I ask the Compost Expert Your Questions!

In this video I consult with Tony O'Neill of KZbin's Simplify Gardening. He has a new book out, "Composting Masterclass". I knew he would be the one to bring our composting questions too, and he doesn't disappoint.
Your can find Tony's KZbin channel here: / simplifygardening
Get his new book here: amzn.to/39k6Ldx
NOTE: Amazon.com and CA are having an issue and not all formats of the books are available. They are working on it. Their tech section is trying to figure out whats going on. All other amazons are fine. Search your local Amazon, or as an alternative Google it as the book is showing in multiple online sources for both the USA and Canada.

[@NextLevelGardening]

NOTE: Amazon.com and CA are having an issue and not all formats of the books are available. They are working on it. Their tech section is trying to figure out whats going on. All other amazons are fine. Search your local Amazon, or as an alternative Google it as the book is showing in multiple online sources for both the USA and Canada.

[@darkhunter777]

Какой PH должен быть у компоста ?

[@johnwilsonwilson2490]

Great video

[@PatricesProjects]

Do you know if the issue has been resolved yet?

[@derekmorris7128]

Amazon is still showing a hard copy of the book is temp. out. I just ordered a copy of the paperback from Barnes and Noble and it should be arriving tomorrow so no problems ordering it through them.

[@sharonclayton]

The only format available in TN is audio. A hard copy is what I want. Hope they get it resolved soon.

[@neptunesharvest9338]

Fish Fertilizer does help speed things up, if you mix it with water and spray it on the pile. The Fish feeds the microbes. Use 2 oz. per gallon of water and spray it every 2-3 weeks.

[@TheProdigalGardener]

My plants want to say thank you for your fish fertilizer! 😁

[@littlesuzie6672]

I just love Tony’s Welsh accent, reminds me of my children watching Fireman Sam 😆 Thank you for a great video, Tony’s tips were excellent!

[@zinnia3190]

Two of KZbin's best teachers teaming up, love it! Thanks so much for having Tony talk about composting.

[@simplifygardening]

Thank you Zinnia

[@lorenturner4838]

Last year I brought in some manure from a local farm that had horses. I was informed that they were fed premium hay which is supposedly not sprayed for weeds. It took twice as long to germinate my seeds and when the seedlings were growing they achieved a very short height. The plants were yellow and they grew very slowly and were misshapen. The cucumbers, zucchini and tomatoes all grew very poorly and the plants looked sick. The soil was evenly watered so that was not an issue I applied organic fertilizer and nothing improved the situation. After a lot of Google searches I came to the conclusion that there was herbicide residue in the manure. The easiest solution to my problem was to apply Activated charcoal to absorb the herbicide. Within a week the plants were greening up and a few weeks later the beans were flowering the tomatoes and cucumbers are growing very well. The beans ended up producing very well the rest of the garden were affected to the point that the cucumbers were round yellow little balls in the tomatoes were miniature and misshapen. The onions failed to become any bigger than ping-pong ball size. I applied more activated charcoal last fall and if I was to guarantee that it wasn’t going to be an issue this year I needed to remove the soil from all of my raised beds. I am taking the chance that the activated charcoal and allowing the winter season two breakdown the remaining herbicide. Time will tell.

[@joanies6778]

Activated charcoal... Brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

[@donnawoodford6641]

What ratio of the activated charcoal did you apply/mix in with your existing compost?

[@lorenturner4838]

@@donnawoodford6641 I googled activated charcoal to detox soil. This is a video I just saw but not the one I used. I suggest you do a search. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nILZgWmilMlrmq8

[@umiluv]

Thank you for sharing how you solved the issue. I’m so nervous about buying compost now.

[@jackzampella5758]

Never thought I had enough room to compost. Tony says different. I'll have to give it more thought. Thanks Brian. Another great lesson. You are truly appreciated!!

[@simplifygardening]

Jack you can compost on your kitchen counter, so everyone has room. you just need to know which process is best for your specific area

[@Muffy.from-Oz]

My compost bins are under a lime tree and the roots are so invasive that I lose a huge amount of compost to the tree. Needless to say, the lime tree is thriving and much of my work goes to naught if I don't keep on top of turning it regularly.... plus you cannot leave it in the bin once it's composted. My answer is don't put it under a tree if you know you may not keep up the turning routine. MUffy from OZ (Australia)

[@simplifygardening]

Sometimes Pamela if you don't have a choice where to put it you have to deal with it, but if you can find a new location consider that

[@sylviacisneros6933]

The Mushroom Farm is all organic. If there is pesticide in the compost then they need to be notified. If you have it I probably do too!!!! Eventually I hope to just drop and chop all my clippings and will no longer need compost imported. Also, I bury my food scraps around the garden so I have lots of worm casting feeding lots of my plants.

