Compost Corner Wednesday 6.10.10

What a hectic day, with a late start and finish. Proof that one thing leads to another!

My customers were all pleased to see me, because last Wednesday we had torrential rain which meant I only got to a couple of people. Today, given a wet start, it turned into a 'getting better kind of day'.

As Autumn rolls into place, it's a good time to check that your Brassicas (members of the cabbage family) are in good nick for the winter season. We don't want too many heading into the cold months with diseased leaves etc. like this ravished specimen. I decided to leave the very few and mature, caterpillars on this one, as we're so near the end of the season, and it's the only one of this crop in this state.

In this window between hedge trimming and leaf sweeping, the compost can be pressed into service. This has been 'cooking' for a year or two and  looks like black bread crumbs. The upper surface was heaving with worms.The more it looks like a horror movie, the better!

As the worms work on the stuff we throw, away they constantly munch through the new stuff as it's added to the top. That's why they tend to mass near the surface.  Other stuff comes into play, if you're lucky, like heat and bacteria.

Move the worm rich layer to one side to go back in as a starter for the next lot. You don't have to do this, because there will always be compost worms ready to re-invade.

Dig out as much BLACK GOLD as you can. It's a good work out and

put it into your pit (it's never too early to dig this and your neighbours will think you're preparing a grave) for next years runner beans and onto beds, and borders. It's a good idea to keep some to mix with grit and/or soil to make potting compost - cheaper than buying it, and you'll know what's in there. No food miles, no chemicals ( if you garden organically), no money spent.