Free Mulch/Compost

[merce3]

I found out today that my city offers mulch and compost free of charge and will deliver up to 14 cubic yards to your home. Just wanted to put it out there. There are a number of Florida counties that offer the same service so I just wanted to put it out there.

[Kat2]

If they deliver in Brevard County, I haven't seen the offer. But free chips and mulch (not quite compost) are available for pickup. I've gotten 2 loads in the past year or so. I suspect the mulch is closer to compost in winter when the collections they're grinding up have lessened and fewer people are gardening so the huge piles have more time to work. (I know what I got in April last year was more rotted than than the load I got the next May.) I hope to test my theory come November.

[Worm_Farmer]

Originally Posted by Kat2

If they deliver in Brevard County, I haven't seen the offer. But free chips and mulch (not quite compost) are available for pickup. I've gotten 2 loads in the past year or so. I suspect the mulch is closer to compost in winter when the collections they're grinding up have lessened and fewer people are gardening so the huge piles have more time to work. (I know what I got in April last year was more rotted than than the load I got the next May.) I hope to test my theory come November.

As for Fines, it compost down much quicker.

[Kat2]

Originally Posted by Worm_Farmer

As for Fines, it compost down much quicker.

What are "fines"? Shredded material?

I forgot to mention to others where there are not city collections--call your tree services. When I lived in the DC area they delivered free chips. Great for paths and when they break down, great for the garden.

[cincinnana]

I got mine a few days ago......

[Kat2]

Originally Posted by cincinnana

I got mine a few days ago......

Looks good but they shorted you. I used to get a full truckload that made quite the mound. Of course, sometimes there were some bombs in the mix I didn't anticipate. Not saying what but I know there are potties somewhere in suburbia...or woods...or something. I never wore gloves before...

[cincinnana]

Originally Posted by Kat2

Looks good but they shorted you. I used to get a full truckload that made quite the mound. Of course, sometimes there were some bombs in the mix I didn't anticipate. Not saying what but I know there are potties somewhere in suburbia...or woods...or something. I never wore gloves before...

This is a short load......I told my friend I had a hour to move it before the rain came and he hooked me up before his next job.
I will get 15-20+ yards for the yard this year .

This is amend my woodland garden .

NOTE: my soil still needs amending if I want to grow the good stuff.

[Kat2]

Originally Posted by cincinnana

This is a short load......I told my friend I had a hour to move it before the rain came and he hooked me up before his next job.
I will get 15-20+ yards for the yard this year .

This is used for my woodland garden only.

NOTE: my soil still sucks

NE Ohio Akron area soil was pretty good if very wet--really wet. That much difference 200 miles or so south surprises me. Okay, it shouldn't. Jacksonville had no birds or bees where I lived (had tree frogs) but the soil was decent; here there's wildlife (just clapped my hands and scared off a coon) but the "soil" is worthless. Excess amending seems to be the key for both of us. Those folks in China appreciate our efforts I'm sure.

[from the sea]

Monroe county gives mulch and the key west pd has compost from there horses and from there animal farm they have at the jail, asplundh also will give mulch here

[cincinnana]

Originally Posted by Kat2

What are "fines"? Shredded material?

Fines are smaller particle size mulch kinda like the dust left over from the chipping process. It is the stuff you have to broom off your driveway after your done moving a load of chips.
Because of the small size, fines are sold and used as a soil conditioner for home gardeners .

A commercial operation nearby mixes it in their "deluxe" topsoil mix.....they get 28.00 a yard....primo stuff.

[I_GROWER]

Going to call the city tomorrow!

Thanks for the thread.

[Worm_Farmer]

Originally Posted by Kat2

What are "fines"? Shredded material?

I forgot to mention to others where there are not city collections--call your tree services. When I lived in the DC area they delivered free chips. Great for paths and when they break down, great for the garden.

We can get them at the Sarno Dump. Its finally shredded grass, leafs, Greens. They also offer mulch and compost.

[Kat2]

Word of caution for FL mulchers. Apparently you need to mix in the "compost" because otherwise it becomes like a brick. Despite heavy rains. Voice of experience talking. Before you think I'm a dolt, I have topdressed beds all of my life and they're thrived--in Yankeeland. Here? Nope. How much to mix it? Not sure. Sand supposedly eats amendments so I suspect you need to keep to the top 3". Hope I have enough years left to figure out gardening in this foreign land...

[DisneyButterfly1]

Would Coffee grounds &/tea leaves be good for my banana's? Seems like it might be a good thing. Have any of you tried it?

[crazy banana]

Originally Posted by DisneyButterfly1

Would Coffee grounds &/tea leaves be good for my banana's? Seems like it might be a good thing. Have any of you tried it?

All my coffee grounds and tea leaves go in my compost pile and get well mixed in with everything else. The plants (including the bananas) love the compost.