[@rusted5408]

Most mushroom farms are not totally organic. They use nitrogen fertilizer. Mushrooms take a lot. So the salts are all leftover. A simple internet search will tell you that.

[@kenharrison3364]

Thanks Tony for taking the time to Answer some questions. Good information.

[@simplifygardening]

Your welcome Ken

[@PatricesProjects]

Great collaboration. I love how Tony gives very detailed responses. His book should be awesome.

[@kath-phlox]

I watch Tony on here as a rule. This is good advice, I started a compost bin myself this year and I'm keeping my eye on the heat because I also added compost worms which I don't want to over heat. But, now I see I will have to purchase a moisture meter, even though I know mine is well watered and balanced. Gardeners never have their hand out of their pocket 😉

[@simplifygardening]

Kath, When you build the pile right and allow the temps to climb through the phases as the compost gets tot the point of starting to mature the worms will move in naturally and you can save the money on buying and adding worms

[@marypatten9655]

thank you for the information. never knew about grayzon. God bless

[@lupitacameron9693]

Thanks for a great video on a subject that I questioned if I’m doing correctly. Tony was helpful in answering my many questions, much appreciated. Looking forward to reading both your books.

[@simplifygardening]

Thank you Lupita When you finish reading or listening to it would you mind leaving an honest review on Amazon? It will help others make a choice to buy or not. It can be good or bad. Honest reviews are more authentic.

[@Eric-gi9kg]

I do, on accession, add an organic compost helper/booster. It helps balance things. I'm not a Certified compost master, But I have been composting for at least 10 years. I have a 2 bin system (3' x 3' x 4 1/2' each), I use the Hot Method...producing 41 cubic feet (approx. 2.3 cu yds) of compressed compost in a summer. I'm in the Pacific Northwest, on .13 acres.

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent Eric, as long as its working well it makes no difference on how you do it

[@angiedonald7770]

Thank you for sharing...both of you!!

[@54cwalt]

Hi Brian, i have been binge watching your videos for a couple weeks now. I haven't worked a garden since I was a child... about 45 years. With food shortage warnings I decided to make a back yard garden recently. Your videos have been so captivating and informational. I am stressing over the compost situation. i started a new compost bin but it will not be ready until next year. I'm too afraid to buy the local compost or the big box store compost. The certified organic compost is not available in my area. Sooooo.... I'm hoping that with the fertilizer that you suggested that the garden will make enough this first year to make me proud. Thanks again for all your videos. I love your compassion and sense of humor.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you! You can do it!

[@johnjude2685]

Thanks to Tony and yourself

[@simplifygardening]

Thankyou John

[@bethsands7665]

Awesome come-back, learning experience for us all. Grow and prosper !

[@susanriggs8896]

I also subscribe to Tony's KZbin. One thing that wasn't mentioned is something I do. I have two circular composters. When I got them, I added regular garden soil to the mix, and the soil turned out to have a lot of worms in it. Having the worms in my composter really speeds up the process. I get worm castings mixed in with the compost. The circular composters have holes in the bottom, and excess liquid drains into a container below. I collect the liquid, dilute it and use it on my plants. I also have a regular compost bin which works fine, but it takes longer to break down material, & it doesn't have that nice dark brown color or texture of the compost from the circular composters. I assume worm castings are what make the circular composters product so nice and dark.

