Creating Home-made Compost Organically for Improved Vegetables: A Simple Guide
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In the heart of rural England, Adriana Copaceanu has found her sanctuary. A nature lover at heart, she spends her days tending to her dream property, sharing her garden with an array of wildlife, and nurturing her flock of chickens.
Adriana's passion for sustainable living is evident in every aspect of her life. She delights in planning nature projects, and her books offer guidance on raising happy, healthy chickens for organic eggs and growing lavender with care.
For those who wish to emulate Adriana's eco-friendly lifestyle, here are some essential tips for creating high-quality compost that enhances soil health and maintains organic integrity.
Balancing Materials
The key to successful composting lies in striking a balance between green and brown materials. Green materials, such as manure, kitchen scraps, and vegetable peels, are rich in nitrogen, while brown materials like dry leaves and shredded paper are carbon-rich. Aim for a carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of about 25:1 to 30:1[1][2].
To further boost the structure of your compost pile, include lignocellulosic materials like maize straw or dry leaves. These materials provide structural porosity, reduce moisture retention, and enhance oxygen diffusion, which helps in achieving a faster decomposition rate[2].
Maintaining Conditions for Decomposition
Maintaining the right moisture levels is crucial for efficient decomposition. Keep the compost pile moist but not soggy, with a moisture level similar to a wrung-out sponge. If the pile is too wet, add brown materials; if it's too dry, add water or green materials[3][5].
Regularly turning the compost pile every 1-2 weeks is also important to maintain aeration and speed up decomposition. Additionally, monitor the compost pile's temperature for efficient decomposition. It should reach temperatures of around 130-140°F to kill pathogens and weed seeds[5].
Exclusion of Harmful Materials
To prevent the spread of diseases and attracting pests, avoid adding diseased plants to the compost pile. Additionally, exclude meat, dairy, oily foods, and pet waste from your compost pile to prevent creating unpleasant odors[3].
Pathogen Inactivation
Implement hot composting practices to achieve temperatures necessary for killing pathogens and weed seeds, typically above 130°F[5].
Additional Tips
Organic compost/improvers can be used in home composting. When using manure, ensure its organic status is confirmed. Kitchen scraps are suitable for home composting, and eggshells can be included as well.
Adriana's books, "How to Grow Lavender for Fun and Profit" and "How to Raise Chickens for Eggs," share lessons learned from her experiences. They emphasize growing and raising organically, with a focus on profit rather than just hobbyism.
When growing lavender and raising chickens, it's important to avoid chemicals in the composting process and consider the potential use of chemical herbicides in obtaining manure, as these chemicals might enter the food chain.
By following these guidelines and drawing inspiration from Adriana Copaceanu's books, you too can live a sustainable, eco-friendly life, filled with the joy of nurturing nature and reaping its bountiful rewards.
[1] Composting at Home. (2021). University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/sites/composting/files/311218.pdf [2] Composting Basics. (2021). Cornell Waste Management Institute. https://cmwmi.cals.cornell.edu/composting-basics/ [3] Composting. (2021). Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/composting/ [4] Composting. (2021). University of Illinois Extension. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/composting/ [5] Hot Composting. (2021). University of Maine Cooperative Extension. https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4472e/
