#MonroeCountyMI - Got a library card? You can check-out a free #GardenPlot in Monroe

by Susan Nolan Wisler, March 23, 2025

MONROE COUNTY — "Now that it's spring, it’s time to reserve your community garden plot. Monroe County has several options, including some plots that can be checked-out free with a library card.

Monroe County Library System

"'The #BedfordBranchLibrary and the #BlueBushBranchLibrary both have garden plots that patrons can utilize. It is very similar to borrowing a book, but you 'check-out' a garden plot for the whole growing season. You can find them in our online catalog,' said Barbra Krueger, who works in community outreach for the Monroe County Library System.

"The Bedford Branch, 8575 Jackman Road in #TemperanceMI, has 10 garden beds; four are still available. The Blue Bush Branch, 2210 Blue Bush Road in #MonroeMI, has four beds that are all still available.

[...]

"Today, Blue Bush offers gardeners use of #rainwater collection barrels, a #CompostBin and a #GardenShed, which was purchased by the Friends of the Frenchtown Area Library. Inside the shed are gloves, rakes, hoes and trowels. Blue Bush also has a #SeedLibrary."

Learn more:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/03/23/community-garden-plots-raised-beds-monroe-county-library-system-munson-park-st-mary-organic-garden/82563173007/
#Michigan #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #LibrariesRule !

Every household should have one of these. I've been composting most of my life -- growing up, we had a big pile (mixed with chicken manure), when I lived in the suburbs of Boston, we shared a wooden bin with neighbors, who also gardened. I've always had one since I've lived in Maine -- again, a wooden bin shared by the whole apartment building.

Of course, the bins eventually break down, so now, living out in the "country," I use #EarthMachine composters (I bought one through a Maine program, my neighbor gave me the other). A lid flew away in a storm, and I was able to get a replacement lid direct from Earth Machine.

Other than losing a lid, they have held up really well -- no cracks, and I've owned one for over 10 years and leave them out all winter. The design keeps critters out (that was a problem with the wooden bins). I turn the compost manually with a garden fork, so it gets nice and hot (and the dark color helps with that). They aren't cheap ($189 direct from the manufacturer), but sometimes municipal programs will offer them at a discounted rate (I think I paid $60 for mine).

"Now from ORBIS (formerly Norseman Environmental). The 80-gallon Earth Machine is a durable backyard #CompostBin designed to compost food and yard waste, effectively diverting it from #landfills. When residents are encouraged to divert organics from the waste stream and are educated about the benefits of composting, up to 50% of organic waste can be diverted from the waste stream. The Earth Machine is for food and yard waste only.

- 80-gallon, 300 liter capacity
- Easy snap-together assembly
- Twist locking lid
- Harvest door, for easy compost removal
- Vertical and horizontal ventilation
- User guide, harvest door, lid, and screws included
- BPA free
- UV stabilizer is added to resist deterioration from sunlight
- Made from recycled content

https://www.orbiscorporation.com/en-us/products/environmental-recycling-and-waste/compost-bins/npl-300-earth-machine/

#WaterConservation #Landfills #Composting #ReduceFoodWaste #CompostFoodWaste #RainwaterCollection #WaterIsLife

Neighbour’s #chooks looking for snacks in the #gardenbed “here to help” after tomatoe season around #compostbin

But also
What did the cheese say to its self in the mirror?
Hello-me.

So my roommates are cool with having a compost bin. But I've got a question: I'm in a small apartment with a small patio; no yard or dirt. Do I HAVE to use worms, or does a regular compost bin still work as long as I can move the dirt around?

I've been researching it but I haven't found anything on it yet.

#compost #compostbin