[@simplifygardening]

Susan. Garden soil should be avoided for multiple reasons, firstly it pushes air out of the heap as it breaks down. I understand your thoughts about adding worms, but if your composting properly you don't want worms as the temps, in the beginning, will kill them. These move in on their own as the compost is maturing. I cover this in detail in the book. If your main pile is taking a long time and not getting the dark colors then that's indicative of the wrong ratios and not enough heat

[@susanriggs8896]

@@simplifygardening Thanks for your answer, Tony. I'm a big fan of yours. I've been trying to order your book but Amazon isn't yet offering the book editions. I'm eager to get it. For my regular non-rotating composter, I will definitely take your advice about the green/brown ration seriously, as I usually just dump garden waster into the bin and leave it as I don't have the strength to turn the pile. I do have the strength to turn the rotating/circular composter. I would say my rotating/circular composter does a great job of aerating the compost mix. I only put soil into the composter the first time I used it years ago as I was told that it was a way to Innoculate the compost with bacteria and worms that would aid the composting. Since then there seems to be enough worms/eggs left inside after I empty it to repopulate the compost, I don't add soil any more. The worms are really happy, which makes me happy. I live in a very mild climate along the Pacific Coast--San Francisco Bay. I have seen the worms migrate out of the compost and up the side of the rotating/circular composter on the rare occasions it gets hot here. I'm thinking the rotating/circular composter is maybe closer to vermiculture than traditional composting?

[@susanriggs8896]

@@bobalman Hi, Bob, aren't worms amazing! When we move compost out of my non-rotating regular big bin compster there are always tons of worms at the bottom of the pile. The compost seems pretty good, but it isn't as dark and rich looking as the stuff that comes out of my rotating/circular composter. What comes out of the rotating/circular composter ". . . is pretty awesome...it smell like humus and is dark and rich," to quote you. I wouldn't say I garden the way all my different garden gurus say I should. I don't know how hot the compost in the various bins get. But overall, I think my garden has been kind to me despite my less than perfect approach. Still I learn new things all the time and approach gardening as a joint experiment with Mother Nature.

[@mildredkrisik8888]

How exciting that I can learn how to start a small compost pile in the city for my 300 ft3 garden! Thanks so much.

[@user-le1hi2jg5u]

When two all stars come together, that is NEXT LEVEL!!

[@B30pt87]

Thank you! And a big thank you to Tony too. I will definitely buy his book.

[@robertshorthill6836]

Yes, I had an experince with old polluted dried, well rotted horse manure about 8 years ago. I took 5 plastic barrels to a lady's farm for free horse manure, as advertised. I was going to use it all over my compost piles, but just didn't get to for about 3 weeks. I did mix part of one barrel into a patch of something. I don't remember what the plants were, but they shriveled and died within a couple days. I had to haul the remaining 4 1/2 barrels to the dump, wash out the dust from inside the barrels, and call the lady to tell her to warn people not to take it for gardens as it had herbicide chemicals in it. I'm sure lots of other people already used it for their gardens. It amazes me people think they have to use chemicals like these to have a successful farm or ranch. I worked breifly at a ranch/ farm supply place and was astounded at the amount of pesticides and herbicides people bought. It was disgusting to me. I told this story to a horse fellow that admitted he sometimes uses herbicide sprays for his hay crop, so there you have it. I do not use manure in my compost piles, as much as I'd like to. Rabbit maybe if I can get a source.

[@simplifygardening]

That is the only reason about horse and cattle manures you need to be weary of

[@Melinda_WA_US]

Sorry you may be growing a large crop of corn this year; at least there are different varieties😉. Scott Head over at Black Gumbo had to do this a couple years ago along. Charles Dowding has also found some of the tainted compost however he always tests before he puts it in a bed. It's great you are also promoting Tony O'Neill, he always has great things to share. There are a number of gardening KZbinrs that are promoting it today (and probably in the days/weeks to come) and I can't wait to read it myself when it comes in the mail.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Melinda

[@tbchamplin1628]

My daughter in Alaska who loves gardening and composts with worms will love this!!

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent :)

[@causmogroov3764]

Such an awesome video!! Thank you sooo much!

[@seanspishak8478]

Every video is loaded with so much valuable info, thanks.

[@joanies6778]

Tony is my "go to guy" for potatoes! 🤗 I just opened my compost geobin... and what a disappointment. OK, I did some things wrong, but after all this time, I still expected more. 😆 I probably got as much as I get in a small bag of mushroom compost. 🍄 Anyways, it was full of little critters even after I sifted through it. So, after checking online, I discovered that spreading it out in the sun on a piece of landscape fabric would send them on their way. It worked! I keep running a stick through it and not a critter in sight. Yay! Since it takes so long for such a small yield, I decided to go with burying 2 gallon compost buckets in each garden bed. I drilled big holes in the bottom and lower half of the sides, and smaller holes in the section above ground. I filled them with a layer of the dirt and worms, greens, and browns, then watered them, replaced the lid, and put a piece of cardboard weighed down by a rock for shade. I am hopeful this will work for me!

