I’ve actually already been working on this goal for a week now. Because I’m using EarthBox containers for gardening, I can’t use regular compost in them. But compost from worms is acceptable in the boxes, so I hear. So last week we got a worm bin, set it up, and then I got some worms for it. I’m having difficulty with the idea of putting my gloved hands into the worm bin itself. So I’m using a garden claw to help me bury the kitchen scraps. The bin we got is: http://www.amazon.com/Worm-Composting-Factory-Tray-System/dp/B000S6LZBO/ref=pd_bbs_9?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1239402180&sr=8-9 (bought locally not via amazon). The worms are also from local source.
Unfortunately, the worms can’t eat all the kitchen scraps. There’s some, like orange peels, that they shouldn’t have in their bin. Also, we have a lot of scrap paper that we’ve put in the recycling bin. And then we also put into the garbage can the yard cuttings. This adds to the trash heap. This makes me uncomfortable. Sooo, we are also doing an outside composting bing for the papers (not cardboards) and yard cuttings. The product of this compost can be given to the worms to make it more suitable for the earth boxes, as well.
We got an inexpensive round garbage can 32 gallons, and drilled holes into the bottom and along it’s sides for airholes. Then drilled four holes along the lid’s edge so that I could lock the lid onto the can for when it’s rolling time.
We’ve got plenty of browns (dead stuff) but havent’ had much greens (fresh stuff). I can’t use Richard’s mower because it quickly aggravates my allergies. Also, using a gas mower doesn’t fit the sustainability attempts. Sooo, today we bought a reel mower ( http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=289835-53393-26153&lpage=none ). I put it together this morning, and used it on a portion of the lawn this afternoon. I like it, it’s nice to be able to do the lawn myself without having to rely on Richard to do it. A little more than half the grass cuttings actually makes it into the bag, but that’s fine. That leaves some for acting as mulch for the grass, and plenty for my composting greens need. I wouldn’t say it was quiet, per se, I mean, I’m sure it would awaken my next door neighbors if I used it on their side of the house. But compared to the gas mower someone was using 4 houses down, yeah, the reel mower is quiet. My allergies weren’t aggravated much, and I was able to get the front yard done before I quit for the day so I wouldn’t hurt my back too much.
To help solve some of the allergy problems, I’ll have to wear a mask while I’m working on the lawn. Also use my neti pot soon afterwards. Oh, and of course make sure I’ve got tissues handy. At least now those tissues can go into the compost bin instead of the garbage can.
The reel mower won’t get the dandelions in the yard, and probably not the ferns either. For those I’ve got a weeder tool that will let me stand up while pulling the weeds. ( http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=46112-89648-78726935&lpage=none ) I’ve also got a cutter for the areas where the weeds are popping up in areas that the weeder tool can’t get into. (something sorta like this: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=99761-302-1945000 ) I don’t like the cutter, it was a bad purchase, imo. Basically just the wrong tool for the job.
The reel mower also doesn’t get the grass along the edges, near the fences, etc. So I’m going to have to find a tool to help me get that, since the cutter won’t work well on that, either.
I liked using the reel mower today. I’m pleasantly tired. I got a work out. And my carpal tunnel wasn’t aggravated by a constant vibration. I’ll be sore tomorrow, but hopefully not so sore that I can’t do the back portion of the yard, saving the side for sunday.
