I am unable to tend to my compost daily, so like I said in a previous post, I keep my organic compostables (all plant material except for human hair and fingernails) in covered catchall jars, then empty them once a week. For my purposes, the easiest and most hassle-free composting method is direct soil incorporation. I am also not in a hurry to plant in this part of the garden, so a slow rehab is really what I'm planning.
Here's what I do:
I dig a hole about 8 inches deep, empty all the compostables into it, then, completely cover the hole with the soil I dug out. I do not water any of the covered compost holes (I started in sunny April) but the official rainy season has started (It's June now) and they've been getting a steady supply of rainwater since then. The grass nearby is growing rapidly and I am pleasantly surprised. (Note to self: must mow the grass soon.) I was expecting results to come in next year (our soil is really in dire need of rehabilitation), but this early, I'm seeing signs of improvement. We even have a new visitor to our garden. Is s/he here to stay?
If it's a sunny day, as soon as I open the catchalls, flies are ready to get at the waste. I empty the containers as fast as I can, then immediately cover up the waste with the soil. Then the flies have a party by the containers unless they are rinsed immediately. On a rainy day, it's much easier to dig the pit and not have any of the flies bother me. Ooh, I so love the rain! And gardening in the rain!
And that's it! I let the items just decompose on their own.
Since there isn't much oxygen involved, it may seem like the nutrients will be considerably less, than if I do basket-open-air composting or turn composting. However, this is the most convenient method for me given my schedule, and the fact that I don't want to unnaturally control the flies.
Anyone else out there doing direct soil incorporation? Anyone noticing dramatic changes in your soil/garden?
How about the basket-open air composters/turn composters/vermicomposters? Any violent reactions? :)
hi gulay girl.
ReplyDeleteyou might want to dig a little deeper and add dried tree leaves to your compost pit. the leaves are a source of carbon that decomposing microorganisms need as source of energy. The decomposition process becomes faster this way. the leaves eventually become humus.
Hi Biolant Bm. Thanks for stopping by and for the tip!
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