A tale of three composting systems, and a garden nemesis

     We now have three different composting systems set up and going.  The first is the traditional pile.  We put our kitchen scraps, big plants, and other garden trimmings into this pile and simply let it decompose without turning.  It is slow (years) but the material at its bottom is beautiful and rich. It also allows the local wildlife (foxes, raccoons, crows, etc) a nice spot to pick through things.  Here is a pic of this pile. Click on it to enlarge if desired.

     The next two systems are different compost tumblers.  The larger one is called a Compostumbler and is a metal and plastic container with a hand crank.  We have found this to be very effective and quick to make compost. (Usually 3 weeks start to finish in spring, summer, and fall).  It heats up rapidly, mixes the contents well, has good aeration,  and is the Lexus model of composter (but made in the USA).  I checked on the temperature in the composter today of the grass clippings, sawdust, and bit of bonemeal I had filled it with yesterday, and in less than 24 hours it was heated up to 150 degrees F.  Amazing.
     The second tumbler was the Lifetime brand 80 gallon recycled plastic composter which I found in store at Costco for $99.  It is well designed, turns easily when full, and loads easily as well.  I will be checking its temperature tomorrow.  Illijana and I moved some recycled concrete blocks for it to sit on, and I painted its steel base as an extra rust protection before loading it with grass clippings, sawdust, and a bit of bonemeal and bloodmeal.  Here are the two composters side by side.

     Garden nemesis:  today I sprayed all the brassica plant species (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc) with the bacterium bacillus thuringiensis (known as bt).  This bacterium targets only the larva of the cabbage moth which can decimate the leaves of these plants. (The larva are the little then larger green worms found on garden plants).  I watched a cabbage moth circling my garden and landing on some of these plants today, so out came the bt and sprayer and every plant got a good dose.  The moth alighted on a rhubarb plant long enough for me to get this picture today.