The breaking-down process creates higher temperatures, which in turn kills many harmful pathogens. In the three-bin system, the first bin is the “hot” one, where heat is generated as the bacteria and other organisms break down the organic matter. The size of the bins can be customized to suit your available space and the amount of material you would realistically compost in a year. He emphasized the importance of creating a “layer cake” effect, using lots of coarse materials, like twigs between alternating layers of leaves and layers of vegetable matter. He believes recycled wood pallets, bound together with poultry wire, are a great way to make a simple bin.

He was adamant about two things: You don’t need to buy a fancy compost bin when you can easily make one yourself, and the proper way to do it is with a three-bin system. I asked Couzens about the proper way of creating outdoor compost. Photo by Terra Flora Organics / PNGīy adding water to the Hungry Bin and allowing it to drain through the system, a wonderful compost tea can be made that has comparable value to some of our best organic fertilizers. Worm castings, basically earthworm manure, will greatly enrich your soil. It provides balanced food for all plants and contains both micronutrients and beneficial bacteria. When added to soil, it will improve yield, sequester carbon and produce a stable carbon that will last for hundreds-of-years.

The value of worm-produced compost can’t be overstated. He adds about one kilogram of biochar (a charcoal-like soil ameliorant) that provides a rich home for microbes and aids in the decomposition process. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt.Westcoast Homes & Design Previous Issues.Vancouver Sun Run: Sign up & event info.

Download red wigglers for composting