[@simplifygardening]

Hey Joanie Thats a shame. Get my book and you will wonder why you ever worried about it. You will understand everything and produce as much as you require

[@joanies6778]

@@simplifygardening Definitely getting your book, Tony! Thanks.

[@simplifygardening]

@@joanies6778 Thanks Joanie would you mind leaving an honest review when you have read it, please? This will help others decide if it's for them

[@laurahockman6341]

Great questions & willingness to share amazing information!

[@mushethecowboycook9353]

Shred and chop what you are putting in the compost bin and that will speed up the compost process

[@cynthiamccoy5834]

Grrrt team work, thanks.

[@Geopolitic157]

Excellent networking for your community Brian. Very impressive- No wonder you have so many subscribers; myself included.

[@kathyley5661]

Yes, that was awesome! Lots of information for everyone. Thanks

[@simplifygardening]

thanks Kathy

[@wardroland270]

Thanks Brian. Great job. Good info. God bless.

[@llaevigrof]

Awesome, thank you, subscribed to Tony... thank you!

[@maryvanderwall4602]

Thanks, Brian and Tony! So informative. I will be looking into more about composting. I generally have purchased my compost but maybe I can try to do my own. Always so informative. Have a great day!

[@simplifygardening]

You should Mary especially with the price increases over this year and into next

[@UrbanGardeningWithD.A.Hanks14]

This year, I'm keeping a perpetually-hot compost pile. I keep turning it, and when it starts to get near the low side of the red on my thermometer, I add more grass clippings. This last time, it wasn't cooling down, so I let it go for 14 days. The core was still 135F, steaming, loaded with mycorrhizal fungi and almost dry, yet it was still maintaining the hot temps. It was like cement in there and I had to use a mattock to "mine" it out, but it was still hot! I couldn't believe it. This is now my go-to method from here on out.

[@risasgardentokitchen]

Thanks you so much for all of that information I love watching you both.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Miriam

[@joannekeith9430]

This was great, thank you both!

[@simplifygardening]

Thank you

[@samineasttn1544]

Enjoyed the video. Thank you!

[@acolley2891]

TONY!! God bless you both.

[@simplifygardening]

:) Thanks how are you?

[@martenalvarado7147]

I was not looking for this when I jumped on YT, but I totally enjoyed it while sitting on my tomato bed!

[@mattbutler4763]

Excellent video guys, thank you! Will get my hands on your book Tony…loved Brian’s.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Matt When you finish reading or listening to it would you mind leaving an honest review on Amazon? It will help others make a choice to buy or not. It can be good or bad. Honest reviews are more authentic.

[@CrossPatchDi]

Thanks for this. Very informative!

[@mneraasen224]

Thanks Tony! Thanks Brian!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Denise

[@thizizliz]

Thank you! I'll start adding more water and green stuff to my compost. It's so dry here that it mummifies, but I just didn't think it through. Thank you!

[@juleenlatvala7536]

Great information. Thanks for that. I will definitely be looking into his book to understand more about how composting should work.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Juleen When you finish reading or listening to it would you mind leaving an honest review on Amazon? It will help others make a choice to buy or not. It can be good or bad. Honest reviews are more authentic.

[@dasrottweiler6379]

Selfless Brian, bringing in Tony... Just Starting Worm Bins and Composting this season with both of your assistance. TY

[@avoiceinsupportoftruth5]

Thanks for this great info!

[@yourface2616]

Thanks Tony! Love this

[@simplifygardening]

Your welcome

[@graciejones5626]

Thank you!

[@knitquiltsewstitch3571]

Yes, you can totally compost on a small balcony! We've been doing it for years!

[@simplifygardening]

Perfect and its great to hear

[@dollyperry3020]

Grazon can be on Straw as well. I used it as a mulch and it damaged several tomatoes

[@aprilbrimmer8121]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@emilybh6255]

Yes AND it can be on Hay as I commented in last week's video. David the Good probably was one of the first ones to discover this happens back in 2012. After experiencing it the first time and determining Grayzon was the issue, "Mother Earth News" published an article he wrote. His channel is Survival Gardening with David the Good and he has also written books about gardening and specifically on composting called COMPOST EVERYTHING: The Good Guide to Extreme Composting. @April Brimmer

[@tkaart2242]

I will have to get his book. I bet it is full of wonderful information!

