Composting is a fascinating but complex process that involves chemical reactions, bacteria, fungi and multiple organisms. To be clear, you don’t need to understand the science of compost to be able to make compost! You may find, however, that an appreciation of the subtleties does make you a better composter. Contents What is composting? How …
If you’re just starting to get into composting, chances are you’re wondering what you can compost. Here’s a quick answer – if it’s been recently alive, you can probably compost it. In fact, we’re surrounded by materials. You’ll find materials in your garden, home or office. If you run out of materials there, a trip …
Simple questions such as what is compost/composting should be easy to answer. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an accepted definition of either term. Indeed, explanations vary from book to book and from article to article. That makes life difficult for the serious composter. After all, our species’ very ability to communicate depends on having …
What is compost? It’s more controversial than you might think… Read More »
“The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt There was a time when scientists thought agriculture was simple. You added fertilisers, plants used the fertilisers to grow. But the more we study the soil, and the environment, the more we learn about the interconnection between soil, plants and food It’s a fascinating, …
You don’t need many tools to make compost. As long as you’ve got something to collect your compost in (wheelbarrow, caddy or even a bag or sack), somewhere to put it and something to turn it with, you can make compost. But additional compost tools can be useful for: The enthusiast: Some tools can be …
There’s plenty of interest in organic compost – and plenty of shops selling it. But in my research for this article, I’ve found plenty of pitfalls too. The very definition of organic compost is questionable, and not all organic compost is good for the environment. Some gardeners assume that organic compost is also peat-free – …
A few years ago, a man knocked on my house door when I was at work. My wife answered. ‘I’ve got a trailer full of shit here for you.” (It was a big trailer.) She wasn’t very happy. When she asked me why I hadn’t asked her first, I asked her if she would have …
Want to get rid of cooked food at home or in the garden? Don’t have enough waste for a hot composter, and don’t like the idea of having a worm bin? If that’s you, you might well be considering getting a Bokashi bin. But hold your horses! First off, you might want to know how …
Think the history of compost is boring? Think again. In this article you’ll find bones stolen from graveyards and battlefields to fertilise Yorkshire fields. You’ll find Egyptians facing death for stealing earthworms and ancient people using blood to fertilise their gardens. You’ll also find some sound principles and solutions that could well help us in …
Compost History: The Fascinating Story of an Ancient Science Read More »
I think wooden compost bins are my favourite bins of all. And that’s nothing to do with their insulating properties, and all to do with their looks. Wooden compost bins look nice, and they keep make it easier to build a compost pile without it collapsing into a mess. I have three pallet bins in …