Learn about composting in our garden
The Benefits of Compost
Healthy soil is the key to successful vegetable gardening. One technique for sustaining a healthy soil food web is to regularly add compost.
Compost can be worked into the soil at planting time or routinely layered onto the soil surface for those who prefer a no-till approach.
Feeding the soil instead of your plants improves:
- soil texture and structure
- water retention (less watering!)
- soil temperatures (warmer in winter, cooler in summer)
- pH balance
- plant resistance to disease and insect invasions
Compost is the perfect soil amendment & we make it right here at our garden.
Rapid Composting Method
We use the Berkeley Method developed by the late Professor Robert D. Rabbe. This method requires a lot of work but provides regular batches of completed compost and ensures that the garden manages its own waste.
Compost Tea
Compost tea can be a valuable source of micro-nutrients when used as a soil drench or a foliar feed. Mark’s recipe can be found here. All the equipment you need is housed in the shed (with the exception of the “D” batteries.)