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Manchester,N.H.

I plan to add more cow manure this spring and the place I am going to get it from says that it is 3 months to a year old. Is this somthing I can use now or do I have to get it from some were else?

2/21/2005 7:40:15 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

3-12 month old manure is good if applied moderatley. You should be able to find a packaged bacteria treatment to help speed it's decay. I don't know if they're available to consumers through conventional retail stores but my employer sells large packaging if it comes to that.

2/21/2005 8:46:50 PM

Oakland, CA, USA

I found a good "organic compost activator" in 2gram packets, treats 2 cu ft per packet. I used the stuff to get my compost pile going again after I let it get totally water-logged; I rebuilt it, added some leaves to dry it out, a bunch of coffee grounds, and some composted steer manure (and this stuff) and it was cooking in about two days! Anyway, here's the info: QR Organic Compost Activator, Chase Organics (address in England), imported and distributed by Down to Earth, Eugene, Oregon 97402. It cost me $2.95 at the organic garden supply place down the street, and they charge full-price on things. Hope that's helpful. -Erin.

2/23/2005 1:47:54 PM

Follansbee, Wv

You can find it on the web here:

http://www.harmonyfarm.com/Detail.bok?category=Hort-Compost+%26+Worms%3A+Tools+%26+Sply&no=1331

Thanks for the info Erin. This is a product I may just try.

2/27/2005 8:12:58 AM

Follansbee, Wv

On second thought, I just went to order three packets at 2.19 each. I cancelled the order when I discovered shipping would be over $9.00!
Maybe I'll try to find it locally.

2/27/2005 8:21:59 AM

Azores,terceira Island

http://www.groworganic.com/a/item_ICO100_BiodynamicCompostInoculant1Unit.html

2/27/2005 8:35:51 AM

Azores,terceira Island

you could try this place...Ryan

2/27/2005 8:36:28 AM

Montoursville, PA

It is fun to research all of the many starter products that exist including RID-X , a sewer and drain bio treatment which is dirt cheap. RID-X or like product is in every major grocery store. The bottom line is if you have rebuilt the compost pile the major factor, by far, will be oxygen which will instantly enable resident bacteria to flourish with a day or two. Starter bio packages are only made for those who like to play.

If you wish to boost your natural biological growth feed the pile some carbs. A dose of Black Strap Molasses is one of the best boosters or starters going.

Any high carbs waste from the house can be whipped up in a blender, delivered with water to achieve a carbs boost.

Closing with the opening comment. Oxygen is most often the missing or short supply item, in a compost pile.

2/27/2005 11:40:35 AM

Montoursville, PA

The original question was the use of fresh manure. Fine but use it early and whip in a lot of oxygen by tilling it in early.....as early as weather will permit. Tilling delivers the oxygen. Molasses delivers a carbs boost for the existing bacteria to get going. Till the top four inches several times leading to nice surface weed controll as well.

If you are using or plan to use the AGRO-K program there are several booster packages included, in the product package. Symbrew is a tea, in fact, including fresh manure, in very small amounts weekly. The key is very small amounts weekly, not a major blast your patch biology can not handle.

2/27/2005 11:51:55 AM

Indiana

Anyone ever try brewers yeast to get compost going?? i know the symbex smells like it has yeast in it.
Steve

2/27/2005 12:11:50 PM

New Hampshire

If it needs oxygen, has anyone considered Oxy-clean?????

5/6/2005 1:40:24 PM