[@RamChickPig]

Thx for this helpful video. I had the same problem last year but my plants did rebound.

[@aprilbrimmer8121]

I am sorry this happened to you, THANK YOU for sharing this!!!!!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks April

[@user-mc3tp5sd2z]

This reinforces what you’ve always said and what I’ve always learned, the most important thing is the soil. When I put money into the garden, that’s where it mostly goes. I’m a bit furious on your behalf that they sold you compost that had not been fully cured, but I think we all learned a big lesson from it, in that we always need to ask. For bagged mix or compost, I always ensure it’s ormi certified organic and with big loads, I want to know everything in it, that it’s organic, and how long it’s been aged to ensure it’s fully cured. If they can’t can’t tell me that, I go someplace else. Two good bagged sources are hydroponic stores and landscaping suppliers, which here sell what the good nurseries have at half the cost.

[@francesbatycki404]

Excellent vid. Compact. Lots of info. Nothing fancy. Clearly explained.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks

[@craighalle7892]

I used to get fresh horse manure to compost for my garden. What could be better than free? Until my seedlings died and my garden failed, except where I didn't use it. That was when I learned about the weed poison horses could eat. I would bet that's what happened to you. Took 2 years to get over the issue. I also would strongly advise red wigglers in your compost which was another freebie for me. They changed the quality of the compost in a month or two.. You have to be sure to water the bins or the little guys will leave. The worm waste is an unequivocal compost improvement which allows your plants to draw more needed nutrients from your soil. I also try to harvest the little guys to keep them in my bins. I appreciate all that you do whether it works or not so we all know what to do and what to avoid doing. May the Lord bless you and yours and I sure do love you and all you do.

[@andersonomo597]

'I also try to harvest the little guys to keep them in my bins'.......same here!! So glad to see I'm not the only 'crazy' one!! I find keeping the worm numbers high really speeds up the composting process once the initial heating up has died down. Harvesting the worms is a PIA process and slow though - how do you do it please? I just leave a trough of compost in the sun and slowly/gradually take off the top layers and let the worms wriggle down - but it takes FOREVER!

[@craighalle7892]

I just try to go through the compost and pluck out as many as I can. I have heard placing a moist paper towel over the compost draws the little guys to the top. Makes sense but have not tried it. This does seem crazy because so many people are afraid of worms. One of the most beneficial creatures on earth. I guess we could remove the top few inches of compost, harvest compost and replace the top layer. That could work, too. I like your reply.

[@andersonomo597]

@@craighalle7892 Thanks! I like yours too! My method works ok if there's lots of sun and at the moment here in Sydney (Oz) we're having many rainy and cloudy days as we're in a La Nina weather pattern. They'll still burrow down from the light but just slower than when it's sunny - so REALLY slow! I need to empty a bin so I guess some compost worms will just have to go into the veggie beds. C'est la vie! I harvested some potatoes yesterday and the soil was packed with big earthworms - I'm with you, they're all underrated and essential and I happily do things to keep them around!

[@craighalle7892]

@@andersonomo597 I didn't realize you're in Australia. You must be close to fall. I'm in the Midwest of the US (near Chicago)so just getting close to summer. I actually found nightcrawlers when I dug into my raised beds. You would have never seen a bigger smile on my face. They areate the soil and are my favorite fishing buddies. If I get to Sydney we'll have to get together. On my bucket list for a long time along with New Zealand. Good talking with you.

[@andersonomo597]

@@craighalle7892 I'm looking out the window at some golden leaves on the ground. Deciduous trees are the exception here, unlike in North America. For you, hot hazy days ahead - hope your garden thrives, especially with food prices going through the roof! You'd love Sydney, lots to do and see and we LOVE tourists! Good talking to you too! Cheers!!

[@gazellecarlson6543]

awsome... i watch tony as well. can't have to much knowledge

[@francesbatycki404]

We have a butternut tree and the leaves are toxic. They also take at least a couple of years to break down because they are like laminated leather! I’m sure composting would mean the toxins were negligible but the combo of texture and substance means those don’t go on our garden compost pile.

