Bokashi - One Chemicals - Nil

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSC_0404.jpg - Compost is playing a role in helping El Salvador farmers to turn their backs on the 'green revolution.'

It is always encouraging to read about other people’s efforts and successes in the composting world, just as it is to see evidence that composting can be a powerful agent for healing and

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Sheet a.k.a. Lasagna Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/medium-200x200.jpg - Sheet composting is trouble-free and useful if you have plenty of space available.

Sheet Composting


Sheet composting is an alternative to building a pile, if you do not like the idea of having an untidy heap of decomposing material in your garden.  You carry out sheet composting (related

Read more...

HOW TO COMPOST

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/compost-tumbler-3-2-150x150.jpg - On This Page

Intro
Using bins
Indoor Composting
Bokashi
Vermiculture (Worms)
Wrap-up
Intro

In the beginning, when you first decide you want to learn how to compost, you will need gain an understanding of the differences between compost systems. You will learn which are the most

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Getting Rid of Fruit Flies With Diatomaceous Earth

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/plugins/image_suite/images/share_icon.png -

We have fielded a few questions about those ubiquitous fruit flies over the past few months and when doing some research about these little creatures and collecting ideas for stopping them in their tracks, this post from Bentley of  Red Worm Composting popped up.
Photo Source



Of all

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Turning Units - static

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/3-bin-system-150x150.jpg -  

Static-turning-units offer an opportunity to really expand your hot-composting activities

The bins in a 3-bin turning compost system



If you have access to a decent amount of green waste and if you have the space in your garden you may decide that you want to expand into a 2 or

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How Does Compost Happen

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Manure_compost-e1407445761868.jpg - Knowing how to make good compost is the aim of everyone interested in composting!

So - what exactly goes on in a compost pile to turn this heap of decomposing, organic matter into a sack-load of friable, sweet-smelling, crumbly additive for your soil?  That is - How Does Compost

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To read more on this topic click here

Worms in Residence and Bokashi Success

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/6-IMG_7588-200x200.jpg - Well, the worms arrived in a little brown box inside of which was a plastic takeaway food container with holes in the lid. The worms were quite happily squirming around in this, under some soil,  just waiting to be unloaded into their new home.

This we did with some ceremony and they quickly

Read more...

Disaster Strikes - Bokashi Bombs!

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/4-IMG_6665-200x200.jpg - I am really annoyed with myself. My Bokashi has not been an outstanding success, I am sad to say. The process has failed – or I have failed the process, more like. As I have been adding to my bin, I have felt that things were perhaps not going strictly to plan, mainly because of the first

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Unsuitable Compost Ingredients

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/black-87832_1920.jpg - Learn which materials are unsuitable compost ingredients.

The following is a list of items that you should not use as composting ingredients.  Some experts say you should not attempt to compost these materials in a domestic situation unless you are very experienced or are using a specialist

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HOW TO COMPOST

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/4-IMG_6665-200x200.jpg - On This Page

Intro
Using bins
Indoor Composting
Bokashi
Vermiculture (Worms)
Wrap-up
Intro

In the beginning, when you first decide you want to learn how to compost, you will need gain an understanding of the differences between compost systems. You will learn which are the most

Read more...

Worms and Winter Once Again

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1-IMG_0485-001.jpg - Well, the worms are fine, but winter is definitely 'icumin' in, and once again the garden looks like a total shambles. I am not the world's best gardener, although I love the whole idea of having a fabulous urban garden and it is now, lord help us,  that my many failings are exposed. I am a

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Leaf Mould - It's Free!

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/autumn-212733_1280.jpg - Once again, autumn is here and the wild winds are whipping up the trees, forcing the leaves to make a break for it!

Good news for those of us who find a pile of leaves really exciting! Some of us wait all year for this so that we can take full advantage of this wonderful gift of nature –

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Compost - Can be a Danger to Your Health!

- On the 30th May, the Daily Telegraph reported that the contents of a back-yard compost bin had burst into flames which quickly spread to the back of the house, doing considerable damage.  Grass cuttings had caused the compost to over-heat and self-combust  in the hot weather.  Eight fire

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Leaf Mould - It's Free!

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/autumn-212733_1280.jpg - Once again, autumn is here and the wild winds are whipping up the trees, forcing the leaves to make a break for it!

Good news for those of us who find a pile of leaves really exciting! Some of us wait all year for this so that we can take full advantage of this wonderful gift of nature –

Read more...

3 Tips to Remember When Siting Your Compost Pile (or Bin)

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1-IMG_6711-200x200.jpg - I set up  my new compost bin last week.

