I unloaded my first batch of compost from my converted cement mixer. Dad bought this antique at an auction when I was a kid. (Those were the days when there was more treasure than bidders and you could easily walk away with more than you could carry for two bits.) The ancient motor that came with it still works fine. (I keep it under cover.)

I throw in kitchen scraps as often as I fill my bucket, throw in a few hand handfuls of grass clippings and turn on the mixer for less than a minute.

It took a couple months before I had to empty the mixer. What came out smelled like fresh soil and looked completely decomposed.

After I took down my tomato cages, I spread hay over the garden and distributed the compost over the top.

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