Composting Training Manual TM Charlie the Compost King.indd 1
Composting 1 Before you begin 1.1 Inventory Compost bin Compost stirrer Watering can Gloves Bucket Hessian sack Compost starter Brown waste- dry leaves or paper Green waste- green leaves, grass or food scraps Shredded newspaper 2 Position Your Compost-Recycling Bin Positioning your bin is important! Find a sunny spot on level ground. This is IMPORTANT because heat helps waste to decompose & make soil. Check there is NO GAP between the base of the compost bin and the ground. This is IMPORTANT, to avoid attracting pests. 2.1 Set up and Assembly Sprinkle the entire base area inside the compost bin with compost starter. This introduces the good bacteria needed to start the composting process. Place equal amounts of green and brown waste in the compost bin, in layers. Finish off with a layer of shredded newspaper. Tip the water from the watering can into the compost bin. Always keep it covered with hessian sack or an old blanket. 2.indd 2
Composting Training Manual 3 Compost Essentials 3.1 Compost Essentials A Aliveness Aliveness is created by the many different kinds of compost creatures that come to feast on the waste. These include Beetles, Slugs, Earwigs, Millipedes, Centipedes, Microbes & Worms. D Diversity The creatures in the compost are much like you - they love a variety of foods. A Aeration (Air) If the mixture smells sour it needs air so starting stirring. Put air into the compost by stirring twice a week. M Moisture The consistency of compost mix should be damp, like a wrung out sponge If your compost is too dry, add water If your compost is too wet, add brown waste ONLY 3.2 Maintenance GREEN WASTE Green waste brings Nitrogen, a heat producer to the mix and helps quicken the breakdown of waste like tea leaves, hair, fruit and vegetable scraps, grass and coffee grounds. BROWN WASTE Brown waste brings Carbon, a fibre producer to the mix via leaves, twigs, cardboard, paper, dead plants and sawdust. OTHER Things you might not have thought you can compost Hair eggshells paper bags Cotton clothing. 3.indd 3
3.3 Avoid Plastic. Large clumps of food scraps. Nappies, meat, bones or glossy magazines. 3.4 Temperature Test the heat in your compost by holding an un-gloved hand over the compost mix. It should be slightly warmer than air temperature. The temperature in your compost tells you about the health of the bugs in it. If it s warm or hot, the compost creatures are happy. If the compost starts to smell your compost creatures are unhappy so add a handful of lime and stir with your compost stirrer. 4 Harvesting Your Compost When your bin is full keep it covered with a hessian sack. Remember to check your compost regularly, and add water (moisture) or stir (aerate) once a week or when needed. In 2-3 months your compost should be ready to harvest. Compost should be about 1/3 the size of the original mix. 4.1 Un-ripe Compost Be sure that decomposition is complete to avoid using un-ripe compost as it robs soil of nitrogen. Uncover your mix when it looks like this 4.1.1 Using your Compost Dig it into your garden beds and use a portion of it to start a new compost mix. 4.indd 4
Composting Training Manual 5 Compost Creatures G Beetles Beetles favourite foods are vegetable peelings, dead plants and grass cuttings. G Slugs Slugs feast on vegetable scraps and rotting fruit. B Earwigs Earwigs favourite foods are paper, cardboard and straw. B G Millipedes Millipedes eat everything. B G Centipedes Centipedes eat insects and spiders. B G Worms Worms eat about half their body weight in food everyday. B G Microbes Microbes are so small you can only see them with a microscope. Microbes feed off the waste inside the compost bin and help it rot down and turn into compost. 5.indd 5
Compost Safety Compost can be a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens. Educators should familiarize themselves with these illnesses, some of which can also be contracted in other parts of the family home or early learning setting. Listed below are some of the more common physical ailments that can result from unprotected contact with compost: Aspergillosis Farmer s Lung Histoplasmosis A fungal infection of the lungs that is caused after the inhalation of a fungus commonly found in rotting plant matter. While normally not life-threatening, aspergillosis can be extremely dangerous if enough spores are inhaled. A sickness that resembles pneumonia, and may result from respiratory exposure to certain fungal and bacterial pathogens present in rotting organic materials, such as mushrooms, hay and sugar cane. Beware of dusty white patches, as they are a sign that dangerous spores are present. Farmer s Lung can usually be treated with antibiotics. A disease caused by fungus that grows in guano and bird droppings. Healthy immune systems can usually fight off histoplasmosis, although infections can become serious if large amounts of the toxin are inhaled, or if the infected person has a weakened immune system. Legionnaire s Disease Paronychia Tetanus A respiratory infection that s caused by the inhalation of L. Longbeachae. A local infection that occurs in the tissue around the fingernails and toenails. Prolonged moisture and the abrasive effects of soil can create openings in the skin that allow the infection to occur, producing pain and throbbing. A disease of the central nervous system that s caused by bacteria that is very common in soil. While even a minor cut can allow the bacteria to enter the bloodstream, immunizations against tetanus are quite common. How to Avoid Potential Hazards of Composting The following general safety precautions should be followed in order to avoid transmission of dangerous fungi, bacteria and other pathogens found in compost: Always wear dry, breathable gloves to avoid direct contact with the skin. Wear protective footwear that covers your skin adequately to avoid direct contact with compost. Do not wear them anywhere except outdoors. When stirring and tilling the compost, always wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the various spores that will become airborne during tilling and turning. Avoid tilling on windy days. Do not store compost in fully closed or airtight containers. Without any air, it can actually become combustible. Wash your hands after dealing with compost to prevent potential dangers from poisoning. If you develop a severe cough or infection of the skin (especially if there is an open sore or puncture wound), seek medical attention immediately. 6.indd 6
Composting Training Manual Composting Instructional DVD 7.indd 7
TM Composting Training Manual Meet the Backyard In A Box Brilliance Bunch! These environmental champions help children engage in sustainable practices and encourage thrifty management of the earths resources. Other titles in this series include: Resource Recycling Worm Farming Guinea Pigs Chickens Organic Gardening Water Recycling Order your copy now at backyardinabox.com.au Box 3 W W Ringo Wally Charlie Ginny Chaz Orlando Waldo.indd 8