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Compost in Raised Beds

18 years ago

My sons built two 3' x 8' raised beds for my future vegetable garden. I started a compost pile in a wire mesh cage 4' x 5' last spring. Have been filling it with layers of kitchen scraps, garden trimmings, grass clippings, coffee grounds, shredded paper, and some dried oak leaves...arranged in alternating layers and watered twice a week. We've been having a severe drought here in Texas with temperatures in the 100's for the past month. I expected the compost to be ready after waiting six months; however, it looked okay in the middle section; but the outer edges still remain dried grass and brown oak leaves. Instead of turning the pile, decided to fork the whole thing into one of the raised beds and mix it up well. It filled the entire wooden-sided raised bed about 3/4 full and looks pretty good. What should I do next? If possible, I'd like to plant some salad crops this fall for our second growing season. Will it be too soon or should I wait until early next spring? Should I add something else to the mix?

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