So our starter Bokashi composing kit is on order! it's a process that uses lactobacillus bacteria to anaerobically pre-digest and break down a wider range of food matter prior to being added to a traditional composting system.

We decided against the hot composting method for now as it would be mostly stand alone and the heat generated would be counter productive to the generation of the bacteria in the bokashi process. We may come back to this later and compare the processes.

However, we are also going to be buying a couple of large barrel compost turners to facilitate easy mixing of our compost.

our current process (with the plastic daleks as I call them) means they need to be emptied out onto a tarp, shovelled into a sieve, sieved and then moved into the next bin. A hard and time hungry process.

My wife is beside herself with excitement and joy... because I've found a way to join her in her hobby.

She's a keen #gardener. Two allotment plots and a home garden. I help out with the building of things. I built her shed/summerhouse, I built her compost bays, I put up fences and grow structures etc.

I HATE (pathologically) getting dirty. I literally want to chuck up. Even when doing something clean like baking I'll feel nauseous when I get dough stuck to my hands. It's even so bad I feel nauseous shaking hands with someone with tattoos! I know, it makes no sense. But some part of my brain thinks the ink will transfer across.

so needless to say I don't do much in the garden to help her out.

She was bemoaning the fact her composting isn't very effective. I'm a science guy. I did a brief google.. then an #Autistic deep dive.

I presented her with a breakdown of a #composting process involving anaerobic hot composting/waste fermentation coupled with an easy compost mixing and aeration system.

She's sold! it's a bit of an outlay but not as much as she spends on mulch and compost over a couple of years anyway. And my system should offset that and pay for itself in no time.

So, she's the gardener, I'm (now) the de facto soil scientist armed with reams of chemistry and biology articles looking at Vermiculture , fermentation, microbial health, mycelial growth, nutrient breakdown and general soil health..

plus side? I get to use my microscope too :D

double plus. I get to eat the produce.

triple plus? I don't have to throw out fish and cooked foods. So no more kerbside food waste caddy (which was always disgusting and in the summer a haven for maggots and flies)

Went to the local commercial composter https://www.allforgardening.com/1271449/went-to-the-local-commercial-composter/ #composting

Check out all the projects at Brighton and Hove Food Partnership
https://bhfood.org.uk/types/projects/
#Gardening #Herbs #Vegetables #Plants #LandUse #Compost #Composting #Cooking #Food #SolarPunkSunday #Community #Sustainability #Brighton #BrightonAndHove #UK

Lots of useful tips on Gardening Soul.
https://gardeningsoul.com/
#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #Herbs #Vegetables #Plants #MedicinalPlants #Compost #Composting

Dug a new pit at the vegetable plot for on-site composting of weeds. Will bury the victims after a week or so, then will plant lima beans. #compost #composting #weeds #weeding #allotment #garden #gardening

Dear people who compost: how do you keep animals from messing with it?

Just turned my compost and it's fun to watch it heat up. Hopefully hitting red soon. #compost #composting #gardening #soil

In these troubled times, here's a rare piece of good news! The city government in Washington DC has set up locked bins around the city where residents can leave food scraps for composting! These bins are so much more convenient than the once-a-week collections of food scraps at farmers markets. They are available 24/7, and there are several in each ward.

Please do NOT throw anything in the bins that isn't compostable. Note that green-tinted produce bags from local grocery stores are NOT compostable. Also NOT compostable are produce stickers. For a full list of composting dos and don'ts, a map of the bins, and the code to open the bins, see https://zerowaste.dc.gov/FoodWasteDropOff

Be warned that using the bins requires two good arms and normal adult height. It's disappointing that the city didn't choose a design that would be usable by people of more body types. Still, these bins are a step in the right direction!

A note for faraway readers: These bins were installed by the CITY government of Washington DC, which is separate from the federal government. However, Republicans in Congress like to meddle in city affairs, and there has been talk recently about eliminating the District of Columbia's elected city government and replacing it with an administrator chosen by the Republicans. Local people are horrified by this prospect. The composting program is one example of what's at stake. It doesn't seem likely that the Republicans, if they eliminated the city government, would continue the new drop-off program for food scraps. One reason that DC residents want statehood is so we will have protection against threats to eliminate our elected city government. Although not perfect, the city government does some good work.

Dug up some weeds today at the plot and left them to desiccate on a bucket for a few days (some have extensive roots). I like to display them, in part, as a lesson to other weeds that might be thinking about germinating (just don't). In a few days I'll slide them into the nearby pit of despair for eventual burial. #GrowYourOwn #garden #gardening #allotment #weeds #composting

#DuarteCA #CommunityGarden to be developed at #TzeitelParasCaracciPark

March 12, 2025

"Duarte residents will soon have a new space to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors. Last month, the Duarte City Council approved the development of the Duarte Community Garden at Tzeitel Paras-Caracci Park (2701 Royal Oaks Drive).

