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Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

I don't think that I am going to have very much cash for the next little while as it comes time to do my pre-season patch preparation. So, I was wondering if anybody can suggest some low-cost ways to get ready for planting.

My patch is probably only about 500 sqft. Right now it is covered in leaves that I collected in the fall and spread around, but didn't have time to till in. Therefore they are not really very well broken down. So, I'll need to rent a tiller. And, if I'm doing that, I might as well till in all of the amendments I might make while I am at it. I'll need to do a soil test soon too, once the ground thaws. But, there'll be stuff that I can plan to add in the mean time.

I can get some free compost in April. I also have a garbage can full of homemade compost that has been sitting for over a year. I was thinking of getting a bucket of kelp meal. Any other ideas?

3/10/2006 11:19:19 AM

Norton, MA

Poop? AleX Noel.

3/10/2006 8:10:00 PM

Freebies around here include "poop" harder to find aged but make a pile for next fall, hardwood(less acid) sawdust,mixed bedding from various farms(depends on what it is for when to apply),wood ashes,leaves(try to shred um, mowers work),forest loam if you have access to a woodlot,lake weeds collected on shorelines after ice out,residules from any local food processors.
Cheap stuff alfalfa or corn meal,lime/calcium (after ph testing),molasses(see the above thread). Our landfills all are producing some type of compost and prices are reasonable here.
You might save some of that finished compost for "tea" to be used during the season.
I use the barter system whenever possible, I scored 40 yards of composted cranberry material this last week for a few perennials.
Just some things I do here hopefully gives you some ideas.
Most important,,get that soil test done asap,,,then you know what to look for.
I'm new to this site in the last month, you'll be amazed at the info found using the search box.

3/10/2006 8:56:23 PM

San Diego

I too am on a cheap budget, and I have learned you can still grow a big pumpkin with a budget. Just get your soil balanced with free amendments such as leaves, grass clippings, and a little manure. Add 10 lbs of kelp meal and let the soil do the work during the growing season. Just make it balanced. Keep it simple stupid works! Just ask Dan Carlson. Jimmy

3/10/2006 9:36:49 PM

maine USA

Get in touch with your local coffee shop, not all of them will give you their coffee grounds but some will be more than happy for you to haul them off. good luck KathyT

3/11/2006 1:21:08 PM

Puyallup, WA

The purpose of adding coffe grounds is two fold.....attracting worms as well as improving soil tilth.

3/11/2006 10:01:18 PM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

I got 2300 lbs of coffee grounds from my local Starbucks last year. It's great stuff.

3/11/2006 11:49:42 PM

Midwest

yep, Starbucks gives the stuff away and it makes good nitrogen source.

3/12/2006 2:09:43 PM

Canada

Go to Tim Hortons there Dumpsters are FULL of coffe grounds they now have large brown bins which are 100% grounds with bags mixed in. just go inside tell them what your useing it for and they will be more then happy to supply you with it. ( But Do Ask) As for manure, Go for a drive stop at farms and ask farmers they are more then happy to give you fresh or composted manure most of the time. besides that Ive been adding eggshells leaves, cabbage all vegetable kitchen scraps you name it, once a week I go outside and toss it on top of the garden, Mine you once all the snow was melted my patch looked rough but I lightly racked it all in this week. everything Helps.

Once my soil is dry enough to work I'll be tilling in about 30 lbs of Gypsum.

Dave

3/12/2006 9:59:22 PM

Roanoke Il

Call your local city goverment there are alot of cities that compost the leaves and grass clippings and give the compost out for free. but ask them how long it takes to compost there leaves and grass clippings if its less than a year or so the compost may still have high levels of weed killers in the compost not a good thing... mark

3/13/2006 7:51:30 AM

Roanoke Il

Also contact city zoo's lots of zoo's are willing to give there manure away for free but stay away from the big cat manure, Another thought go to your local green houses lots of green houses have spent potting soil or used potting soil which they are willing to give for free. some farmers will give manure away for the cost of a 12 pack of beer ...mark

3/13/2006 7:56:46 AM

A word on big cat manure/urine ,,not pleasant smelling,,but the "best" critter repellent I have found !!!
Pretty basic idea when you think about it,,,predator versis prey.

3/13/2006 9:04:43 AM