composting in a city garden

Patty Morgan
by Patty Morgan
I have a small space but, I am interested in composing. When I look for ideas on line everything is so big. I have just been putting egg shells and coffee grinds in my garden.
  13 answers
  • Kimberly Barney Kimberly Barney on Feb 03, 2013
    Compost can be done on a small basis. You can make a small composter or if you prefer to purchase, check out Gardener's Supply. Gardener's Supply has a small patio composter that turns and is on wheels.
  • Becky P Becky P on Feb 03, 2013
    I add all kitchen scraps to my compost bin. Potato, carrot peelings, lettuce, etc. The blue jays love my egg shells, so they don't stick around long. I just like the fact I am doing my part not filling up a landfill anymore than I have to.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Feb 03, 2013
    Have you looked into "vermi" systems ( worm based) These can be just about the size of a small suitcase / carry on bag.
  • Patty Morgan Patty Morgan on Feb 03, 2013
    I will go on line and check it out. I saw worms for sale before.
  • Patty Morgan Patty Morgan on Feb 03, 2013
    My son is going to love this.
  • Patty Morgan Patty Morgan on Feb 03, 2013
    I am worried about rats living in the city. It looks like fun. I have been on line reading about it.
  • 3po3 3po3 on Feb 04, 2013
    I wrote this article a while back about my worm compost system. It should explain the basics, and help you get started. http://www.networx.com/article/vermiculture-thats-composting-with-wo Good luck, Patty.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Feb 04, 2013
    There's nothing wrong with just putting your eggshells and coffee grounds on your garden, Patty (I toss my tea leaves on mine every day). But you really should not have to worry about rodents in a well-tended compost pile, which can be city-sized.
  • 3po3 3po3 on Feb 04, 2013
    To back up what Doug said (and he always knows what he's talking about), I put eggshells in my rose beds and other flowers. I compost everything else, pretty much, in my worm bin, but the eggshells take too long to break down, so I just skip the middleman worms.
  • Vicki Vicki on Feb 04, 2013
    used tea bags, used ground coffee with filter, crushed egg shells, crushed leaves, dead plants our of my containers, cut grasses, hair cuts. that way not to attract any unwanted pests like rats, chipmunks, squirrels.....
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Feb 05, 2013
    Vicki, make sure the plants you include have died a natural death and not from disease.
  • Patty Morgan Patty Morgan on Feb 05, 2013
    I am starting to get excited about Spring coming our way in Philly. It has been so cold and dark. I can't wait to have my morning coffee in my garden watching things grow around me. It has been fun connecting with other gardens and most of all seeing pictures. Day dreaming about greener days to come.
  • Becky P Becky P on Feb 05, 2013
    it took a good year of composting to net any usuable compost. But, I know what you mean, I can't wait for spring, either!