How to build, maintain, and use a compost system Secrets and techniques you need to know to grow the best vegetables
Book - 2011
Saved in:
- Subjects
- Published
-
Ocala, Fla. :
Atlantic Pub. Group
c2011.
- Language
- English
- Main Author
- Physical Description
- 288 p. : ill. ; 23 cm
- Bibliography
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- ISBN
- 9781601383549
- Introduction: Why Compost?
- Chapter 1. Let us begin with the Basics
- What is Composting?
- How Composting Benefits your Garden
- How Composting Benefits the Environment
- Common Myths About Composting
- About This Book
- Chapter 2. Getting Started
- Types of Compost Systems
- Compost heaps or pile
- Compost bins
- Holes or trenches
- Cone digester systems
- Rotating or tumbling barrels
- Stationary bins
- Indoor systems
- How Big is a Compost Pile?
- Choosing a System
- Can I compost?
- What kind of system can I afford?
- Where will the compost system go?
- Are there local ordinances to account for?
- What Can I Compost?
- Yard and garden waste
- Kitchen and household waste
- Food items to compost
- Non-food items to compost
- Other sources of compost material
- Materials to Avoid Composting
- Organic materials
- Non-organic materials
- Activators
- Natural activators
- Artificial activators
- Preparing Waste for Composting
- Composting weeds
- Case Study
- Chapter 3. The Science of Composting
- Essential Composting Elements
- Oxygen
- Moisture
- Carbon
- Nitrogen
- Organisms
- The Chemical Process of Decomposition
- Slow compost systems
- Medium compost systems
- Fast compost systems
- Case Study
- Chapter 4. Outdoor Compost Bins
- Do it Yourself
- Cardboard box composting
- Wire bin composting
- Trash can composting
- Trench composting
- Trench composting in a dry environment
- Wood trench composting
- Hole or pit composting
- Straw or hay bale compost piles
- Concrete block compost bin
- Three-bin composting
- Build a tumbling barrel composter
- Commercial Outdoor Compost Bins
- Tumbling bins
- Stationary bins
- Digesters
- Case Study
- Chapter 5. Building a Compost Pile
- Tools for Digging and Raking
- Shovels or garden spades
- Hoes
- Rakes
- Forks
- Mattocks
- Post-hole diggers
- Tools for Storing and Moving Compost
- Tools for Cutting
- Knife
- Scissors
- Hammer
- Machete
- Compost Maintenance Tools
- Thermometer
- Watering tools
- Aerators
- Safety Equipment
- Gloves
- Dust masks
- Goggles
- Ear protection
- Compost Ingredients
- How do I know if I have the right ratio?
- Slow or Cool Compost
- Medium or Warm Compost
- Supplies and tools
- Instructions
- Fast or Hot Compost
- Supplies and tools
- Instructions
- Sheet Compost
- Leaf Mold Compost
- Case Study
- Chapter 6. Maintaining a Compost Bin
- Aerating a Stationary Bin
- Aerating an Outdoor Bin or Heap
- Watering
- When is Compost Ready to Use?
- Case Study
- Chapter 7. Using Compost
- Where to Use Compost
- Healthy Soil Leads to Healthy Produce
- Preparing Compost for Use
- Testing for pH levels
- Making a Compost Sifter
- Supplies and tools
- Instructions
- Making Compost Tea
- How to use compost tea
- Case Study
- Chapter 8. Vermicomposting
- Worms - Nature's Own Compost Machine
- Worm physiology
- Worm species
- Buying your worms
- Worm Bins
- Buying a worm bin
- Making your own worm bin
- Filling the worm bin
- What to Feed (and Not Feed) Your Worms
- Harvesting the castings
- How to Make Worm Tea
- Supplies and Tools
- Instructions
- Using worm tea
- Troubleshooting a Worm Bin
- Where to Use Vermicompost
- Case Study
- Chapter 9. Winter and Indoor Composting
- Winter Worm Bins?
- Indoor Composting
- Pros and cons of indoor composting
- Indoor trash bag composting
- Commercial Indoor Compost Bins
- Non-electric indoor systems
- Electric systems
- Case Study
- Chapter 10. Troubleshooting
- Diseases
- Farmer's lung
- Histoplasmosis
- Legionnaires' disease
- Paronychia
- Tetanus
- Toxoplasmosis
- Common Compost Problems and Solutions
- Problems with Neighbors
- How to Start a Community Composting Group
- Case Study
- Conclusion
- Appendix A. More Information on Vermicomposting
- Vermicomposting Supplies
- Appendix B. Where to Purchase Composting Items
- Where to Buy Compost Systems Mentioned in this Book
- Appendix C. The Composting Community
- Informational Sites
- Community Sites
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Index