Compost question

[President Bartlet]

We've been making compost for a year. It has had fruit and veg waste, garden waste, lawn clippings (40% approx), chicken poo, straw, newspaper and sawdust (60%). We've just got it out and it looks fine- is it likely to be more on the acid or more on the alkaline side? I'm going to get a test kit but can't get one today and really want to take advantage of the weather to get something in, so I wondered whether the bed is going to be best for spuds or onions? I'm a bit of a compost newbie so any advice appreciated.

[MKG]

Hi PB ...

It all rather depends upon what stuff you put into it. At 40% lawn clippings and 60% sawdust, though, that doesn't leave an awful lot of room for anything else. But it doesn't really matter too much. I assume you'll be using it as an additive rather than spreading it as a thick bed, so the natural pH of your soil will tend to override the nature of the compost. You'd be better off keeping an eye on that rather than worrying about the compost, although I'd also add that I've never tested the pH of the soil in our garden. It still grows stuff.

Ah - I've just realised what you actually meant

Your mix is, to my mind, a tad on the brown rather than green side - but only just so, again, no worries. There doesn't appear to be a preponderance of anything particularly acid or alkaline so I'd bet the compost turns out as most compost does, which is just a tad on the acidic side of neutral. Grow whatever you like in it, then.

Mike

[President Bartlet]

Thanks for that MKG- very useful.

[bonniethomas06]

I agree with MKG - just go for it.

Chicken poo and grass clippings are quite nitrogen rich and acidic - however straw actually absorbs nitrogen as it breaks down. Soil with acidic compost is always going to be better than soil without any compost - just bung it on and perhaps test the soil itself with a kit in a couple of weeks.

It is only really brassicas (green leafy veg) that need alkaline soil - you can always add some lime in a months time if it is way too acidic.

Good luck - sounds like lovely muck, well done.