Gardens and compost ??

missyjg

We are starting a garden this year. I'm dealing with rocky clay soil so we are going to have to dig up and re-lay soil. Expensive, so I want it to be worth it. I want to try a compost pile to assist in fertilizing more naturally. I don't know how to go about doing this. Before I google, anyone have any tips on this or good sources/websites I can go to?

Also, what should I plant? What grows well in this area?  We like all veggies, big part of our diets. What has grown well in this area/what doesn't. We definately want tomatoes and squash (zucchini and yellow). I'm thinking peas and beans? The area will have morning sun and afternoon shade. Any words of advice before starting? TIA

ArcticFox

This is the compost bin I have - I really like it (it's my second, actually, we had one at my mom's house too).  Got it actually discounted by buying it through the town.  I like that it is closed, doesn't bother anyone with the scent and I don't have to worry about animals getting into it.

https://www.amazon.com/Soilsaver-Classic-Composter/dp/B003959G9Y/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1329316408&sr=8-6

 You probably also want an indoor crock - I have this BioBag one, but there are plenty out there, and I think it depends on if you want to use the composting bags (not sure how well they compost).

https://www.amazon.com/Bio-Bag-Composting-Kitchen-Countertops/dp/B001KWGT1Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1329316408&sr=8-11

As for what to grow, I don't grow much, but I like having stuff that is fun for the kids.  For example, cherry tomatoes (or any other small variety).  They love picking them off the vine and eating them right there.  I'd love to grow sugar snap peas for the same reason.  We also have some large outdoor pots with basil and catnip in them (just be careful - catnip spreads easily and can attract other outdoor cats).

Jliongrrrl

Thanks for posting this!