Composting is an excellent way to reduce the amount of rubbish that is sent to landfill, reduce the amount of methane that is produced as the waste rots in landfill instead of composting, and create something useful that can be used in your garden to enrich the soil saving you money normally spent on fertiliser and mulch. There are many types of composting systems and worm farms, some of which can be used even if you don't have much of a garden.
Compost is made by combining green plant material - grass clippings, vegetable and fruit waste, tea leaves and coffee grounds, and brown plant material - that is dry and dead such as leaves, straw, shredded newspaper, shredded cardboard and twigs. Meat and oil should not be added to a compost pile as it usually attracts vermin, goes rancid, and some of the bacteria may be harmful if residual amounts on vegetables are consumed. Compost piles need warmth and air for the microbes to break down the waste. However, it's best not to let it get too hot, as this will kill useful worms and may pose a fire risk! Manure and sawdust can be added to compost as more 'brown' compost matter, but it should be balanced by green material. Layer green and brown materials evenly, mixing and turning regularly to aerate the mixture.
Compost can be made in a pile (cheapest), or in bin. An open compost file may attract vermin, so most gardeners prefer some kind of bin. Piles need to be turned regularly to allow the air to circulate, and to mix the material together. Some moisture is required by the microbes to flourish. If compost is very dry, add a little water. If it is too wet, the material in the compost will compress too much, and stop air flow - add some straw or dry leaves.
Compost piles or bins should be sited relatively close to the kitchen for convenience, and out of full sun so the compost doesn't bake. An open compost pile should be covered by a tarpaulin, this helps to retain heat and prevent excess moisture from rain. Plastic compost bins, available from nurseries and hardware stores are convenient, and help to retain heat. The compost still needs to be turned regularly for aeration and to mix the contents evenly. Depending on how much waste is generated, some like to have two or three compost piles or bins - one bin they add to, one is full and composting, and one is ready to be used.
Some of the plastic bins are flat-packed, making them easier to transport when moving houses. Others are quite large. Tumble composters require daily rotation to aerate the compost. A New Zealand company has created a flat-pack vertical three-bin system. I have just started using this one (pictured), because I move relatively often and only have a small car. Many people opt to make their own bin.
A bokashi bin is a small, airtight container, great for people in apartments with small courtyards. Each time a layer of shredded food material is added, a special fermented grain mix should be sprinkled over the top. A liquid compost is produced, and can be diluted with water as a compost tea. When the container is full and fermented, bury the waste in the ground or in a large pot where it will finish breaking down into the soil. Personally, I was not able to get the bokashi bin to work, but many people swear by it.
A worm farm is another option for those with a small courtyard. These can be either purchased or made using stackable plastic tubs with holes in their bases. Worm casings are wonderful fertilisers, and worm 'juice' is fantastic as another compost tea. Add kitchen scraps layer by layer, and cover the worms with damp carpet, hessian or newspaper. As the worms travel through each layer, they leave their casings behind. Citrus is poisonous to worms, and they need to be kept out of the sun so they don't bake.
Each month I am posting a 'Going green' tip for a year long electronic swap.
2 comments:
Just found your blog...... Interesting.....I’ll be back to read more.
Composting can be very cool.
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