What do you use to fertilize your grass and gardens that won't harm tortoises? When would be the best time to apply it? Things are going to be greening up pretty soon around here. Thanks for your recommendations.
emysemys said:I took a plastic 50 gallon drum and cut it in half around the middle. Then I drilled a few drain holes in the bottom and put in a layer of gravel in the bottom. Next I started adding horse manure, leaves, dirt and any green garbage from the kitchen, including egg shells and newspaper. I bought a few tubs of red wigglers from the bait shop and added them too. I continuously add leaves and garden trash. I turn it frequently with a pitchfork. The worms get fed to the box turtles, and the compost gets spread on the grass.
On the bigger tortoise pastures, I fence off portions so the tortoises can't get to them and use commercial fertilizer granules. Once they've been watered in good and are no longer in granule form, I'll allow the tortoises back on the pasture. This is usually about 2 weeks. You could also use a hose end sprayer and Miracle Grow. After its been watered and taken up by the plants it is not harmful anymore to the tortoise. Just fence it off from the tortoises for about 2 weeks while you water it in.