I overwatered my indoor palm, and the roots are not rotten. Is it safe to put them in my compost pile?
I don't ever recommend putting rotting material in compost unless you are sure that it has time to fully compost. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/starting-compost-pile.htm
Would liquid manure be good to add to chips to help them break down faster into compost?
It can help some, but it would be a very good idea to let them fully compost before using them. Living, or fresh would chips can sap precious nutrients from the manure, and actually give plants severe deficiencies. I would just make sure they are fully composted before adding them.
I will include a collection of articles here that will refresh you on proper composting: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/
I have several bags of Compost, mushroom compost, castings, peat Moss and other amendments that I bought for new home. However, I did not end up getting moved in until much later than expected. Some bags have been opened, but are rolled up. Most bags are unopened. Some bags are outside under a tarp and others are in basement. Can you tell me how to store for the winter so it's possible to use again in spring?
You can store unopened bags of amendments either indoors or outdoors under a tarp. Opened bags can be stored in the same places rolled up and taped shut. The only way the amendments would lose their nutrients would be if they were exposed to rain so that nutrients were allowed to leach into the ground, or if they were stored for more than 1-2 years. This article gives more details:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/storing-compost.htm
What if I got a little bit of dog poop in my compost?
If you can manage to get it hot enough to break down then it will be fine. Otherwise, you may be looking at contamination. It is always best to avoid any feces from any animal that eats meat. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/dog-waste-in-compost.htm
I watched your first video on how to build a worm box but now I'm curious as to how to harvest it. I'd like to use my worm castings not only for my garden but also for my pet hermit crabs. What would be the best way to harvest the box? Also.. do you typically have a bug problem with your worm boxes? Bugs as in flies and maggots? Thanks!
These articles will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/worm-composting-bins.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/worm-castings.htm
Most of the trees in my yard are pines. Can pine needles be used in the composting bin?
Yes, they can. It is an old myth that pine needles acidify the soil.
Hi, When I was clearing my compost to sieve I found 3 cigarette butts at the bottom of the pile. These came down along with the dry leaves I got from the building maintenance guys for the compost. They were not broken down at all. But it got me worried. It was wet compost. What should I do? I’ve thrown the cigarette butts away but worried about the rest of the compost. Thanks, Poojitha PS: I don’t have photos.
This is a concern. It isn't very likely, but it is possible to contaminate the pile with tobacco mosaic virus. Many plants can be affected by this. As long as the pile was correctly maintained, and the temperatures stayed warm in the pile then any bad bacteria will have been killed off.
I would test it on one plant before I used it for more than that.