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Guerilla Gardening an Abandoned Subdivision

 
Posts: 2
Location: Forest Park, Ga (practically Atlanta)
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First time on the forums. Want to give a big thank you to everyone involved and all of the wonderful ideas and content that has been shared.

Wanted to share with you a project I've recently undertaken and ask for some guidance.

The other day, poking about on Google maps, I stumbled upon a subdivision that had been about a quarter finished. That is, there was one full street of houses fully developed and inhabited with the other 3/4 or so having been paved, cleared, and electricity routed, but then stopped. Presumably they ran out of money around 2009. That property has been practically abandoned ever since. It's in Atlanta, Ga with half of it being in Fulton County.
So, being the miscreant that I am, I managed to clear about 1/10 of an acre, and plan to urban farm it till I graduate and get a job.

I'll upload pictures in a sec,because who doesn't like to see pictures?
 
Vince Hughes
Posts: 2
Location: Forest Park, Ga (practically Atlanta)
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I have a few more pictures, but this is the gist. Teaching the lady friend there that lives nearby how to use some tools. That compost pile is my first one. Gonna do the first turn tomorrow evening, and see if it's heating up. Does it look big enough?
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Doing some weed whacking to get through the brush
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Mowed and looking better
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A (hopefully) hot composting pile
 
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Location: Arkansas - Zone 7B/8A stoney, sandy loam soil pH 6.5
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hau, Vince, welcome to permies and good on ya to take the initiative on using that land.

Instead of turning your pile straight away, try poking a stick into the middle of it first, let it sit a few minutes then pull it out and have a look and smell.
That may tell you what is going on in there without having to turn it. What can happen is; turning it just as it is starting the heating process will stop it straight away, this is not good.
If the stick is warm, you have heating going on, if it smells sweetish then all is going well and there is no need to do a turn just yet.
If the stick is wet, vrs. damp, then you will need to do a turn so the moisture will even out and heating will proceed as desired. Leaving a heap that is wet inside will lead to anaerobic conditions (not what you want usually).

This time of year is perfect for planting winter crops such as kale, turnip, brassicas and so on. I would simply poke holes and plant seeds, water and you are on your way.
 
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