Episode 9: Home Composting and Vermicomposting

Summary

In this informative webinar from East Seed Foundation, host Joyce guides viewers through the fundamentals of composting and vermicomposting as essential practices for urban gardening. Emphasizing the importance of enriching soil over merely feeding plants, the session covers the benefits of compost, types of compostable materials, and common mistakes to avoid. Joyce also introduces vermicomposting, highlighting the role of worms in creating nutrient-rich fertilizer. The webinar encourages sustainable gardening practices and provides practical tips for setting up compost systems at home, ultimately promoting healthier soil and plants for better food production.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Composting enriches soil and is vital for healthy plant growth.
• 💧 Compost retains moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• 🍂 Compost consists of 'greens' (nitrogen-rich materials) and 'browns' (carbon-rich materials).
• 🚫 Avoid composting animal proteins, dairy, fats, and treated yard waste to prevent issues.
• 🌿 Aerobic composting uses oxygen to decompose materials quickly, while anaerobic composting does not.
• 🐛 Vermicomposting involves using worms to break down organic material, producing nutrient-rich vermicast.
• 📦 A simple kitchen composting setup can be done using a plastic container with a lid.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Composting is an educational activity that can engage children and promote environmental awareness.
• 🌍 Composting is eco-friendly, reducing waste sent to landfills and lowering carbon footprints.
• 🛠️ Regular maintenance of compost and worm bins is essential for optimal decomposition and worm health.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the East Seed Foundation's Urban Gardening webinar?

The main theme is teaching individuals how to grow their own healthy, nutritious food at home, with a focus on composting and vermicomposting.

Why is it important to feed the soil rather than just the plants?

Feeding the soil enriches it with organic matter, which is crucial for providing the majority of the nutrients that plants need to thrive.

What percentage of a plant's nutrition comes from the soil?

More than 90% of a plant's nutrition comes from the soil, while only 10% comes from air, sunlight, and water.

What is compost, and how is it made?

Compost is decomposed organic matter made from recycled garden and kitchen waste, as well as paper products. It enriches the soil and supports healthy plant growth.

What are the two categories of compostable items?

Compostable items are categorized into 'greens' (high in nitrogen and moisture) and 'browns' (high in carbon and provide structure).

What items should never be included in compost?

Items to avoid include animal-based proteins like meat and bones, tea and coffee bags, dog and cat poop, fats and grease, large amounts of oil and dairy products, charcoal ash, and yard trimmings treated with pesticides.

What are the two methods of composting mentioned in the webinar?

The two methods are aerobic composting (which uses oxygen and requires turning the compost pile) and anaerobic composting (which involves covered containers and relies on microorganisms without air).

What is vermicomposting, and what are its benefits?

Vermicomposting is a method that uses worms to break down organic material, producing nutrient-rich vermicast. Its benefits include higher nutrient content than standard compost, educational opportunities for kids, and cost savings on fertilizers.

What type of worms are recommended for vermicomposting?

African night crawlers, also known as ANC, are recommended as they efficiently consume kitchen and garden scraps.

How can vermicast be used in gardening?

Vermicast can be used as a seed medium for better germination, added to soil mixtures when planting, or applied on top of the soil to provide nutrition to plants.