Between the cat and the cannabis, I have plenty that needs daily attention to survive. It's good to hear a worm bin doesn't require that level of dedication! I think I will clean out that compost barrel so it's ready to be used. It's huge, though! If I can't find a spot in my shop, I'll have to wait until Spring to get it going. Either way, I'll get it clean and do some reading on worm bins!
Anything that creates a bit more reservoir, but doesn't interfere with the wicking, would work great! I used downspout because it was available and free. I imagine there is all kinds of stuff that could work!
I love all this! I am lazy and cheap, so I will see if I can get some spent barley from the brewery down the street. Maybe some fresh alfalfa from my neighbor could do double-duty. Not sure what else I might mulch with--likely trimmings, leaves, grass. I have piles of moldy leaves. Some mold is starting on the fresher green/brown inputs already!
just remember it takes 60 days for clovers to start producing nodules of fixed nitrogen
That's good to know. I amended the soil enough to last that long. Hell, I'll be watching the plants carefully, too! But that's good to know. Looks like I need to spend some time studying clover and nitrogen fixers!
This for sure. Thats why i always preach starting your clover while your soil is cooking. Sow it and covering with composted mulch. Clover dont care if its a little warm.
Dont look at it as nitrogen fixing. Clover is good for that if you have a soil with no nitrogen in it. See the clover will grow from the nitrogen in the air, Then once its big you till it in to the ground to then break down. In the Ag world you would do this rejuvenate depleted soil. Works amazing for that.
Yes, I did some studying and understand clover better. Your distinction about "fixing" nitrogen jibes. It's the recycled/mulched clover tops/nodes that provide the soil with food!
LOL your 8 fits in number 2. But your spot on. That is also why when i build by beds i water in nematodes. then i know they are there and i dont have to get a microscope. (nematodes are cheap in comparison lol) throw in some European night-crawlers, and boom, biolife.
I didn't remember it was you, but now that I look back, it was definitely your Hugel Kulture build that was like a landmark to me!
Totes are 17gal.
I use a grommet with a chunk of hose. I use tap water so I just count in seconds how much it needs. Usually I stop just before it over flows. 28 seconds fills mine. Just overflows into a small container.
Looks like it works great! I considered putting more effort into the overflow drain, but didn't. lol I will have a tray on hand in case I go over. Still, grommets are cheap, and I have some funny pipe on hand. Thanks for the pictures!
i have access to wood chips that are in composting temps that insects cannot live in. Would that be good for a mulch layer? I’m afraid of bugs still being in there, but I don’t want to pasteurize it and kill the fungi
I haven't used wood chips for mulch indoors. I suppose it would work to keep moisture levels consistent, but it would take a while to break down and add to the soil if you want to leave it in there.
I would not do this until the wood is fully composted. Do you know the source of said wood and type? This will also decide on weather this is a good or bad idea. Mulching with wood is fine as long as its dried and dead. If the mulch is too green it will burn off the nitrogen in the soil. Other types of wood can greatly effect the ph balance of your soil if its not fully composted and stable.
