I love using (the right kind of!) ash in the garden. I use it as a barrier around young tender plants to deter slugs, as part of a mix to make highly effective homemade fertilizer and to adjust the pH of the soil before planting brassicas. (I’ve even started to ask friends to keep leftover […]
Ash in Compost: 6 Powerful Benefits (and How to Use It Right!) Read More »
8th Feb 2023 A new study published in Science Direct by Qian et al. has found that biochar-compost, the combination of biochar and compost, is a highly promising and efficient method of soil improvement – especially when used with problem soils. The researchers looked at the impact of biochar-compost in various problem soils. These soils
Potential of Biochar-Compost to Improve Problem Soils Revealed in New Study Read More »
I still remember the first time I got my compost hot enough to cook in. It was exciting, fun – and, I realised, not that difficult. It’s also a much quicker way to get finished compost than using a cold heap or bin. Yet… while hot composting has multiple benefits, cold composting has its place
Hot vs. Cold Composting: Which Is Right for You? Read More »
6th Feb 2023 In a recent study presented in December 2022, researchers from Ohio proposed a way to repurpose large-scale industrial food waste into various profitable bio-efficient alternatives. The research was authored by multiple scientists, including bio-emergent material scholar Katrina Cornish, first author Beenish Saba, Ashok K. Bharathidasan, and Thaddeus C. Ezeji. They suggested the
Ohio Researchers Propose Way To Transform Industrial Waste To Profit Read More »
In a press release on February 2, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new plans to promote composting initiatives and redirect food waste piling in landfills. The department will invest $9.4 million in its newest project.The USDA emphasized its vision of creating “resilient, local food systems” and the importance of reducing food waste in
USDA Reveals $9.4 Million Compost Investment Plans to Combat Food Waste Read More »
1st Feb 2023 Have you ever wished your compost would break down faster? A recent study might have the answer for you! A study by Wang et al has found that adding biochar combined with bacteria to compost can speed up the process. That’s not all! They also found it reduced emissions and improved the quality
Scientists Find Biochar Improves Compost Speed and Quality Read More »
I didn’t scream. Honestly, it was more of a gasp (a claim I can make only because I was the only person at the bottom of the garden at the time). I’d opened the lid to the compost bin, and there was a humongous rat staring back at me. I’ve dealt with mice in compost
Rats In Your Compost? Here’s What to Do… Read More »
29 Jan 2023 Irish manufacturing company Klassmann-Deilmann has started looking into willow as a substitute for peat in compost materials. Due to a High Court ruling in 2019, large-scale peat extraction has become illegal in Ireland, making it difficult for manufacturers to find a suitable alternative. Klassmann-Deilmann, a major manufacturer of substrate and compost for
Irish Company Turns to Willow As Peat Alternative After Extraction Ban Read More »
Stock Photo – images.pexels.com By the end of 2023, the Canadian federal plastics regulation will be set to ban Calgary Co-op’s compostable grocery bag, along with single-use plastic bags. This decision was made despite the fact that the bag had passed tests in various composting facilities.The federal government classified Co-op’s bags as unconventional plastic, meaning
Canadian Federal Plastics Ban Includes Compostable Co-op Bag Read More »
I remember asking a hairdresser if I could collect hair from her. I’ll never forget the look she gave me. Even after I explained it was for my compost heap, she still seemed to think I was rather strange. Eventually, she swept up my hair and put in a bag for me – but there
Can You Really Compost Hair? Here’s What The Science Says Read More »