Six Different Methods of Composting!

Written By Calthorpe Garden

Bokashi fermentation process

  • Uses bran in an air tight container. Once full, it takes 2 weeks to be ready. Liquid is drained during these 2 weeks to prevent the solids from getting wet which detracts from the process and makes it extra smelly.

  • As the liquid is impregnated with beneficial microorganisms in addition to carrying nutrients like any other lechate, it is a powerful fertiliser.

  • We add the fermented solids to our garden waste compost as a powerful compost activitor. It can be buried in the soil and plant in the area after at least two months.

Cold Composting System

  • This method takes approximately 6 months to a year to produce usable compost and we use it for garden waste. As it is open, this avoids attracting pests to the garden.

  • Even if it is slow, the nutrients are higher than those produced by the food waste composter. While it takes longer to make, it’s better for nutrient content.

Hotbin composting

  • Hot composting can handle food and garden waste. When introducing food waste, shredded paper and wood chips are added to manage moisture levels and to create air pockets in the system.

  • It takes approximately 3 months to use, temperatures reach between 65 and 70’C. It is fast and produces compost free of weed seeds and pathogens.

Leaf mould

  • This is another cold composting method. We leave a pile of leaves to sit for at least a year, exposed to rain. It is low in nutrients and an excellent soil amendment, adds structure to the soil or to any potting or seed sowing mix.

Wormery

  • Worms thrive on paper, rich in carbon, and vegetables, high in nitrogen. They love soft food like courgette and other vegetable peelings. They also enjoy coffee grounds, which are nitrogen-dense.

  • Worm castings are full of goodness, serving as a powerful fertiliser for plants. You don't need to use as much as the other type of composts.

Ridan Food Waste Composter

  • This system uses leftover food waste, which we add together with the same volume of woodchip and turn using the handle to introduce air and move it down the machine.

  • It takes 15 days to come out on the other side. The compost is allowed to mature for 3 months before it is turned to another pile ready to use.

Calthorpe Garden