The fastest way to turn kitchen and garden waste into compost is aerobic composting. Aerobic literally means ‘with air’ – so as you can imagine, air is pretty important for aerobic composting! In this post, we’re going to dig a little into the science of why it’s important, what happens when it’s not present, as […]
Optimizing Oxygen: Understanding the Role Of Air In Making Compost Read More »
My first compost thermometer came with my HotBin and proved to be a lot of fun. For the first time, I was able to accurately measure temperature – and realize that sometimes my compost was hot enough to cook in! But for me, the real value of a compost thermometer is as a learning tool.
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I’d wondered for a while how well compost aerators would work. When I hurt my shoulder and couldn’t turn my compost in 2022, it seemed like a good idea to try one out! I ordered the Darlac Compost Aerator DP788, and it’s a very usable, if not perfect, tool. Do note that this device is
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In preparation for its latest research, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would pay workers $30 an hour to sort trash in Telluride, Colorado. The waste sorting project will begin on March 12 and end on March 18, 2023. The EPA aims to study waste disposal in the county to account for seasonal
EPA Will Pay You $30 Per Hour To Sort Trash For Telluride Research Read More »
Some people rave about mushroom compost – and wax lyrical about its impact on their soil and plants. It’s true that mushroom compost can be good for your soil – but there are caveats. Ultimately, the impact of this compost depends on different factors. These include soil, the plants you are growing, and the quantity
Mushroom Compost: The Bad, The Good and The Beautiful Read More »
Aerobic composting is a process that uses microorganisms that require air to break down organic matter into compost. In fact, the word “Aerobic’ literally means “with air”. The microorganisms that require air in this process include aerobic bacteria, fungi, and physical decomposers. Aerobic composting produces heat, water, and carbon dioxide (CO2). While CO2 is classified
What is Aerobic Composting? Unlocking the Key to Faster, Better Compost Read More »
If you’ve constructed your compost heap well, it won’t be long before it starts heating up. And if you’re like me, curiosity will soon start to gnaw at you. What’s the temperature? Is it too cool or too hot? When do you need to turn it? What happens if I add this or that material
Compost Thermometer Guide: All You Need for Temperature Perfection Read More »
Biochar is under-used in compost, but there’s some promising research suggesting that it can help with everything from helping us to create faster, better compost to helping the environment. In this article, we’ll take a science-backed look at how biochar can help speed up the composting process, and what the benefits and drawbacks of using
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What is lignin? Lignin is a tough material that is found in cell wall plants. It helps to provide plants with rigidity and strength and also acts as a protective barrier against pathogens and environmental stress. What compost materials are high in lignin? Organic materials that are high in lignin include wood chips, sawdust, bark,
What Is Lignin, And Why Does It Matter In Composting? Read More »
Humous has been hailed as a miracle soil ingredient, a nutrient-rich, spongy material that will deliver almost permanent benefits to the soil. But recent research has thrown this belief into question, with some scientists even declaring the ‘death of humus.’ So, does humus even exist – and does it even matter? What is humus? The
What Is Humus? The Famous Soil And Compost Element That Probably Doesn’t Exist Read More »