Articles
Q - What is an ideal pH of compost? A - Excessively high acidity or alkalinity levels can hinder the efficiency of worms and microorganisms at work in a compost bin. The ideal conditions for maximum efficiency is a neutral reading of 7.0. The composting process often...
I often get asked the question about what you can and can't put into your compost or worm farm. Strictly speaking the answer is that anything that was once living can be composted or put into the worm farm, however, in practical terms the answer is not as straight...
Composting worms tend to do best in temperatures around 15 - 24 degrees celsius ( 59 F - 75.2 F). So, how do we keep a worm farm population happy and healthy when the weather outside varies a lot from season to season? This article will look at some ways to help your...
In a bid to do my part in the War On Waste, I am very conscious about minimising the amount I throw in the bin or send to landfill. The idea of repurposing something that might otherwise end up wasted and then using it to stop biodegradable items heading there too is...
A quick search over the internet reveals many different sites saying that pineapple should not be added to worm farms. Some sites even say that pineapple could harm and even kill the worms. I love fresh pineapple and it goes into my worm farm regularly. I always...
There are many different ways to compost and worm farm. Anyone who is keeping biodegradable material out of landfill and allowing it to return to the Earth as nature intended is reducing their own carbon footprint. I say to you, well done! Composting and worm farming...
Most gardeners envisage a compost heap as a hot steamy affair that breaks down within a matter of weeks leaving a rich brown organic material that can be dug into the soil to not only improve the soil's nutrient levels but also help to increase its water and nutrient...
Composting is a process that can be done in a number of different ways. If we understand a bit about the basic microbiology of composting we can choose a method of composting that will best suit our backyard situation. [gallery link="file" columns="2"...
Controlling soil-borne diseases with compost Organic gardeners have long observed that the use of compost makes for healthy plants. A substantial body of scientific evidence is now emerging to support the intuitive feelings of the devotees of compost. There are...
Composting is simply the process Mother Nature uses to dispose of her organic waste materials (in other words anything that was once living). In its commonest form it is the carpet of leaves, sticks and other material on the forest floor that is gradually recycled...
Free liquid fertilisers! It requires surprisingly little effort to make your own organic fertilisers from various waste materials we generate every day around the house. Not only does this help the environment, it also saves money in fertiliser and potting mix costs....
How to mulch and feed at the same time In all but the coldest parts of Australia plants are awakening from their winter slumber by August or September. The surge in growth that is triggered by spring conditions needs to be accompanied by sufficient moisture and...
Composting made simple Bury your scraps- If it is impossible to have a compost bin or heap a simple alternative is to dig a shallow hole and bury your organic waste. The earthworms will multiply in the soil and digest the added material as well as cultivate it for...
What are the benefits of seaweed products in the garden? Seaweeds and their various derivatives are some of the more interesting organic materials that can be used to help create healthier, more sustainable soils and plants. In order to better understand how such...
Composting is the process of decomposing materials that were once from living organisms. The choice of how to go about it in the home garden will depend on a number of factors such as space, the amount and type of organic material available at any one time and the...
We spend lots of money on pet food and dogs in particular create mountains of droppings which either get put into bags and sent to landfill, or sit on the ground and often get washed into waterways where the nutrients can cause detrimental effects such as algal blooms...
What are those little flies around the compost bucket? Do you sometimes reach a point with your kitchen compost bucket where you experience a mass of little flies taking off when you disturb the bucket? Chances are you have acquainted yourself with vinegar flies...
Can I Compost Weeds? Every garden has its very own crop of weeds depending on the soil, climate and previous history to name a few factors. One solution to weeds is to see them as valuable organic matter that can be used to improve your soil. The easiest to compost...
A compost heap is a microbiological festival of organisms that are vital to breaking down various organic materials. The most prolific are fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes and these are the most important groups of the many species that can be found in a compost...