I have received a few emails asking me to share responses, so here goes. The
following is in response to Michael Smith's question below in the email
history. Please add to the conversation. If you do not want to reply all,
please reply to me at [log in to unmask]

Michael,

I am happy with Giroux HOWEVER it is vital to do the math to figure out
application rates based on your soil tests because it is so high in
fertility that it cannot be treated like compost. It is not a good match for
soils that are already high in P. I have spread both fall and spring; either
are fine for organic cert. The pros and cons: fall spreading means you will
lose a lot of N but the ammonia will come off and you save time in spring;
spring spreading means you have more N available but it starts out hot so it
is best to wait a week or so after incorporation so as not to burn plants. 

Thanks for the covering tip; I have done that too and maybe that is the best
option...havent heard yet from anyone who has composted it.


Mimi Arnstein
Farmer
Wellspring Farm
Marshfield, VT 
http://www.wellspringcsa.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Smith [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 2:33 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Compost

Mimi, I will answer your question with more questions. Are you happy 
with the Giroux, and what kind of application rate do you use, and do 
you use it in current year production ie certification issues? Jake said 
he covers his with a tarp and it keeps for a couple of years...

Michael Smith
Gypsy Meadows Farm
Plainfield, NH