It is a simple holding bin - known as a Dalek bin - one of those that can be purchased through your local council for a quite reasonable sum.  It was infuriating to realise that I cannot site my compost bin according to my own recommendations!  I have

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Worm Farming in Schools - Inspiring Students

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/4-000_2897-150x150.jpg -  

Takapuna Beach



Today, we are welcoming a guest blogger, Lisa Stephenson from Auckland, New Zealand. Lisa is a teacher in an Intermediate School (11-13 years) in Takapuna, a community on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. It is a wonderful place to live, right on

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COMPOSTING

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_1913-300x225.jpg - On this page

An explanation
The role of composting
Other benefits
How does it actually happen?
Essential elements

 

Waste for the Compost Bin


An Explanation

The breaking down, or rotting, of dead organic material occurs naturally, all the time and everywhere. It is vital to

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Worm Bin - Which to Choose?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/worm_farm_diagram2-272x300-200x200.png - Install a worm bin for the absolutely best quality compost!



Baby worm. "we are not bait!"


Questions to ask and answer  when choosing a worm bin.



Are you going to make your own, or buy one?

Are you going to keep it inside or outside?

How much waste do you have to feed your

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10 Composting Facts to Start Off With

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1-IMG_8758.jpg -  A selection of composting facts that you may find interesting.







See the steam rising from this hot pile of straw and manure. A great ingredient for your compost.



If we are reading about something new with unfamiliar concepts it can be tricky, at first, to organise the knowledge

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Worm Farm Here at Last

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/5-IMG_7479-200x200.jpg - Our worm farm arrived and now it is time to assemble it and set it up ready for our worms.

Got back from an extended period away from the inter-net and computers to find hundreds of emails  needing attention and a worm farm sitting in my neighbours’ hall way!  So – I sent a text to my

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Using Compost - Your Reward for Your Efforts

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/5-IMG_7586-200x200.jpg - So – when your first load of compost is ‘done’, your first bin of Bokashi, pickled or when your worms have done their duty - when you have a pile of lovely, cool, dark stuff, what then? Now you need to decide how using compost will be of benefit to you and your garden.

At last - your

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Good to Compost

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/green-waste-513609_1920.jpg - The table below lists good compost ingredients with information on each.

Check here to find out what compost ingredients you can  safely add to your pile or bin.

Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio - a brief explanation.

You are looking to add Carbon and Nitrogen to your compost in the ratio of

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To read more on this topic click here

How Does Compost Happen

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Manure_compost-e1407445761868.jpg - Knowing how to make good compost is the aim of everyone interested in composting!

So - what exactly goes on in a compost pile to turn this heap of decomposing, organic matter into a sack-load of friable, sweet-smelling, crumbly additive for your soil?  That is - How Does Compost

Read more...

Sheet a.k.a. Lasagna Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/medium-200x200.jpg - Sheet composting is trouble-free and useful if you have plenty of space available.

Sheet Composting


Sheet composting is an alternative to building a pile, if you do not like the idea of having an untidy heap of decomposing material in your garden.  You carry out sheet composting (related

Read more...

Bokashi Blast-off!

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/08-IMG_6579-200x200.jpg - I really had no intention of doing Bokashi when I started out on this composting quest.  In fact, I had never even heard of it. Now – just from what I have read these past months, I am a staunch convert.  As of last week, I have my recommended pair of Bokashi bins, brand new and looking very

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Disaster Strikes - Bokashi Bombs!

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/4-IMG_6665-200x200.jpg - I am really annoyed with myself. My Bokashi has not been an outstanding success, I am sad to say. The process has failed – or I have failed the process, more like. As I have been adding to my bin, I have felt that things were perhaps not going strictly to plan, mainly because of the first

Read more...

Composting Straw

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2-IMG_4625.jpg -    - a useful composting ingredient.

If you are looking for some variety in the compost ingredients for your bin or pile and if you can lay your hands on some composting straw, you are blessed indeed. I am missing the fallen leaves that I used to boost my carbon in autumn and winter, so now

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Maintaining Your Wormery

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/images-11-183x200.jpg - Feeding the inhabitants of your wormery



Now for the fascinating part - maintaining your wormery so that your worms are happy and well fed. 

Here are a few simple tips on suitable food:

Your worms will eat just about anything organic. the list below gives you some ideas, but there

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To read more on this topic click here

Turning Units - rotating

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Tumbler-1-200x200.jpg - The use of turning-units speeds up the rate of decomposition by the addition of extra oxygen.
Turning-Units are those in which your ingredients are turned regularly in order to oxygenate your mix, thus raising the heat necessary for hot-composting. There are two main

Read more...

Using a Compost Bin

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/1209px.jpg - A few thoughts on various types of compost bin.

When discussing 'bin composting',  I now know that we are simply referring to 'composting in a container', as opposed to having an open heap somewhere in the corner of the garden.   In practice, there is a wide variety of compost bins

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To learn more about composting click here

What Exactly is Composting?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4591-150x150.jpg - In this time of over-flowing land-fills, of Extreme Rubbish and the need for controlling our carbon footprint, composting as part of a recycling programme is all-important.



From this.......



.......To This.


Composting is a vital part of the cycle of life, in which decaying matter is

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Bokashi Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/bokashi-bin-200x200.jpg - Brilliant Bokashi - compost all your kitchen waste with Bokashi.

 

The contents of a Bokashi bin covered in the bran mix


Bokashi, another method of re-cycling kitchen waste, is thought to be based on historic Korean  farming techniques, refined and brought to the modern world by the

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10 Composting Facts to Start Off With

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1-IMG_8758.jpg -  A selection of composting facts that you may find interesting.







