Comments on: composting smart (including in a pit!), with ‘the new gardener’s handbook’ author daryl beyers

By: Daveen Kaplan

Daveen Kaplan — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 13:31:52 +0000

I live in zone 5b, but in a very dry, fire prone area. I’ve been frustrated with my attempts to compost because I have to add so much water and I’m trying to be waterwise. Most composters seem to assume that rain will take care of the compost pile, but we have so little rain. So . . . I’m excited to try this pit system because it seems to me the soil sides are going to better catch and keeep any rain we do get, as well as keep the material more protected from drying out when I do need to add water. And . . a dry compost pile is a fire hazzard.

By: Joan Holdorf

Joan Holdorf — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 14:07:04 +0000

Love this article! I am going to try it! Has to make compost quicker than my black bins! Thank you so much for this information!

By: joan

joan — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:53:51 +0000

I have 2 pallet formed compost bins with open fronts that I put kitchen waste, leaves, garden waste, etc. in. I never seem to get a lot of finished compost. I’m not sure if critters are getting in there and walking off with the waste before it composts, but my pile seems to shrink, even though I’m constantly adding to it.

Yes, I would like to try something new this year. I think the pit advice sounds like it would work better for my situation.

I would love a copy of Daryl’s book “The New Gardener’s Handbook.”

Thank you,
Joan