Today was I harvested my first batch of compost. I built a 3x3 foot frame with 2x4's and attached a wire mesh screen with 1/2 inch squares. It was hard work sifting out the useable compost but I got about half a wheelbarrow full. The compost was FULL of insects. Different kinds of beetles and centipede/milipedes. I was pondering how I should kill these pests so I turned to the internet. I found out that they are all quite beneficial and will feast on aphids and other harmful insects. For this first batch I think I will use as a top layer of soil along my fence. I was thinking of mixing it in as an ammendment but I read that the parts that are not fully composted will compete with the plants for nitrogen. Using it as a topsoil will allow it to fully decompose while still providing the organic matter and water holding capabilities. Only downside is that it means double the weeding.
2 comments:
Why does it mean double the weeding? Doesn't the heat of composting kill any seeds that are in the compost material when it goes into the pile?
it kills most of the seeds but because of the quality of the soil it will encourage the germination of any seeds that are where you put the compost down
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