"'This project exemplifies our dedication to creating #sustainable, #accessible spaces for our residents,' said Mayor Cesar A. Garcia. 'This garden will not only enhance the beauty of our park but also provide a space where our community can come together, learn, and share in the joy of nature. I am excited to see this project grow and look forward to it becoming a vibrant part of our community.'

"The goal of the Duarte Community Garden is to increase #FoodSovereignty by creating garden plots for community members to grow healthy food, cultivate agricultural literacy with educational programs, gather community by creating a welcoming and accessible garden space, and perform ecosystem services by removing grass, installing a sustainable #DripIrrigation system, building a #NativeHabitatGarden, and collecting #compost.

"The garden will feature 20 plots and two #ADAAccessible raised beds, available for rent at $5 per month. Community members can plant edible (excluding smokable) plants and flowers for personal, noncommercial use. It will include a storage shed with garden tools, an irrigation system promoting sustainable practices, and ADA-accessible decomposed granite pathways.

"The garden will be run in partnership with Food Exploration and Discovery (#FoodEd), a nonprofit organization that collaborates with San Gabriel Valley communities to create edible education sites and provide programs on #ecosystem #stewardship, healthy living, #environmental innovation, and entrepreneurship.

"Food Ed’s educational model will support gardeners of all skill levels, providing supplies and plants for beginners while experienced gardeners can use their own resources. The garden will also offer picnic benches for community #gatherings and host educational programs on topics like #VegetableGardening, #composting, #DroughtTolerant landscaping, and #SoilHealth.

"As the lead on this grant project, Food Ed will be responsible for building the #DuarteCommunityGarden. This includes overseeing site construction, collecting infrastructure bids, contractor management, program management, community engagement and workshops/events, processing plot holder applications, plant and soil replenishment, above ground irrigation repairs, developing the garden’s webpage and branding and overall garden management through October of 2026.

"For more information on the Duarte Community Garden, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (626) 357-7931."

Source:
https://heysocal.com/2025/03/12/duarte-community-garden-to-be-developed-at-tzeitel-paras-caracci-park/
#ThirdSpaces #SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #California #SolarPunk #Composting

#Composting program to provide #Everglades with soil for #CommunityGarden

by Martin Vassolo, March 12, 2025

"Your food scraps could be used to help support the Everglades through a new partnership between the village of #PinecrestFL and the #MiccosukeeTribe.

"Instead of dumping #FoodWaste into crowded #landfills, which produce #methane emissions, the #EvergladesEarthCycleProject will expand Pinecrest's residential composting program and deliver nutrient-rich soil to the #Miccosukee Tribe.

"Driving the news: The project, funded with a $400,000 federal grant and other contributions, calls for installing four new #CompostingBins in Pinecrest and three around #MiamiDade County District 7.

"The initial phase of the program will supply compost to the #SwampyMeadows #CommunityGarden, which grows vegetables just outside the Miccosukee Indian School.

"Another proposal that's been floated is adding new soil to the Everglades' tree islands, though that would need tribal approval, says the Rev. Houston R. Cypress of the #LoveTheEverglades Movement, a partner in the program.

"Cypress told reporters on an airboat ride through the Everglades last week that the tribe teaches 'the essence of being in harmony with nature is giving back to it.'

"'With the Everglades Earth Cycle Project, we're giving back clean and healthy soil; we're giving products that might eventually improve the water quality out here, but we're also giving directly back to local indigenous communities here,' he said.

"Pinecrest already has two free public composting bins, one at the Pinecrest Public Library and another between the Community Center and Pinecrest Gardens."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/composting-program-to-provide-everglades-with-soil-for-community-garden/ar-AA1AKQrp
#Composting #CommunityGardening #FoodSecurity #ReducingFoodWaste #SolarPunkSunday

Weed pit in my plot at the community garden. After it's full I'll top it off with soil and start another one. Keeps the garden tidy and over time becomes organic fertilizer. I know this is likely boring to most but I've noticed that many of my fellow gardeners throw their garden refuse onto the paths between plots. #gardening #allotment #weeds #compost #composting #garden

Another early #SolarPunkSunday, since this is also happening today (Saturday, March 8th)!

#UK, #Timsbury, #Somerset - #SeedySaturday returns to Timsbury with rare seeds and #gardening secrets

by Lewis Clark, March 3, 2025

"The annual seed and spud spectacular, Seedy Saturday, is set to return on Saturday, 8 March, bringing a blooming good time to Timsbury’s #ConygreHall. Gardeners of all levels, from seasoned horticulturists to budding green thumbs, can exchange seeds, gain expert advice, and browse a diverse selection of plants, produce, and eco-friendly goods.

