Turning Units - static

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/5-1-IMG_57621-e1407511564950.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 orRead more...

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

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/3-IMG_4536.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 areRead more...

Reproduction in Compost Worms

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1-2-MVI_8108.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 timesRead more...

A Worm Cocoon Has Been Born (Sort of)

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1-IMG_8770.jpg - A Worm Cocoon has been deposited and who wins… Euros or Reds?
The First Cocoon
We are pleased to announce the arrival of eggs.  Or should I say 'we are pleased to announce the depositing of a worm cocoon?
Yes - our very first.  We were so excited and anxious to identify it without doubt,Read more...

Composting In Winter Months

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1-IMG_6436.jpg - If you are wondering what to do with your compost in winter, look no further. If you want to, you will be able to continue your composting right through the season.  (If this is bad news for you, I’m sorry. Pretend you never started to read this.)
Once the temperatures drop, it is temptingRead more...

Turning Units - rotating

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/7-IMG_1220.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 types; Read more...

Bokashi - One Chemicals - Nil

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/07-power-384085.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 andRead more...

Tools For Sale

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_0306.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 aRead more...

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 fireRead more...

I Think This May Become My Favourite Gardening Magazine

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1-IMG_8095.jpg - Gardening magazines can be expensive and not always as expected. Here is one that I think offers excellent value.
The Royal Horticultural Society
My daughter treated me to membership of the Royal Horticultural Society for my birthday at the beginning of the year. (She is a thoughtful personRead more...

Continuous Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1-IMG_4483-200x200.jpg - That pile at the end of the garden where you toss your organic rubbish and let it rot down, is an example of continuous composting. Here are some tips for getting started if you decide to 'give it a go'.
Continuous Composting,
sometimes referred to as Cold Composting, is the simplest andRead more...

Continuous Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1-compost-pile-on-bare-ground.jpg - That pile at the end of the garden where you toss your organic rubbish and let it rot down, is an example of continuous composting. Here are some tips for getting started if you decide to 'give it a go'.
Continuous Composting,
sometimes referred to as Cold Composting, is the simplest andRead more...

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

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/5-IMG_4602.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 rawRead more...

Worm Farm Here at Last

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1-IMG_7479.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 myRead more...

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

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/3-IMG_4536.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 areRead more...

Compost Equipment - Time to Shop?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/07-IMG_6520.jpg -  When starting out, you really don't have to spend heaps of money on new compost equipment.
If you are an established gardener, you probably  have a ready supply of  tools, some of which will stand you in good stead when working with your compost. If you get serious though, you may find thatRead more...

Essential Elements for Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/03-windfall-266888_1920-e1407446374713.jpg -  
These essential elements for composting must be present if you are to be successful.
 
There are four essential ingredients necessary for composting, that is to say four main elements, which are crucial if the  process of aerobic composting is to take place.
                 Read more...

To read more on this topic click here

MAKING COMPOST

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/14-IMG_1246.jpg - On This Page
What's it all about?
Is it difficult?
Ingredients
Greens and Browns
Starting a back-yard compost
Hot and Cold composting
Batch Composting and Continuous Composting
What's it all about?
Making compost can be one of the most satisfying and engaging pastimes, for those who areRead more...

Composting in a Holding-Unit

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/1-IMG_6544.jpg -  
Often, the first time composter will choose to use a Holding-Unit as it is easy to make one using DIY skills if a budget is necessary.
A single bin, what ever its appearance, is  known as a Holding-Unit. This is because it just 'holds' the raw materials until decomposition is complete. ARead more...

Indoor Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/1-IMG_6585.jpg - Thoughts on indoor composting - the benefits to you and the world.
 
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 indoorRead 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 binsRead more...

Composting In Winter Months

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1-IMG_6436.jpg - If you are wondering what to do with your compost in winter, look no further. If you want to, you will be able to continue your composting right through the season.  (If this is bad news for you, I’m sorry. Pretend you never started to read this.)
Once the temperatures drop, it is temptingRead more...

What Exactly is Composting?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/garbage-17541_1920.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 convertedRead more...

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 fireRead more...

Compost Ingredients

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/3-IMG_5767.jpg - Lists of Compost Ingredients help you to choose materials that will be beneficial to your compost
The best compost comes from a variety of materials. Introduce as many different compost ingredients as you can.
Common sense will usually indicate what compost ingredients are suitable and whatRead more...

Bokashi - One Chemicals - Nil

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/07-power-384085.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 andRead more...

Bokashi Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1-IMG_6568.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 theRead more...

Maintaining Your Wormery

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/3-IMG_8256.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 are manyRead more...

Awesome Allotments

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2-IMG_4615.jpg - I do not have a garden at this time, so I was thrilled when a friend's brother-in-law agreed to let me visit his allotment and even to do a little work in it.  Don't know about that, though, as it a very specialised area. David is a dedicated bonsai artist and it is at his allotment that heRead more...

Worms in Residence and Bokashi Success

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1-IMG_8150.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 quicklyRead more...

FAQ'S - Frequently Asked Questions

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_4609-200x200.jpg -  

When reading all the thousands of words written about composting, I found that certain questions cropped up again and again. Here is a small sample of these FAQ'S (frequently asked questions,) the answers to which may prove to be of use to you.

If you have any other questions, pleaseRead more...

Raised Garden Beds

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/re-sized-for-cc-1-300x300.jpg -  My raised garden beds,  my 2015 project,  are, once again, at the top of my mind.

This morning I went out into the garden and felt Spring was actually here. Warm, still and sunny - bliss without a blanket!  What a relief it is to be outside again and actually be revelling in it. The nextRead more...

