Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The composting continues

It's a neverending story for me. Amidst all of the other chores that i'm faced with on weekends - the pallet bins have to be added to, also. Most weekends I try to add between 6-8 wheelbarrows full of shredded leaves to the bins, because eventually they will all be filled up, and EG won't be completely worn out from it. However, last weekend I was going all-out, transporting at least 12-15 loads to them. Yeah...i'm a glutton for punishment.
Anyway, I decided to tackle the clumped up grass clippings that remained in the center bin, as well as add shredded leaves to all three. In the photo below, you can see how bad some of the clumps were. Oh gosh....it was a mess to deal with, let me tell ya!



Photo below - the one on the right was easy - just added shredded leaves to it, then watered the pile.



Since the center bin doesn't have a front on it, I decided to keep this particular pile pretty small.This should be enough clumped up grass clippings for now, and at least 4 loads of leaves were added to it.
           


Photo below - So, this is what the bins look like now. I must be crazy for making this much compost. Whew


Thankfully, the pile of leaves out front has been reduced drastically, and I know my Dad is ready for them to be gone. I ran a water line in his house over the weekend - so maybe he'll be ok with the pile for a few more weeks. I'm sure it'll be just fine....



Lastly, I took advantage of those apple cores from the recent apple butter extravaganza, and added them to the barrel that I cursed repeatedly 2 years ago. This is the final time to try this stupid thing, as i'll really watch how many "greens" are added to it this time.




In other news, I am injured again. Excruciating back spasms have me down for the count right now, and i'll have to take it easy over the next 2 weeks. That sux, because I was really wanting to get started on the construction of the compost turner. Pain medication, muscle relaxers, heating pad, and a back brace are my best friends right now. As you can imagine I've worked extremely hard my entire life, and will have to reduce the workload one of these days. I just keep forgetting that I'm not 21 anymore.......

Take care, and happy composting

EG

7 comments:

GrafixMuse said...

Oh EG! I am so sorry your back is hurting again. Your compost bins look really good and I am sure you will be happy when the compost develops into black gold. But you need to take it easy on your back. Can you ask your kids to help?

kitsapFG said...

I have only had my back do that once in my life - once was definitely enough! I hope it gives you a break soon.

Great compost piles and I hope the barrel composter works better for you this go round.

Stefaneener said...

The compost is glorious. You're not nuts; just a convert. I'm so sorry about your back. Hate to sound like a typical Californian, but once the acute phase is over, you might want to add some gentle yoga to your routine. The older people I know who are in great shape uniformly practice yoga!

Daphne said...

Your compost bins are really filling up. You are almost done, but you do have to be careful. I have to remember to do the same thing and not do hard work for hours on end anymore. I try to keep myself limited to stay out of pain. Of course my schedule is easier than yours. I work from home most of the time so can do outside work when it is light out.

Kalena Michele said...

Yeah, that's a lot of composting you have to do. Despite it, you're going to have some great compost for your garden. Your garden will be well nourished and an envy of your neighbors. lol Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, EG. Thanks for all of the inspiration this year!

Engineeredgarden said...

rachel - no, only one kid left in the house, and i'd rather just do everything myself.

kitsapFG - thanks.

stefaneener - yoga? That's for girls! Hehe. I'm thinking about going to a chiropractor for it.

Daphne - I know......I have to tell myself that i'm not a spring chicken anymore.

kalena michele - ya. It's gonna be alot of compost!

Toni said...

EG-we'll all be drooling over your compost come spring!

Merry Christmas!