"Now in its 15th year, the community-driven event will take place from 10am to 2pm. At its heart is the #SeedSwap, where visitors can leave home-grown seeds for others while picking up something new to cultivate. This tradition has helped to preserve rare and localised varieties, including #HeritagePeas and the #FarmboroughBean, a unique strain developed through years of careful seed selection.

"In addition to the swap, attendees can browse stalls selling seeds, #potatoes, fruit bushes, #herbs, cottage #perennials, and locally crafted goods. Homemade preserves, plant-based products, and gardening equipment will also be available. Expert talks will provide insight into gardening, seed saving, and #composting, while demonstrations and a children’s craft zone will ensure there is something for everyone. The Kitchen Café will serve tea, coffee, soft drinks, bacon rolls, and homemade cakes.

"Event organiser Sam Ross said: 'This event marks the start of the growing season for #SeedSwappers, amateur gardeners, allotment-holders, horticulturists, and anyone passionate about nature and the environment. The friendly, local and sustainable ethos encourages everyone to have fun growing plants, alongside saving and sharing seeds and stories with friends and neighbours.'

"Seedy Saturday is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers and is supported by sponsors Pennard Plants and Beans and Herbs. Entry is £2 for adults, while children under 16 can attend for free."

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/lifestylegeneral/seedy-saturday-returns-to-timsbury-with-rare-seeds-and-gardening-secrets/ar-AA1A8wxL
#Gardening #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #BuildingCommunity #GrowYourOwn #FoodSecurity #Vegetables #Flowers

A good article... However, unless you know for sure your compost pile is reaching ideal temperatures [140 - 160 F], I would sterilize eggshells before composting them [200 F oven for 30 minutes].

#Gardener shares step-by-step method for #composting in even the smallest space: 'The tutorial we all needed'

"The more we all do our part at home, the better off the environment."

by Jennifer KodrosFebruary 9, 2025

The scoop

"An organization and #DIY design pro shows how easy composting can be, no matter what size space you're living in. 'You can #compost even if you live in a small apartment,' Shavonne (@restyleliving) promises at the beginning of her video.

"Shavonne goes step by step through the process. First thing: You have to start saving food scraps. You can keep them in a bin under your sink or, if you're concerned about the smell, you can always freeze them.

"Grab an inexpensive bin from the store. Bonus points if you can find one from Goodwill or another secondhand shop. Next, take a drill and create holes about 4 inches apart all over the body and lid of the bin for oxygen. Hot tip — make sure it's not too close to the bottom so that water can't leak out.

"Now you're ready to fill it up.

"'Alternate between layers of brown and greens,' Shavonne advises. 'Browns are your carbons, which are leaves or paper products. Greens are your nitrogen or food products.'

"Anything you can eat can be composted, along with eggshells, paper products, and coffee grounds. You can put the bin in your garage or on your porch.

"Shavonne says the fertilizer will be ready in three to six months, although worms can help break everything down faster.

"Warning: Gnats and fruit flies will appear, so make sure you put your bin somewhere that won't become a problem." [One could also have fruit fly traps nearby -- which is what I do]

Source:
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-home/apartment-composting-tutorial-video/

Link to video:
https://www.tiktok.com/@restyleliving/video/7222331766403550506?referer_url=www.thecooldown.com%2Fgreen-home%2Fapartment-composting-tutorial-video%2F&refer=embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121497414%2C73319237%2C121477481%2C121351166%2C121487028%2C73347566%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%2C121503376%3Bnull%3Bembed_pause_share&referer_video_id=7222331766403550506
#SolarPunkSunday #Composting #ApartmentLiving #Compost #Gardening #UrbanGardening

"The Agroecology Institute of Namibia is a social enterprise founded on principles of agroecology, driven by a passion for sustainability and dedicated to equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders with knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world"

https://agroecologymap.org/locations/agroecology-institute-of-namibia

#Composting #collage.
Compost textures in various stages of #decomposition.

Does anybody know, do #corks decompose? I am thinking #compost.

[Humor?] And what to do after we #YeetTheRich? Human remains are compostable -- but they have to be buried deep into a compost pile!

Can You Put Dead Animals In Compost? (Yes, here’s how…)

January 25, 2022 by SethB

"Everything from roadkill to humans can be successfully composted"

https://thatbackyard.com/can-i-compost-dead-animals/#google_vignette
#PostCapitalism #SolarPunkSunday #DIY #Composting