Could I ask a couple of questions?
1. Is it a good practice to mow the lawn with leaves on and throw the mix of chopped leaves/grass clippings into the compost, rather than raking/mulching leaves and mowing grass separately before throwing the chopped leaves and grass clippings into the compost?
2. Is it better to spread the finished compost on the garden in late fall or next spring?
Thank you!
Thanks for your good questions Bryan!
1. I would suggest that you rake the leaves, and store them in a bin or garbage bag so you can add them to your compost throughout the warmer months. This way you have a free and easy source of “browns” to balance out your kitchen scraps! Then, mow the lawn and leave the grass clippings right there. Check out this City of Winnipeg link about the benefits and how-tos of grasscycling for more info: http://winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/recycle/grasscycling.stm
2. It’s up to you when to spread the compost, but generally I suggest to spread it in the fall after you’ve harvested everything. Why? Mostly, to make space in your bin for all the scraps you’ll want to add all winter! It’s good practice to let your compost “mature” sufficiently before using it on live plants, and it can do this either on your garden or in a bin. I would harvest now and spread it (you can add some to your lawn too if you’d like!), but it isn’t the end of the world if you choose to do it in the spring instead.
We’re always happy to answer your compost-related questions – just drop us a line at compost@greenactioncentre.ca or call our composting InfoLine toll free at 1-866-349-8880.
Could I ask a couple of questions?
1. Is it a good practice to mow the lawn with leaves on and throw the mix of chopped leaves/grass clippings into the compost, rather than raking/mulching leaves and mowing grass separately before throwing the chopped leaves and grass clippings into the compost?
2. Is it better to spread the finished compost on the garden in late fall or next spring?
Thank you!
Thanks for your good questions Bryan!
1. I would suggest that you rake the leaves, and store them in a bin or garbage bag so you can add them to your compost throughout the warmer months. This way you have a free and easy source of “browns” to balance out your kitchen scraps! Then, mow the lawn and leave the grass clippings right there. Check out this City of Winnipeg link about the benefits and how-tos of grasscycling for more info: http://winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/recycle/grasscycling.stm
2. It’s up to you when to spread the compost, but generally I suggest to spread it in the fall after you’ve harvested everything. Why? Mostly, to make space in your bin for all the scraps you’ll want to add all winter! It’s good practice to let your compost “mature” sufficiently before using it on live plants, and it can do this either on your garden or in a bin. I would harvest now and spread it (you can add some to your lawn too if you’d like!), but it isn’t the end of the world if you choose to do it in the spring instead.
We’re always happy to answer your compost-related questions – just drop us a line at compost@greenactioncentre.ca or call our composting InfoLine toll free at 1-866-349-8880.