Dead or Dormant?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/08-IMG_5739-200x200.jpg - At last, after a wait of almost 6 months, we are about to move into our new house! (banging of drums, stage off)  It is a nightmare purchasing a house here, but finally, we are almost there. We have the keys, the painter is almost finished, the carpet-layer comes on Wednesday and our furnitureRead more...

Dead or Dormant?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/01-IMG_5742-200x200.jpg - At last, after a wait of almost 6 months, we are about to move into our new house! (banging of drums, stage off)  It is a nightmare purchasing a house here, but finally, we are almost there. We have the keys, the painter is almost finished, the carpet-layer comes on Wednesday and our furnitureRead more...

What Exactly is Composting?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/kitchenwaste-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 isRead more...

To learn more about composting click here

Essential Elements for Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/03-windfall-266888_1920-e1407446374713.jpg -  

These essential elements for composting must be present if you are to be successful.

 

There are four essential ingredients necessary for composting, that is to say four main elements, which are crucial if the  process of aerobic composting is to take place.

             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 nowRead more...

Worm Farming in Schools - Inspiring Students

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3-000_2898-150x150.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 onRead more...

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 thereRead more...

A Worm Cocoon Has Been Born (Sort of)

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1-IMG_7889-150x150.jpg - A Worm Cocoon has been deposited and who wins… Euros or Reds?



The First Cocoon



We are pleased to announce the arrival of eggs.  Or should I say 'we are pleased to announce the depositing of a worm cocoon?

Yes - our very first.  We were so excited and anxious to identify itRead more...

To read more on this topic click here

MAKING COMPOST

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4535-002-300x225.jpg - On This Page

What's it all about?
Is it difficult?
Ingredients
Greens and Browns
Starting a back-yard compost
Hot and Cold composting
Batch Composting and Continuous Composting



What's it all about?


Making compost can be one of the most satisfying and engaging pastimes, forRead more...

Composting in a Holding-Unit

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/wire-compost-bin-150x150.jpg -  
Often, the first time composter will choose to use a Holding-Unit as it is easy to make one using DIY skills if a budget is necessary.

A single bin, what ever its appearance, is  known as a Holding-Unit. This is because it just 'holds' the raw materials until decomposition is complete. ARead more...

Continuous Composting Tips

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/11-IMG_0671.jpg - That pile at the end of the garden where you toss your organic rubbish and let it rot down, is an example of continuous composting. Here are some tips for making sure that all goes well.


 Continuous Composting, sometimes referred to as Cold Composting,  is the simplest and probably theRead more...

We Don't Do Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4482-300x225.jpg - Casual Compost



We recently visited a garden that is open to the public only twice a year. The owner kindly allows the public to invade his space for a small sum of money that is then donated to charity.  Visitors are free to wander through the grounds, through the formal gardens, the parkRead 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 (relatedRead more...

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

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2-IMG_4535-150x150.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 rawRead more...

GARDEN COMPOSTING

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/compost-pile-on-bare-ground-200x194.jpg - On This Page

The community
Meanwhile, back in the garden...
Bins
I don't want to use a bin
Points to consider
Using your compost

A Vertical Tumbler


The Community

If you have decided that you need learn a bit more about composting -  if only to get your hands on some freeRead more...

To read more on this topic click here

COMPOSTING

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/3-IMG_5753-200x200.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 toRead more...

Hot Composting or Cold Composting? Which Way and Does It Matter?

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_4625-200x200.jpg -  

Hot-composting or cold-composting  -

which way and does it matter? 

Horse manure - a great ingredient for your compost.


When you decide that you will have a 'go' at composting, typically your first decisions will be centred around the answers to such questions as,“What kindRead more...

Awesome Allotments

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4586-300x225.jpg - I do not have a garden at this time, so I was thrilled when a friend's brother-in-law agreed to let me visit his allotment and even to do a little work in it.  Don't know about that, though, as it a very specialised area. David is a dedicated bonsai artist and it is at his allotment that heRead more...

The Thrill of Winter (not)

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/1-IMG_6237.jpg - And so the winter grinds on. We are so lucky, here in Kent.  No 'weather events',  at least so far. Just grey skies with the odd blue day to let us know that there is a sun.  It is debilitating, though. I had forgotten how unremitting those grey skies could be.  Today, we have had our firstRead more...

Continuous Composting Tips

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/11-IMG_0671.jpg - That pile at the end of the garden where you toss your organic rubbish and let it rot down, is an example of continuous composting. Here are some tips for making sure that all goes well.


 Continuous Composting, sometimes referred to as Cold Composting,  is the simplest and probably the

Read more...

We Don't Do Composting

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4482-300x225.jpg - Casual Compost



We recently visited a garden that is open to the public only twice a year. The owner kindly allows the public to invade his space for a small sum of money that is then donated to charity.  Visitors are free to wander through the grounds, through the formal gardens, the park

Read more...

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

Read more...

3 Simple Composting Tips

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/green-waste-513609_1920-200x200.jpg - These simple composting tips compiled by Jack Gardener, will set you on the right track if you are just starting out.

Do you wаnt tо ѕtаrt a home composting project but уоu just аrеn't ѕurе where tо begin? Wеll it іѕ tіmе to stop thіnkіng аbоut іt and ѕtаrt doing іt!

Read more...

About Manure - Awesome Stuff

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/4-IMG_4633-150x135.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

Read more...

I Think This May Become My Favourite Gardening Magazine

http://clevercomposting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/4-IMG_8098-200x200.jpg - Gardening magazines can be expensive and not always as expected. Here is one that I think offers excellent value.



The Royal Horticultural Society


My daughter treated me to membership of the Royal Horticultural Society for my birthday at the beginning of the year. (She is a thoughtful

Read more...