WHAT JOBS ARE WE DOING IN THE GARDEN TODAY 2018

Dig up and move Aconitum napellus and Rudbeckia "Goldsturm". Then back to moving rocks.

 

I’ve been meaning to do that all summer. I haven’t yet signed up to it. I would save myself a fortune if I did.

G.

 

b***er all in the garden! Been down the allotment this morning. Taken loads of pictures and have asked for a few hands in ID'ing them... and completely dug over two beds at the front of the allotment. Tidied up lots. Also got quite confused about composting!

 

There is an excellent thread started by @shiney on composting:

Instructions On Composting.. 2015

Hopefully, that will help reduce your confusion

 

This is amazing! thank you @shiney and @"M" ! I think what i am trying to work out is if leaves can be added to a compost heap and also how wet is too wet for a heap?! I've inherited some bins which dont have bottoms but do have tops and the compost inside is very wet! I've been saving up my paper, newspaper and cardboard to go in there too but just not sure if what has been sat there is too wet to compost itself!

 

Leaves can be added
Never perennial weeds though.

Then it comes under the heading: "Too Wet!"

It is crying out, nay, begging (!) for your paper and cardboard!!!

Ok, you have options here.
1) throw your paper/card (shredded) on top and let the worms drag it down
2) as #1 but then give it a stir to mix it in a bit; could be done in stages, so, add some, stir, add some more, stir etc..
3) empty the bin completely; shovel some of the wet stuff back in, add a layer of paper/card; shovel some more wet gunk in then another layer of paper/card - keep going until it is all used up. Clearly this is back aching work and not the easiest of options. Could wait until you are having a very stressful day and want to get your angries out?

If you go route #3, before refilling it, add a layer of twiggy material to the base before hand; this will aid air flow.

Option 1: takes the longest time
Option 2: takes a bit less time
Option 3: once all put back in, will rot down the quickest

 

Your humble servant, Sir

 

Thank you both very much! Going to get a shredder and return to the plot next week and do Option 3. Although there is already a pile there, it's been inside a compost bin with a lid but no bottom. There are lots of leaves and it looks a bit wet from the leaves. Not had a chance to go throigh it properly so will do so soon!

Because the pile needs to be moved anyway it seems 3 would be the best idea!

Do compost heaps (as in ones you make yourself) ever have open lids so rain can get in?

 

It will depend on how strong willed you are G to resist buying food to go with your free coffees .

 

@toppington I have recently started a compost heap and it doesn't have a lid or any sides, its literally a heap.

 

Excellent Lucius! Is it situated in a sheltered sort of spot in the garden and can rain get in to the heap? Looking forward to hearing how it goes!

 

I usually use it as my lunch stop. They have some lovely huge pastries that just go nicely. You also get discount on store purchases. There are special discount days too. Its definitely worth investing in. I shall have to pull my finger out.

 

Finished a job that's been bugging me for a few weeks now, constructing a log store at the bottom of the garden for wood which needs to season for a year before I can burn it.

I've made it from various bits of scrap timber - three old pallets, some timber and cladding from a paddock field shelter which got demolished by a gale at work and the remnants of the rickety old tree house which we inherited when we moved here a few months ago.

My DIY skills are mediocre at best, so it's not the most aesthetically pleasing construction to look at, I think 'functional' would probably best describe it. I'll try to post a photo of it on here tomorrow so you can all have a good laugh.

 

I'm choosing loo rolls for sweet peas