See the steam rising from this hot pile of straw and manure. A great ingredient for your compost.



If we are reading about something new with unfamiliar concepts it can be tricky, at first, to organise the knowledge

Read more...

About Manure - Awesome Stuff

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/5-IMG_4638-150x135.jpg -

“Manure, the dung and urine of animals, is the most important single ingredient in the compost heap. It is difficult, although not impossible, to make a good compost pile without it.” The Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for

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Worms' Bin Check

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_0155-150x150.jpg - We have baby worms!

I just wandered down the garden to have a quick check on the worms. It has been so hot and humid lately, that although the worms'  bin is situated in what I consider to be an ideal situation (early morning sun, followed by filtered sun and  then shade for most of the

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Nitrogen (The Glamour Ingredient) - versus Carbon (50 Shades of Brown)

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/compost-microbes-150x150.jpg - The roles of nitrogen and carbon in composting are all-important and both are vital to the process. Composting, i.e. the decomposition of plant and animal matter, is the basis of the Nitrogen Cycle and the Carbon Cycle, two of the Cycles of Life that allow us to exist on this planet. These are

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Indoor Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/20_Compost_Bin1-300x300.jpg - Thoughts on indoor composting - the benefits to you and the world.

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Good for your Compost



If you live in a small house or apartment, without much in the way of a garden, you can still re-cycle your kitchen waste by choosing one of the compost systems that are suitable for indoor

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Starting a Backyard Compost

- Starting a backyard compost - the foundation of it all.

If you are thinking about starting a backyard compost, you will need to decide just how you want to go about it - after all, there is more than one way to skin a cat. All things considered, I am confident that I have researched most of

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To read more on this topicclick here

Nitrogen (The Glamour Ingredient) - versus Carbon (50 Shades of Brown)

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/compost-microbes-1-150x150.jpg - The roles of nitrogen and carbon in composting are all-important and both are vital to the process. Composting, i.e. the decomposition of plant and animal matter, is the basis of the Nitrogen Cycle and the Carbon Cycle, two of the Cycles of Life that allow us to exist on this planet. These are

Read more...

Reproduction in Compost Worms

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1-19778455_2efbda337f_z-2-200x200.jpg - It's a bit of a maze, but hang on in there and be astounded!

The detail of reproduction in compost worms, is like the choreography of a familiar, slow dance. It just seems inevitable, somehow. The subject is discussed on every web site to do with worm farming and it is no wonder that most

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Worm Farm Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/60_lady_in_garden-200x200.jpg -  Worm farm composting, as a means of re-cycling kitchen waste, is becoming increasingly popular.

My dream worm farm the Hungry Bin



Using a worm farm for making compost is all the rage both on the home front and increasingly, in the corporate environment. For example, hospitals and

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What is Compost, Exactly? It's the Result of Composting, of Course!

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4591-300x225.jpg - �
This is my search for information about compost in its various forms - including humus, mulch, vermicompost, bokashi.  These range from my original and straight-forward query, to questions about composting systems, about the micro-organisms and small creatures that transform the raw

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Turning Units - rotating

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/compost-tumbler-3-2-200x200.jpg - The use of turning-units speeds up the rate of decomposition by the addition of extra oxygen.
Turning-Units are those in which your ingredients are turned regularly in order to oxygenate your mix, thus raising the heat necessary for hot-composting. There are two main

Read more...

Worm Bin - Which to Choose?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/4d180466171aaBrown-2-200x200.jpg - Install a worm bin for the absolutely best quality compost!



Baby worm. "we are not bait!"


Questions to ask and answer  when choosing a worm bin.



Are you going to make your own, or buy one?

Are you going to keep it inside or outside?

How much waste do you have to feed your

Read more...

Worms in Residence and Bokashi Success

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/3-IMG_7584-200x200.jpg - Well, the worms arrived in a little brown box inside of which was a plastic takeaway food container with holes in the lid. The worms were quite happily squirming around in this, under some soil,  just waiting to be unloaded into their new home.

This we did with some ceremony and they quickly

Read more...

Try Trench Composting for Fabulous Vegetables

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5557-001-150x150.jpg - Trench Composting - soil incorporation - an overview

trench composting


Trench composting (sometimes called pit composting)  is just what it says.  You dig a trench, or a pit, add a layer of your raw materials, cover them with soil and let it lie. Your hole or trench should be about a

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Tools For Sale

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_0398-200x200.jpg - Yes, we have tools for sale at last.  

CLICK THROUGH TO OUR NEW STORE HERE

I was a retailer for years, firstly as a small independent and, before my retirement, as Retail Manager for a very successful charity.   When I left, there were 7 shops with a huge warehouse which also supported a

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Batch Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2-IMG_5768-200x200.jpg -
Batch Composting


A brief overview.


Is the Continuous method of composting too slow for you?  If so, here's how to speed up your results.
If you are lucky enough to have access to a generous amount of waste material, and if you are well-organised and willing to expend the effort, you may

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