We have a new neighbor, a friendly, English fellow who noticed that I
was turning my compost pile this morning. He came over, interested in
my work, and asked several questions about composting. We also talked
about my garden, which is, apparently, a rather hot topic of
discussion among the people who live around here . . .
I think my current batch of compost is too wet. After a couple of
weeks in the bin, the bottom of the pile is dark brown, crumbly,
smells like the forest floor and is crawling with worms and other
small creatures. However, many of the long fibers from plant roots
and stalks haven't fully decomposed (no, I don't own a shredder!), and
the middle of the pile looks too wet. I've mixed in some dry material
and put it back together, leaving it for the detritus creatures to handle.
My questions with respect to all of this relates to digging compost
in around my trees. When we go about weeding, I've noticed that
digging near the trees runs a high risk of damaging surface roots.
How can I dig all of this compost around my trees without wrecking the
root network? Do I just pile the compost onto the surface and let it
decompose further into the ground, or should I be less concerned about
surface roots and dig the composted material into the soil around the
drip line? How far down should I be going? Is this time of year the
best time of year to be doing this, or should I save the compost for
the fall?
robert luis rabello
"The Edge of Justice"
Adventure for Your Mind
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=9782>
Ranger Supercharger Project Page
http://www.members.shaw.ca/rabello/
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