Using garden waste

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marilynfish Lenore, ID Oct 13, 2008

I have a question. We have a small garden and the soil is not very good, yet! We have been adding organic material, etc., and it is still a work in progress. My husband wants to leave our pumkpkin vines, tomato plants, etc in the garden to till in next year. I don't think this is a good idea. Who is right?

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JasperDale Long Beach, CA(Zone 10a) Oct 13, 2008

Look into composting. If you have space for a compost pile, you can get free ammendment from the waste your garden generates.

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lbrabec (Lynn) Omaha, NE(Zone 5a) Oct 13, 2008

I would definitely not use the tomato plants.Any virus or other problem they may have had this year will be carried over in the soil.Compost is a much better idea.I sometimes use ground up tree leaves to keep soil loose.
Lynn

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Oct 13, 2008

If your soil needs building up, compost is a great idea. But you can also plant a cover crop (clover is good) during the winter if you aren't growing a winter garden. In the early spring before the clover begins to bloom, till it in. It will add compost and nitrogen to your soil for your spring garden. Just be sure you till it in early enough that the clover can break down sufficiently before planting veggies.

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paulgrow Allen Park, MI(Zone 6a) Oct 13, 2008

I agree don't use any diseased materials. Compost the rest.
You can add shredded leaves to the garden this fall.

Paul

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Oct 15, 2008

Composting is the best thing you can do for your garden, you can add all your household waste too,veg peelings, old compost from pots, lawn cuttings, shrub/leaf waste, tea bags and coffee grounds, the added matter is endless and when it rots down, you have as good a plant food to add to your soil as you will get anywhere, there are a few golden rules though, You dont add anything that is MAN MADE like plastic etc, dont add COOKED stuff like left over food and lastly, dont add DISEASED plant material as this will perhaps be carried to the soil when you add your home made compost, and thing bulky like lawn cuttings, newspapers etc should be added a little at a time or you will suffocate the compost pile and end up with a smelly mess, but daily household waste is no problems due to the small amount. hope you can start your own heap/bin etc as it becomes an obsession believe me. good luck. WeeNel.

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