Composting materials

[humanure]

I hear Peat Moss, and/or Wood shavings, are used with composting.

Does anyone know if there is "Free" composting materials, as this, available "freely" to the public, in Puna? If so, where?

Thanks.

[Carey]

There is free mulching green waste (chipped up plant materials that can include pallets & other lumber products) available at Hilo & Kona Landfill

[kalakoa]

In terms of time and wear-n-tear, your best option is usually to hire a delivery, last time I got mulch I paid $150 for a 20-yard load.

Depending where you live, not everyone will deliver, but Ashley's isn't afraid to bring their trucks up into the Great Unpaved.

[rainyjim]

Peat moss is expensive to purchase here but there is a moss that grows on trees / all over the place on the windward side, I bet Carey knows the name of the moss!

[humanure]

Kalakoa, what did you do with the load Do you cover it, or does it sit exposed to rain? Thanks.

[kalakoa]

Depends what you're using it for and how fast you're getting to it. The best plan is to have the pile delivered where you were planting anyway, then just stick stuff in the leftovers.

The most useful strategy seems to be: seed groundcover right on the mulch pile, then you can install hunks of it as you plant. Uncovered mulch will grow things anyway, turn this to your advantage instead of dealing with weeds later.

Fresh mulch is warm (while it's still "active"), and the heat makes cuttings root really quickly, just be sure to transplant them before they become permanent.

[humanure]

Thank you Kalakoa. I admire your posts.

[Carey]

Another place to check is Asplundh Tree Trimming in Keaau (HPP - off Makuu) They are doing the trimming & chipping along 130 & have the utility contract.

We used them back on the mainland, the product was free there, but they downloaded when they had a load very near your property...

Back on the mainland, we carted our chip mulch in plastic toboggans, here we use plastic mortar bins to transport our compost around the yard. We like them over wheelbarrows for most yard transport, as you do not need to lift up the mulch, just tip the toboggan/mortar bin up to the pile, & "cleave" off the fill right into the bin. They glide fairly well on low vegetation, but not on rock/lava surfaces & spikey/tall vegetation, so if you would need a wheelbarrow/cart if you do not have a path to glide on..

[vickichan114]

quote:

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Originally posted by kalakoa


The most useful strategy seems to be: seed groundcover right on the mulch pile, then you can install hunks of it as you plant. Uncovered mulch will grow things anyway, turn this to your advantage instead of dealing with weeds later.

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Cool, It is a good idea.