green acres elk grove nursery chicken manure

Green Acres Elk Grove Nursery: The Power of Chicken Manure Composting

As a gardener, I can attest that composting is the backbone of good horticulture. In fact, it's so important that it's hard to imagine gardening without it. And when done correctly, composting can be a game-changer for your plants and soil health.

My journey with composting began when I stumbled upon an article that claimed 'composting is the backbone of good horticulture.' Intrigued, I decided to put this claim to the test. I started by gathering materials from my local nursery, including chicken manure, horse manure, cow manure, seaweed, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and sheeps blood and guts. These became my nitrogen-rich ingredients.

Next, I collected carbon-based materials such as elder leaves, maple leaves, bark mulch, and wood chips. With these ingredients in hand, I began constructing my compost pile. I used an old above-ground swimming pool sheet metal to create a large tub and filled it with water while adding the materials.

As the days passed, I checked on the pile regularly, monitoring its temperature. It quickly rose to 80 degrees, then 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, and finally, 129 degrees. Once it reached 140 degrees, I unraveled the cylinder and started transferring the steaming contents to a new one.

I repeated this process for eight days, followed by another cycle of four days. The result was an astonishing two cubic yards of compost, equivalent to about 16 wheelbarrows full. This incredible bounty was made possible by the simple combination of carbon, nitrogen, and water.

Chicken manure played a significant role in my composting success story. Rich in nitrogen, it helped speed up the decomposition process and created a nutrient-rich soil amendment for my plants. The addition of other organic materials like leaves, bark mulch, and coffee grounds provided the necessary carbon to balance out the nitrogen.

In conclusion, composting is indeed the backbone of good horticulture. With chicken manure and other organic materials, it's possible to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that benefits your plants and the environment. By following these simple steps and guidelines, you too can reap the rewards of successful composting.

Green acres elk grove nursery chicken manure