Composter: What's Decomposing?

Last week's efforts were spent weeding and cleaning up organic debris which had lodged itself under plants and in corner during the winter months.  Into the composter it went.  The composter is almost to the top.  As spring is nearly here, I will empty the composted material from the bottom and let this new material continue to decompose.

Mystery Volunteer--Cantaloupe Perhaps?

 

About four weeks ago, I added compost to the garden soil.  When I do this, I discover that not all seeds have been destroyed my organisms or heat.  This is a squash type plant which volunteered and has grown beautifully,  I am not sure if at this late date the plant will be pollinated and have time to mature into whatever it will be.  My guess is cantaloupe because of the shape of the female flower/fruit.  Here's hoping I get to harvest something from this plant.

Peak Inside the Composter

Here's a quick peek inside my composter. There are layers of garden waste layered below the current level. I go on walks to find old leaves to add to the layers since most of my garden waste is green.

Yesterday, while I was making dinner (asparagus waste, onion skins, celery bits), I clenead out the veg bins in the frig. I had been shopping to Costco a while ago and unfortunately had not been able to use the jumbo bag of carrots before their expiration. Same for the leek whose bretheren made a wonderful lentil soup. Unfortunately, the leeks came in prepackaged groups of three and this loner was left behind.

I feel bad to toss food but at least it is going back to the earth instead of the landfill.