Comments on: Homemade Manure – 09-04-13

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 13:54:31 +0000

Hey Ben – I have continued to experiment with HMM mixes (will likely be discussing in SWF before too long so stay tuned). This particular batch (written about above) was fantastic stuff – but what’s “funny” is it ended up infested with stable fly (like a biting house fly) larvae while outdoors, which made for a really fun experience once I brought a lot of it indoors (let’s just say I wore a hoodie and carried a rolled up newspaper any time I went down to the basement for a while – lol). I highly recommend creating some sort of HMM “brewer” that is tightly sealed up but has good vents for aeration (check out my recent breathable bucket system post if you haven’t yet – I plan to use those vents for food mix systems as well)

By: Ben Rodman

Ben Rodman — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 21:43:03 +0000

Bentley got an update on this? I’ve begin experimenting along these lines but more like making pre-composted feedstock with straw and alfalfa pellets, but would love to hear if your “schmancy” recipe proved interesting?

By: angusmacduff

angusmacduff — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 15:17:29 +0000

Can I use wood pellets, shredded cardboard and some corn meal – along with some thawed food scraps? The Farm Store is fifty miles away.

By: Troyloeb

Troyloeb — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 22:56:26 +0000

I’ve mixed mulched leaves,shredded cardboard, worm chow and castings in a 5 gallon bucket going to let it set for a week stirring each day an test use see what happens(fingers crossed ha ha)

By: Wendy Brown

Wendy Brown — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 01:17:36 +0000

I’ve tried your mixture a few times over the last few weeks, with great success. 1/2 alfalfa cubes, 1/2 hardwood pellets, a little finished worm compost, some vegetables, let it sit for about a week, and it is worm heaven. I’ve used it to add to existing bins, and to fill an existing but abandoned large outdoor in-ground plot in our Master Gardener demo garden. The worms love it, gravitate to it, and are multiplying in it. One note – the alfalfa cubes I have take longer to dissolve, so I start soaking them first and then add the pellets.
Thanks so much for the great idea.

By: Frank

Frank — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 23:45:11 +0000

Can I use fresh horse manure or does it have to be compost like for one month before I use it in my warm bed

By: Priswell

Priswell — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 23:48:46 +0000

How long did you let the pellets/alfalfa sit together before you applied it to your bin(s)? Did you experience heating?

By: tom

tom — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 02:14:02 +0000

trying my mix no horse food cow manure next might try hog I will compost it first.

By: Priswell

Priswell — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 18:38:15 +0000

I was excited to read about your alfalfa pellet/stove pellet combo idea. I’ve been using pellets for years, but adding the alfalfa pellets to balance the ratios is a brilliant idea.

I recently had a population fall off in one of my bins, and I am still working out the reason as to why. I’m hoping that this combo might be able to help reboot this bin.

By: John Duffy

John Duffy — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 01:11:53 +0000

It’s hard to believe your son is almost 3…Looks like he’s having a good time helping