quick composting question...

[CherryBombMama]

hi, im thinking of starting a composting "pile" and i was wondering if the dry/dead pine needles are ok to put in it? cuz my backyard is full of them thanks

[JamieCatheryn]

It'd help to get them chopped up with the lawn mower or something to get them to break down quicker. You might need to neutralize the Ph of the end product with lime, but maybe it'll turn neutral if it composts long enough.

[CherryBombMama]

Originally Posted by JamieCatheryn 

It'd help to get them chopped up with the lawn mower or something to get them to break down quicker. You might need to neutralize the Ph of the end product with lime, but maybe it'll turn neutral if it composts long enough.

what do you mean by end product? do you mean after i cut up the pine needles or when everything has turned into compost?

eh, im already losing interest in using the needles, esp if i have to do something that cut them up since we dont have a lawn mower. boo :(

[mattemma04]

Do you have any acid loving plants to much around? Blueberry plants would love it.

I am a lazy composter who will pile up everything.Shredding and flipping will speed up the process,but just doing a pile would be fine if you don't mind waiting.

[bremen]

i put everything in mine, any sort of foods or lawn trimmings. everything. it all composts eventually.

there are all kinds of ways to do it the most efficiently. make the best compost for your garden, etc, but really, putting all natural materials in a pile and wait, and it will all compost

[greenmulberry]

I put anything like that in with a minimum of processing.

Just remember, "Compost Happens" when you pile up organic matter, whether you like it or not!!! You can chop and shred and mix, and make everything work as fast as possible, or you can do what I do and just pile it up and it composts eventually.

[goldenwillow]

We put everything but dairy and meats in our pile.  DH is a professional cook and is able to bring work compostables home!  Adds to the goodness!