The garden has a 3 bin composter for plant material waste. It does not get hot enough to fully cure, and so cannot handle the same waste as residential backyard composters or the city compost program. Its main function is to reduce our garden waste that would otherwise go to the landfill.
The finished compost can be taken home or put on the Library perennial/shrub borders. It is not intended to be used in vegetable beds as it has too many weeds, seeds, and possible diseases and pathogens.
Once a year, in early spring, the maintenance team purchases and distributes compost for the garden to amend the existing soil. The compost should be worked into the top few inches before seeding or planting.
Do’s and Don’ts
Only add garden waste to the green checkmark bin. The other bins are for finishing and storing compost.
Check garden waste for plastic tags, nylon string, and other non-plant material.
Only add plant material from the community garden. DO NOT add outside waste. This only invites pests and animals.
DO NOT add plants gone to seed. Chop up thick stems and roots into small pieces.
The lids can be propped up with the attached dowels. The front slats can also be removed for better access.
There are two pairs of shears in the shed for chopping plant material into small pieces so that it can quickly break down and be easier to turn.
Do not add plants gone to seed, diseased, or infested plant material as the compost does not get hot enough to kill them.
Common Ground Garden Society 