My landord has a composting drum on the side of the house, this is my third summer here yet the first that I get to dump in my food scraps. I fill an entire bucket every single day and it makes me incredibly happy that these scraps can do some good. I am not by means an expert in composting, I’m at the dump and spin stage. Dump my scraps in and spin the barrel ! I am curious very though how it all works, how long will it take for my vegetables, egg shells and tea bags to turn into valid rich earthy matter for yet an purpose.
I planted yesterday, 3 organic tomato plants and basil ( the kind where they are potted in peat and you just take the whole thing and plant it. ) A flat of marigolds, around the tomatoes, to keep the rabbits away, and 4 containers of flowers. 2 on each porch – geraniums and greenery and a varigated impatience – in this stunning hot purple pink color. My hand can’t lift a glass of water today, but I loved the work. Yesterday was a perfect day to plant. I got all deliciously sweaty and dirty – had dirt all over my face, and my ankles, under my fingernails dirty. Just the way gardening is supposed to be.
I think I have some lettuce seeds leftover from last year – hmmm
Does the internet know when it’s monday? Or that it’s a monday and a holiday?
We are glorious gardening partners! I wonder who was dirtier?? I also planted tomatoes, and herbs. I also transplanted straw flowers to fill in some empty patches in my cherry tree garden; and herbs in my “Morris” garden to ward off the deer and rabbits who think I have planted buffet for them. Thanks for the tip about the marigolds. I’ll try that trick. Now, I’m off to feed my rose bushes and take photos of my irises that are pregnant with orange and blue blossoms. Take care of your hand today. Only lift a glass of luscious lemonade, in your other hand, to toast you accomplishments!
dear neophyte,this master composter welcomes you to the thrill of regenerating the matter.the rewards are in the dirt, the continuum, the growth.cut and crush all organics and tumble away. the PH will stabilize and rich fertilizing compounds will keep your vegetables strong against pests and pollution.you do know that marigold petals make a great addition to soups and stews. i find they add an exotic curry flavor if you use a lot, and they also keep the soup fresh longer, by anti bacterial action.geranium leaves also lend a roseate aroma to cakes and greens, you’ll never know they were added, but the mineralizing and calming effects will sustain you.happy flowers to you and don’t forget to sow the lettuce and radishes at the foot of tomatoes as well. clip leaves for salads and let the plant make more all summer long.
OOOH lemonade sounds so great, and yes definitely I will rest this hand today. I bet your garden is an absolute splendor – you certainly put a bit of you in everything you plant. I also bet Mother nature rewards you – pluse she knows you will take pictures of her gifts!!
Thank you so much master composter! I have had the delight of marigold in soup before however I would have forgotten. I am going to make an asparagus soup this week, perfect suggestion! I will definitely add the geranium to my salads, love that! When my mom had a garden she would snip fresh butter leaf greens, chive and radishes and top with a garlic buttermilk dressing and fresh crushed black pepper – yum. Tasted like summer.
Gardening bliss. How sweet it is!Patricia Martin
Yay! Happy planted plants! They’re sooo much happier in “real” ground than in those little root-bound pots they’ve been in at the store!~ I just “rescued” a geranium that looks a lot like the 3rd from the left in the bottom row – it was growing very crooked, and one branch was almost severed from the rest – I hope my front door urn is a happier place for it.~~~Also, hope your hand is happier for a restful Holiday!Bright Blessings!Karen J.
It is blissful isn’t it — did you get any planting in over the long weekend?
my hand is telling me I should not be a farmer, that’s for sure – making potato salad and chopping fine didn’t help either – but an extra day off was on the whole a very welcomed treat i bet that geranium will give back in many ways – your front door will definitely be happier, and how nice of you to pick a plant that seemingly others might walk away from
I have a compost pile and I really enjoy having it. Nothing beats rich, crumbly dirt to spread around!
Your so right!! My landlords is a barrel type that spins, I didn’t see how much she actually got out of it so that we could start composting this summer, but I feel a whole lot better throwing my food scraps there than the landfill. It’s so new to me – how long does it take?