You'd have to inquire of individual farmers as to what medication they may be giving to their stock, but I'd say it was unlikely that you'd find any that would be completely chemical free. And the composting process, especially a commercial composting process, will satisfactorily breakdown any common pesticides used by homeowners into harmless chemical elements. Restrictions are in place here in the states that prevent two very persistant herbicides from being incorporated in any commercial composting operations and a good many are tested regularly for organic certification regardless. See if yours is as well.

Thanks Gardengal. I didn't realise that composting would actually break down chemicals to that extent. Vancouver has banned the use of pesticides in the city but there is certainly the possibility that green waste from outside of Vancouver was composted and could therefore contain some pesticides. I'd still like to hear from any gardeners in Vancouver who know of good sources - especially of rotted manure since this seems to be difficult to find. Anyone????

chops, even the chemicals in manure will be broken down if the stuff is well-aged/rotted/composted - soil or compost bacteria will devour almost anything. That's why they are used in biomediation of toxic spills and contaminated soils. There is a dairy farm not far from here that produces an absolutely spectacular composted manure product that is in high demand, even by organic growers.

Very cool! Isn't Nature amazing? I'll hope to hear from some Vancouver gardeners that we have a similar source for manure locally. Thanks again.

I bought a large bag of compost at home depot a few years ago that was organic. So I could start making compost tea even though hadn't any finished compost at the time. If your interested in organic liquid fertilizer check out, alfalfa or compost 'tea'.

Using annual fall rye might stretch a buck in the future.

Hi there,

Check with City Farmer (www.cityfarmer.org)for lots of good info on organic gardening in Vancouver. Their organic/native demonstration gardens are down at Balsam and 6th Ave on the Westside. Or maybe it's Maple and 6th? Anyway, they should be able to direct you to a source.

I'm getting a load of compost from the City (11 cubic metres). Cost is $211 delivered. I'm splitting it with some neighbours. The city will divide the load to a couple of locations as long as they're close together.

Hope that helps some.

Do you know where the City gets this compost from? How is it made?

Cities usually make their own compost or contract someone to do it for them from yard debris collection and/or debris from parks or other city properties.

Vancouver makes their compost from yard waste that is collected biweekly from residents. Can't tell you the specifics of how it is made. Call the city or check the web for more details.

thank you..

Even organic dairy farmers are allowed to use modern medicines on their animals, but with the proviso of double the withdrawal period. Modern medicines are not cheap and most farmers, organic and conventional, try to use other methods before using them.

One thing to remember is that there is no such thing as chemical free... H20 is the chemical of life!

... Don

Not in Vancouver but you might be able to pick up a truck load yourself. I know they deliver too just not sure if they go as far as Vancouver. They're located out in Hillsboro.
Nature's Needs