I've composted off and on for a while.... and there is always a question that I need answered when I restart. Can we get an FAQ section started for this forum please? The list might include What's Green and what's Brown, any info gleaned on specifics like U.C.G.'s [ (used coffee grounds), sawdust, manure, urine, smell, insects, animal pests, worms, nitrogen robbing, diseases, lasagna, drums vs bins ect.] I think there is a lot of valuable information here, but I see a lot of repeated subject threads that might be answered easier if we consolidate?
Terry or DAve, is it time for a FAQ's sticky?
I think it would be a great idea.
Use this thread for your discussion about it, and chatter. (we can rename it to reflect this if you wish) and create another one for the information that is needed in the sticky.
This will keep your OT things that always seem to creep in (everyone does it) pretty much confined to the discussion thread. Newbies tend to be confused if there is too much chatter in an info thread.
If you place links to outside sources, someone needs to be designated to periodically check them to make sure that they still work.
Go ahead and start going on this, and let me know when you are ready. It does not have to be 'done' to make a sticky, but you need enough information to justify it.
Check out some of the other forums with sticky FAQ's to get ideas, and shout when you're ready to launch.
The FAQ ought to include a reassuring blurb at the top. Something like "don't worry, everything rots eventually."
When I first found this forum, composting seemed like a complicated, labor-intensive project. It took me awhile to understand that people were often just trying to figure out how to speed things up.
That's when I started my own pile.
isn't that the truth puddle.. and I just throw the stuff on.. imagine.. sometimes I throw 2 greens and 3 browns in a row.. *gasp!
Some kind of C:N chart would be nice, too.
http://compost.css.cornell.edu/OnFarmHandbook/apa.taba1.html
http://www.klickitatcounty.org/solidwaste/fileshtml/organics/compostCalc.htm
This is a handy dandy C:N calculator
Some entries on compost tea and Bokashi would be useful too.
You talked about "sticky" and I see it at the beginning of threads, what does it mean? Sorry if this isn't relevant, but I don't know a lot of these terms.
Lynda
When we get enough information for this thread it will always remain at the top of the forum. This allows us users and or newcomers to find the information faster without repeating thread topics
Pages tagged as "compost": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=compost
Pages tagged as "clay soil": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=clay+soil
Pages tagged as "soil amendments": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=soil+amendments
Pages tagged as "no-till gardening": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=no-till+gardening
Pages tagged as "double digging": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=double+digging
Pages tagged as "cover crops": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=cover+crops
Pages tagged as "coffee grounds": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=coffee+grounds
Pages tagged as "raised beds": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=raised+beds
Pages tagged as "bokashi": http://davesgarden.com/tools/tags/tag.php?tag=bokashi
This message was edited Feb 26, 2009 8:21 PM
Ya'll got my vote for a sticky page!
I can put these threads in as links on your new sticky thread. It looks like you have worked hard.
I'll get right on it.
There's your new sticky!
You can add additional links your selves if you wish.
Thanks a bunch! That'll be a big help!
The sticky post might need a link to a composting glossary. I found this one:
http://www.composting101.com/words-to-know.html
It covers basic terms & avoids the mindnumbing detail that would intimidate a newbie. What do y'all think?
Just remember that outside links sometimes get broken. We won't say 'no' to putting them in, but someone needs to keep an eye on them and make sure that they remain 'live'
Puddle, that is a great glossary that gets a lot of info in one place. I'll try checking on it once in a while as Melody suggests to see that it doesn't get broken.
We could ask their permission to reproduce its text (with a prominent credit and accompanying link).
As long as you check on it every so often, you should be fine.