PART TWO * (Part One) 'Restore The Earth....'
YAY FOR COMPOST!! It's another sunshiny Okanagan morning.
The earth really is so very wise all on its own - it does everything right.
I said composting is easy - and it is - there are things that need to be understood to achieve success - or remain in the mystery of compost failure. So a few more preliminaries first.
All we need to do is learn is how the earth does it best. The biggest frustration I find is that people see it as a big 'mystery'
- "Well I put the stuff in the bin and it looks the same a year later"
- "It doesn't break down, I just have a growing heap of stuff."
- "oooo! - There are rodents in the compost!"
Whether you have a plastic bin or a heap or side by side bins, compost all works the same - nature does the same thing depending on the conditions. There are different methods - hot compost, cold, long, slow, etc.
Which method do you think is fastest?
Of course, steaming hot! At the Community Garden here, there is some amazement at how quickly the earth creates compost. I have simply learned the optimal conditions. People still buy plastic bags of manure / dressings which is unnecessary and the plastic bag creates waste. Gardens can and should be self supporting
I prefer hot and fast! Composting hot is fast & active, requiring specific conditions to work:
- Moisture - dry material will take absolute years to break down! You need to water it.
- Organisms to break it down - where are they? They're in soil, in compost.
- Bugs! - yes bugs and worms decomposers - they attend without invitation ;)
- Layering with soil or composted or even partially composted material.
- Turning over - mixes all the goodies
- Elements - oxygen, carbon, nitrogen
Composting cold is passive and takes a long time with minimal results.
Hot compost works hottest & fastest in hot weather, but is not dependent on it.
- Can reach temperatures of 160' - hotter in summer, when more water is needed
- Produces nitrogen ash - a sign of a terrific working compost
- Set up properly, it can even be working in winter!
- The heat is created by the complex working of micro-organisms.
- Even in cool weather, one can feel the heat to the touch, of a 'working' compost. I loo-ovve That feeling!
- Destroys weed seeds & harmful organisms at the hot center
Composting is easy, yes. But it is also a complex process. I am laying some foundational knowledge here, then will give specific steps.
Okay, next time, I promise the composting steps!
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Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman, established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years in Kelowna. Returning to Interiors & Staging Real Estate Property Presentation she is pleased to offer consultation and complete services.
You may use the contact link here above right or at Living Spaces website for services. Also find over 90 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features community, environmental and human interests.
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Hi Deborah - you have layed some great groundwork here! We have some compost piles in our backyard that I will need to concentrate more on this year. I can't wait to hear from a professional what I need to do to really make it work! I'd also like to hear more about your community gardens! Thanks for the great information, I"ll be watching for part III!