composting in the Ask a Question forum

Apr 11, 2018 2:52 AM CST

Thread OP

shreve, ohio

I found 200 bales of hay that is 35 years old, I plan on composting most of it, would this be considered nitrogen or carbon due to its age?

| @gardendiggen | Post #1680941 (1)

sallyg

Apr 11, 2018 5:45 AM CST

Name: Sally
central Maryland (Zone 7b)
Let's all play ukulele

all carbon. Nitrogen is very 'volatile'

Plant it and they will come.

| @sallyg | Post #1680991 (2)

stone

Apr 12, 2018 3:24 PM CST

Name: stone
near Macon Georgia (USA) (Zone 8a)

Personally... I suggest using it as mulch. Best thing in the world to spread on top of the soil around the tomatoes!

Please visit my garden!

| @stone | Post #1682200 (3)

RpR

Apr 12, 2018 3:42 PM CST

Name: Dr. Demento Jr.
Minnesota (Zone 3b)

stone said:Personally... I suggest using it as mulch. Best thing in the world to spread on top of the soil around the tomatoes!

I agree, cut off slices a couple of inches thick and lay them over the ground . Fantastic for keeping soil moist and stopping weeds.
Weeds come through the crack but they are easy to pull and you can walk in the garden without getting muddy.

| @RpR | Post #1682207 (4)

Last edited by RpR Apr 12, 2018 4:01 PM

stone

Apr 12, 2018 3:57 PM CST

Name: stone
near Macon Georgia (USA) (Zone 8a)

Actually... I pull the strands apart and create plenty of air space...
Problem is... the old stuff laying out in the fields... kinda slimy and like.

Please visit my garden!

| @stone | Post #1682215 (5)

RpR

Apr 12, 2018 4:00 PM CST

Name: Dr. Demento Jr.
Minnesota (Zone 3b)

`` I hit quote instead of edit.

| @RpR | Post #1682221 (6)

Last edited by RpR Apr 12, 2018 4:01 PM

DaisyI

Apr 12, 2018 7:22 PM CST

Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost

35 years old? How come it hasn't mouldered all on its own?

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
Webmaster: osnnv.org

| @DaisyI | Post #1682377 (7)

gardendiggen

Apr 13, 2018 12:33 AM CST

Thread OP

shreve, ohio

this hay was in a dry barn, so the hay is dry and in good condition. thanks to all for advice

| @gardendiggen | Post #1682517 (8)