Jim Muir

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Christine January 6, 2009 at 8:54am

Same Jim Muir from 91st Ave WWTP?
Sandy Anderson December 19, 2008 at 5:30pm

Thanks for the info. I, also, went to the Phoenix landfill and got 2 yard carts. They are great. Does it matter if the stored N gets soupy or is that just more broken down nutrient to add to the composter. As I understand you, I can store everything until the weekend and then put it in the composter all at one time. ???
Sandy Anderson December 19, 2008 at 9:46am

I took your class a couple of weeks ago and I am so excited by composting that I jumped in without considering the details. I have a "good" problem that I need help with. I bought a used Harbor Freight chipper/shredder and just love it. I have also a daily source for green veggies trimmings. My problem is I leave for work when its just getting light and get home just before it gets dark and don't have the time daily to work on my composting. I understand that it is best to have a bigger volume to encourage the heating process. Can I add shredded green and brown daily to my in-vessel composter or should I put it all in at one tim e? If I need to wait, what is the best way to store my greens - as is or shredded? I also have a source for goat, chicken and horse manure. When should I add the manure to the green/browns? I also purchased inactive EM's. At what point do I add my activated EM's? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I thank you - my garden and worms thank you.
Nicholas DiBiase December 16, 2008 at 10:34pm

Hello Jim,

Your class was so fantastic I took it twice, and got just as much fresh info the second time as the first. I'm really looking forward to your upcoming soils class; you've got a real wealth of knowledge that all of us in the Phoenix group are lucky to share in.

-Nicholas
amy schultz November 17, 2008 at 1:17pm

I want to do cold composting around my citrus trees. MY kitchen waste in the 5 gal bucket smells - do I just dig that hole in the ground dump it in and cover it back up?
amy
Jim Muir September 30, 2008 at 3:34pm

Initially I used a plastic 5 gal. bucket, with 3 gals. of de-chlorinated water in it to mix up the peppers. Then my wife Jenni got me a 3 gal. ceramic crock that I have been using ever since. Either container will work OK.

Maybe your squash bugs got the news that they areno longer welcome in your garden and on your plants!

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Jim Muir
Ericka September 30, 2008 at 12:47pm

Thanks so much for the squash bug methods.
On the peppering method you mention a 3 gallon crock. Would that need to be something ceramic or glass? Or would a plastic 5 gallon bucket work? I want to make sure that I do it correctly, for the future.

An amazing thing happened today, my squash bugs have disappeared...
I did hand pick and stomp on them relentlessly for the past week or so, and I hosed them off my sidewalk. Maybe this mimicked your first method? I am sure they will return again some day :) I let them feast away at first, to attract beneficials. Maybe they have helped out too. Many Thanks!
Ericka September 28, 2008 at 11:01am

Hello Jim,
Someone said you had a prescription to keep squash bugs out of your garden. We had a infestation of them this year, and they have moved onto some watermelons in another part of the yard. I pick and squash them everyday, but they keep coming back. Thanks in advance!
VDaniels September 7, 2008 at 10:11pm

Hi Jim,
I really enjoyed your class yesterday! Which leads to my question, I bought a rotating compost barrel from someone today. He has a 6x6 inch screened hole on the bottom, no other ventilation. He said his compost is usually ready in 6 weeks, and that he has never had any problems with it. Should I drill some holes in the side? I'm wondering if that speeds up the process? Thanks for your help!
Veni Daniels
Jim Muir July 5, 2008 at 8:34pm

Thanks Anne, Glad to hear you enjoyed the Composting class. Iif you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Have a wonderful evening.

Jim Muir

This reply was deleted.

Activity Feed

Jim Muir left a comment for Sendee Mason

"Hi Sendee,

Great hearing from you! Hope the Revac chipper/shredder is still working OK for your composting. I'm still making compost every 2 weeks.
I still collect and restore sewing machines, have about 60 machines: hand crank, treadle,…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Christine

"Hi Christine,

Yep, that's me. After 18 1/2 years at the 91st ave. City of Phoenix Wastewater Treatment Plant, I retired in Nov '06. It took me 8 months to get my sense of smell back after being exposed to all that Hydrogen Sulfide gas over the…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Sandy Anderson

"There will be some loss in N given off as gas into the atmosphere, however, I haven't had a problem storing it for a week then adding it to my next new batch.

The City of Phoenix yard carts are the best storage buy around. I have several of them in…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Sandy Anderson

"Hi Sandy,

I would add your compost ingredients all at one time, layering your C & N materials as you go. Be sure to maintain the proper moisture content in each layer. Add you various manures between your layers of C material. I chip/shred my C…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Nicholas DiBiase

"Hi Nicholas,
Glad you enjoyed the class.
I really appreciate your positive feedback!

I add & update my lectures based on questions, comments, and emails received from folks attending.

We're waiting on approval from the Guild Committee for 2 new…"

Jim Muir left a comment for amy schultz

"Hi Amy,

Dig some shallow holes around the branch drip ring, the outer extension of the citrus tree branches. Place you kitchen waste in the holes, and loosley cover with soil. Wate the holes so they don't dry completely.

Make sure you have broken…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Jim Muir

"Initially I used a plastic 5 gal. bucket, with 3 gals. of de-chlorinated water in it to mix up the peppers. Then my wife Jenni got me a 3 gal. ceramic crock that I have been using ever since. Either container will work OK.

Maybe your squash bugs…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Ericka

"Hi Ericka,
There are 2 methods that you can effectively use: 1. Collect as many live bugs as you can, add them to a blender with some water, and blend them up good. Strain the mixture, and spray the liquid all over and around your plants.

2. The…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Linda J Busam

"Hi Linda,

What method of composting are you using? Do you have a supply of dired leaves & plants (carbon source) , and green grass or fresh garden waste(nitrigen source)- you need both to make compost. Your horse will provide manure (notrogen) for…"

Jim Muir left a comment for Jim Muir

"Thanks Anne, Glad to hear you enjoyed the Composting class. Iif you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Have a wonderful evening.

Jim Muir"