Oddbean new post about login | logout we’re confident that our biggest issue in our #garden this year was lack of organic matter in our beds (since this was our first year #gardening and we didn’t have any #compost to start off with). to address this, we’re trying a few different things: - a tumbling composter primarily for kitchen scraps (mixed with various brown material) - mesh composters filled with invasive/exotic plants, hay, leaves, and used hemp bedding, in layers - an old plastic composter that i neglected last year, to be left open over winter to finish decomposing - “chop and drop” on some of our beds #compost enthusiasts: i’d be so grateful for your thoughts! does this seem like a sensible approach to maximize compost for next year? we live in a temperate climate where it doesn’t remain below freezing for long boosts encouraged! #compostodon #organic #veganic https://sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/veganism-space/media_attachments/files/113/019/366/065/191/286/original/a50af480f20023b3.jpeg https://sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/veganism-space/media_attachments/files/113/019/366/091/770/509/original/4d4dbbd61421028e.jpeg https://sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/veganism-space/media_attachments/files/113/019/365/611/402/903/original/ebec794eb528ab94.jpeg https://sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/veganism-space/media_attachments/files/113/019/366/041/528/227/original/5b8f0f1be26bb985.jpeg
Building a Johnson-Su Compost Bioreactor might interest you. The original design is quite large, but there are plenty of smaller, modified designs that can be found online. An inexpensive course on building one (and why you should) can be found at the link below. I took it, and highly recommend it. https://homefoodsystems.com/courses/simplified-bioreactor-composting/ #grownostr #compost
Another addition to help build up your #soil #organic matter would be to incorporate #arbuscular #mycorrhizal #fungi (#AMF) into your growing routine. There are multiple producers you can purchase the #inocculum from, i just purchased a standard bag 2.2 lb bag from xtreme-gardening. Product availability might vary depending where you are located. They offer 2 different products for AMF: 1: Standard propagules that can be added while planting or transplanting, the spores will sporulate once roots start to come in contact. Particles vary in size, not ideal for fine mist sprayers or a system that can clog easily (Propagules = cheaper price) 2: WP (Wettable Powder) if you plan on applying compost tea or #biofertilizers, this would be a good product to look into. Mix some powder into your brew to be applied and water in. Same concept applies for the activation of the sporesin regards to needing roots to create a relationship with. (WP = Higher price) Teaming with AMF, will increase the root surface area of your plants in turn increasing your soil organic matter over the growing seasons. One caveat with "Root fungus" is they need living roots to coninually grow and stay active, if you can maintain covercropping (or no till) there should be a continual supply of spores in the #rhizosphere season after season reducing your input cost while maintaining the benefits. The benefits don't compound year over year but the benefits gained would remain constant. Here is the site i picked mine up from: https://www.xtreme-gardening.com/canada-home I have no affilation with the company or product, nor do I recieve any compensation for any products purchased. Hope this helps. D.
