Subject: Is My Compost Ready to Use?
From: msalaiyo@aol.com (MsAlaiyo)
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Date: 05 May 1998 15:51:27 GMT
Message-ID: <MOD$980505.14908@rec.gardens.ecosystems>


Hi Everyone,

I've had a pile of compost for a year now. I'd like to use it but I'm not sure
if it's ready. I uncovered the pile during the winter and turned it and
recovered it with black plastic. I kept noticing centipedes, termites, and
slugs. I figured they were there mainly because of the black plastic so I
uncovered the pile. It has been uncovered for about two months.

Yesterday, I read in one of the Rodale's books that if one leaves a pile of
finished compost uncovered, then rain will leach out all the nitrogen before it
is used. Now I'm wondering if I have anything worth using?

What do you guys think? Thanks for your time.
Alaiyo Barnes
Zone 7
Southern Maryland