2012 Goals and Garbage

Our garden this year was the biggest we've had and it did fairly well.  Next year we'd like the garden to provide for more of our needs and to do that we really need to improve the soil quality.  We know the chickens will help with that - we're putting their bedding on the garden this fall and letting them scratch in it over winter.

One other action we're taking is getting a compost pile going.  A good one.  Hubz is certain we can make one like this one out of used pallets and he can get those fo' free! from work. 



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I like the idea of having 3 separate bins so we can have a pile that's ready, one that's working and one that we're adding to.  Right now we have an ugly little pile of leaves, weeds, apple peelings, and coffee grounds (I'll spare you a picture of that.  You should thank me.).  So, building this little baby is one of our goals for next spring.  One way that we can work on the pile over winter is to save our scraps and continue to add to it.

Recently, I picked up a little gadget to help make that task more attractive and less smelly.  A counter top composter like this one:



The top reasons I chose this counter top composter over others:

1. It looks good and matches my appliances.
2. It's a nice size - about a foot tall and doesn't take up too much space.
3. Has a good sized handle for transport.
4. It comes with a charcoal filter (plus an extra one) to cut down on stink!
5. Stainless steel won't chip, crack or break if I drop it or bang it on the cabinet, door, countertop, etc.

   

What goals do you have for your garden / homestead next year?

I'm linking up with Farmgirl Friday at Deborah Jean's Dandelion House.

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