In the future, I would like to see an attractive, productive compost bin in or near the garden. This looks like a project, but with a little bit of help from my-wanna be carpenter-friends, it could be possible. It may take a weekend to put together, but the compost I can produce for my garden will be worth the time and money put into the project. Fortunately, I have plenty of space to work with for my compost bin and my garden, which is why I’m always talking about changing things around. For those of you that are limited in space, you have just as many options; they are just smaller in size. There are many compost bins or tumblers available. At Sargent’s, we carry a compost tumbler, which is durable, productive and attractive.

The tumbler is off the ground, so it can be easily reached without bending up and down frequently. And even at my age, I would appreciate that! It also can hold a large amount of material for compost, which can save a lot of money and get those plants growing healthy and beautiful!

Not sure of the benefits of compost? Compost is a rich matter full of nutrients for plants. Dark in color, it also provides aeration to the existing soil. There are a slew of other goodies that compost does for your soil! Just trust me, when I say it’s great! Recycling your yard waste and food scraps in your compost pile also helps to eliminate waste going to landfills along with reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I don’t like to send you somewhere else for information, but I learned a lot from this site and want to share it with you.

You may not have the time, energy or space available for a compost bin. If you are unable to make your own , I would encourage you to always add compost to your soil. The benefits to soil are great, and you are also helping our earth. Sargent’s carries several kinds of compost. I recommend the compost manure, whether in bags or bulk quantity. Your plants will thank you for it!

I’ve made it to the bottom of the page…have I kept you too long? Or are you out in the shed already making plans for the garden? Whatever you do next, enjoy and think warm thoughts!

Have a great day!

Wendy Jasper
MNLA Certified Professional

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