[@gwendyrose8905]

We have black walnuts on our farm. Have to be careful that we don't end up with too many shells from the squirrels in the compost bins. :( Thankfully, the leaves aren't a problem. :)

[@davidgeorge4784]

I have no choice but to buy bagged compost. I don’t generate enough to amend my beds and what I do produce takes a long time to break down

[@simplifygardening]

David I show ideas on how to increase and source ingredients

[@korzonas]

You two are the first two gardeners I subscribed to on youtube! “Dalek-style!” 🤣🤣🤣 I wonder what % of viewers understood that reference? Yes, I intend to make my own compost, but in the meantime, I’ve planted indeterminate seed potatoes in an organic potting mix which I believe has almost no nutrients. Each container is a 10-gallon fabric pot, but I’m only putting 8 gallons in each (will add more on top later, hopefully compost (🤞🏼), to cover any potatoes that get close to the surface. Yes, I have mulched the tops with shredded oak chips. I already have purchased blood meal (10-0-0) for nitrogen, bone meal (0-12-0) for phosphorus, & muriate of potash (0-0-60)for potassium. I know that for root vegetables, I should not put in too much nitrogen. My question is, how much of each should I mix in to the potting mix?

[@simplifygardening]

😂

[@ilenehorowitz3060]

Very informative!!

[@faithsisk6239]

Fantastic q and a

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@HealyMeans]

hi 🤗 this is a great video on composting. i use the cardboard boxes from shipping deliveries (removing the tape and any plastic), food scraps, mulch, a little water and native soil mixed with perlite to help cut down the smell in a lid trash can. ive read that meat scraps are bad for composting, but can i use it in my trash can mix? tfs

[@657449]

Great discussion. Thank you. You should tap into the experts you know.

[@simplifygardening]

We all do this. Even so-called experts are not afraid to learn from others

[@ShortbusMooner]

I need that book!! 👍

[@anthonyiarossi8249]

Great video

[@jeffs1062]

One thing I have observed with composing near trees or even where trees were. the tree roots will grow into the compost pile. Makes the compost difficult to harvest.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes this can cause an issue but if your turning it as you should then you can cut them before they get too thick

[@PaullaWells]

This video was great! Awesome information, Tony! Thank you so much! I'll be looking on Amazon for your book because Brian is going to wring my neck if I don't start composting soon. 🤣

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Paulla I am glad it was interesting for you

[@PaullaWells]

@@simplifygardening - you’re welcome! It really was interesting and informative!

[@simplifygardening]

@@PaullaWells Perfect :)

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes I will 😊😁

[@juliaadelkhanova400]

Thanks for this useful video! I live in an apartment and I'm trying to compost on my balcony. I've got two around 100 l metal buckets with a lid and without any holes for the air circulation. Would I still succeed if I turn the content over every day from one bucket to another? It is hot here in summer, 20-40ºC.

[@sarisinta]

Such useful advice! Thank you! I have trouble growing chillies and tomatoes. How do I deal with pests that attack these plants?

[@susanrowland8915]

Question for you about magnolia leaves. They do have a chemical, I’m told, that suppresses growth. What do you know about using chopped up magnolia leaves as a mulch under fruit trees? Safe? Safe to use in the paths next to vegetable gardens? Much thanks! Sue

[@deenataylor9015]

Brian, I planted my seed potatoes in containers a week after you planted yours. Some of my leaves are turning yellow. Any ideas on why and what I should do? Thank you!

[@1cspringer]

I would question if grazon is used in California hay/straw. I have been using hay in San Diego to cover my gardening crops for years and have an amazing garden.

[@DawnaRo]

I'm new to composting. I got my 4 pallets set up and have started adding ingredients. I'm lucky to have horse manure with wood chips from my horse stalls and NO GRAZON! My question is, how do I determine what would be 60% moisture? I live in Utah where it is dry and arid. Would it help to put black plastic over my pile and just take it off to water the pile? Thanks you for so much great information. It's making me into a real gardener and it is addictive!

[@kmathena33]

Just getting started with my compost bin. Our aerobic septic system sprays the compost. Is that going to ruin it? Thought I'd ask before we get too far into this. Appreciate your help!

[@sherimatukonis6016]

Be careful not to forget about compost pile covered with plastic. Mine has spent a few years bone dry because I forgot about it.

[@donhorak9417]

Live Oak leaves NEVER break down! Red Oak, White Oak; no problem.

[@cglenn0757]

How exactly do I test my soil and compost for salinity?

[@lauradissinger5404]

I have been watching Tony’s channel for a while now and find all of his tips to be very helpful. Love that you’ve teamed up!

