Beautiful fall weather to work in the garden.

I always have mixed feelings about this time of the year, cooler days but shorter daylight time

So much to do with harvesting, canning, freezing and trying to find time to put the garden to bed.

I like the cooler temperature but it is now dark at 7 p.m. or so and still dark in the morning when I get up.

I had the good luck of getting horse manure. It is not old so will need composting before mixing it in the beds. I have compost going now but will also spread some on some of the beds, breaking the clumps and adding some of my old grass clippings. Nature will take care of the rest and it should be ready in the spring to turn it in the soil. I am not worried a bit about some weed seeds germinating as I will pull them out when they are small enough and use them for compost.

Even if the city of Vernon has a recycling program for food and garden stuff, I only recycle the large pieces that would not break down in 3 months. This is the time my compost is usually ready for use.

The ratio of carbon to nitrogen is necessary for a good and fast compost. I shred all my leaves and garden residues with my old lawnmower by the name of Faithful. TLC keeps it going and going and going like the pink rabbit on TV.

Taken from the following website: 

鈥淚f the C:N ratio is too high, the compost will break down extremely slowly. If the ratio is too low, the pile can produce a displeasing smell as excess nitrogen escapes into the atmosphere in the form of ammonia.

Experts disagree on the optimal C:N ratio, but most scientific literature typically recommends something between 25:1 and 30:1. Higher ratios are fine if a slow composting process is acceptable.

Greens: Fresh grass clippings: 20:1. Coffee grounds: 20:1. Horse manure: 25:1. Vegetable scraps: 25:1.

Wood ashes: 25:1. Freshly pulled weeds: 30:1. Garden waste: 30:1.

Browns: Leaves: 60:1. Shredded newspaper: 175:1. Hardwood bark: 223:1. Sawdust: 325:1. Shredded cardboard: 350:1. Wood chips: 400:1.鈥�

These are only a few of what you can find on the above site with a lot more information about composting.

I deal mostly with weeds, garden waste, horse manure, shredded leaves and a small amount of vegetable waste from the kitchen. If I have too much of the greens, I can add browns like shredded newspapers to balance the load. My compost bins can heat up to 155 degrees Farenheit within a couple days. Then I stir and make sure it doesn鈥檛 dry up. When making compost, it should be wet like a wet sponge but does not drip.

I read that compost can be used when you cannot see what is in it. In the fall it can be spread on the garden after harvest and let mother nature finish the work for you. In the spring dig it a bit in the soil and plant your garden. Everything should grow good but if not, just blame it on the weather.

For more information: 250-558-4556 or jocelynesewell@gmail.com