Hey everyone! I've got OCD and have been feeling uneasy about bird flu lately. I'm really eager to start my gardening journey, but I'm concerned about the presence of animal products in most composts, like chicken or cow manure, and even bat droppings. Are there any compost options out there that are completely free of animal products?
3 Answers
Check if your area has a yard waste pickup service! They often turn that waste into 100% plant-based compost. Some places might even give it away to residents or sell it at a decent price. It’s a great option if you want to avoid animal products completely.
Most commercial composts have animal manure because they mainly use pine wood shavings, which don't provide enough nutrients on their own. The manure enriches it, but it can be tough to find compost without any animal matter, especially since the wood shavings often come from farms. However, when bird flu hits a farm, they typically dispose of the bedding properly, so you shouldn't worry too much about safety. If you're looking for alternatives, consider using mushroom compost—just keep in mind it's also mainly pine wood shavings and might lack some nutrients.
I get your concern, but commercially bagged manure is processed under specific conditions for over a year, so it's safe from harmful bacteria. Just steer clear of bat poo—that’s a hard pass! If your worries are high, you might consider hydroponics or aeroponics. They could suit you better in the long run since they don’t involve soil or traditional composts.