[@simplifygardening]

Thank you Laura

[@chrischuba5037]

Regarding green vs brown ratio, it's fall in the N.E. U.S., I have tons of brown leaves to deal with. What can I do to compost my leaves? Currently, I am chopping them up with the lawn mower and covering it with a permiable tarp.

[@fuzyhentaipanda]

I do really want to know your results. I believe we both our compost from the same mushroom farm and have had some similar issues, though not as extreme. Please keep us posted!

[@NextLevelGardening]

I will!

[@thoughtlesskills]

I'd love your take on the Lomi countertop 'composter'

[@carolbeers4208]

You should contact Solana Center they have alot of online free classes like composting n etc. Now that you live in our area

[@rehmanfaridcompaunder3396]

Hi, started composting for the first time last November in big plastic box with lid. My compost is always very wet even after putting enough shredded cardboards and there are lots of little white flies inside every time I open the lid. How to prevent this?

[@simplifygardening]

You have to take into consideration of the ingredients you are using. Even dry leaves have a certain percentage of water in them. I cover this area in depth in the book because it is the number one reason for peoples struggles

[@RDG397]

had a water oak stump grounded up and was wondering if I can use the stump grindings for a flower bed?

[@simplifygardening]

As a mulch they will be fine

[@umiluv]

I have clay soil and have oak stump grinding so as well and I’m going to dig it into the soil and let the beds sit for a season. Maybe plant some cover crops so that I can add nitrogen and keep out the weeds. I see plants already trying to grow in the stump grindings so it will make great soil.

[@debihediger4760]

I’ve got a question about the rattle snake beans. Are the leaves mottled?

[@lilal3753]

I have a tumbling compost bin and have no idea if it's 60% humidity like Tony suggested. Any ideas how to check that? Thanks so much!

[@simplifygardening]

Grab a handful of it, and squeeze it as tight as you can. if more than a single drop of water comes out its over 60% if no water comes out but forms a ball and breaks up if you try to crumble it its perfect. if it doesn't form a ball its too dry

[@peterwallace9300]

Hey brian this might not be the right video for my question but whats your opion of this fertilizer mix ( 1 gal water to 2.4g 4-18-38 to 1.2g epsom salt to 2.4g calcium nitrate ) Thanks

[@cathyann6835]

Can anyone tell me what causes my beautiful healthy tomato plant stems and branches to turn purple? It happens not long after I plant them. I thought maybe it was the straw I bought last year,. But I tried some in a raised bed soil in a flower pot and it's starting again. I've never seen anything like it. The ones in the flats are still green. I'm afraid to plant after last year. Eventually the leaves turn purplish and look dry and a little curled.

[@NextLevelGardening]

I have a video on that...search next level purple

[@johnpoole2655]

Hello I was wondering if you know anything about cat facing on tomatoes and if you could maybe do a video on how to possibly get rid of it or how to prevent it what causes it because it is new to me and I've never heard of it and never had a problem with it until this year it would be greatly appreciated thank you

[@simplifygardening]

I am sure Brian has covered this. I also have a video about tomato disease and its covered in that

[@AlvinMcManus]

I have the Kindle version now how do we get a hard copy?

[@ebgstuff]

Several years ago a organic gardener on the radio in Austin tx gave out a recipe for excellerating compost. 1 can of cheap beer. One can of cheap soda and a cup of clear dish soap mixed in a 5 gallon of water. Pour over the compost pile. Not sure of this is still a valid mx any more?

[@shannonriley6491]

I just have a quick question, would four year old hay be considered a green or a brown in composting?

[@simplifygardening]

It will contain both green and brown. most of the nitrogen will have gassed off though, I would treat it as a brown now but mix it 50/50 with nitrogen

[@j.j.holloway9099]

Should I put compost on my potato plants?

[@kazimierapollitt8783]

Brian, have a question for you, can I put that tomato and Veg fertilizer in a spray fertilizer instead of just a water can?

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes

[@leslienilsson3236]

I tried looking up his book but it's just for kindle. I would love an actual book 📖. I hope it becomes available soon.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Check out the note in the description. It's just a glitch with Amazon and hopefully will be fixed soon!

[@darkhunter777]

Вообще стеклянные теплицы лучше, они больше света пропускают и быстрее урожай получается. По моему лучше один раз вложиться, чем постоянно эту пленку порванную менять - по деньгам в итоге одинаково получиться