Oh, it's on--just not right now. The components for composting have been collected and are, for all intensive purposes, ready to go. There's just one thing missing: worms. Because our local hardware store doesn't sell composting worms, they'll have to be ordered from Gardener's Supply. Under any other circumstances, that all-important "submit order" button would have been clicked hours ago. Unfortunately, the miracle-making magicians that make composting possible are high-maintenance buggars who require constant moisture and will need a speedy transfer from postal package to their new, permanent habitat. An extremely busy work schedule is taking me away from home for a few days toward the end of the month and I'm not brave enough to chance being out of town when the worms arrive. Therefore, composting will be put on hold until April.
When the worms do arrive, they'll have a homecoming fit for a king. Using methods outlined on ecolocalizer, a 14-gallon, dark plastic tub has been purchased and small holes have been drilled in five sides and the lid. Newspaper, which will act as bedding, has been shredded into strips and a second, smaller plastic container will act as a tray to catch excess moisture. The original plan was to place the bin under the sink in an easy-to-reach, non-lit area, but spacing didn't allow that to happen. Instead, the composting tub will share a space with the recycling bin, which is tucked between the microwave and a wall. It isn't as hidden as I had hoped, but it is out of direct sunlight and in an easily accessible location.
I've been tempted to save organic scraps for my new friends, but after seeing Hoarding: Buried Alive, had second thoughts. Instead, further research has been conducted on what can and cannot be used for compost. Definite nos include meat (there's none of that here anyway), chemicals and dairy products. Some sources encourage composters to shy away from whole grains and walnuts as well. Items that can be used for compost range from egg shells to sawdust and may include coffee grinds, tea leaves, paper products, cardboard, hair, vegetables, fruits, flowers, grass clippings, feathers, hay, seaweed, and moss. It has been suggested that all items be broken down into smaller pieces before entering the composting process, as this will help with speed.
I'm excited for the new routine and anxiously anticipate the day when I'm able to give some worms a great, new home. I assume there will be a learning curve involved, but I'm up for the challenge.
No comments:
Post a Comment