Decomposed Thinking

I knew that compost would be an important part of the growing experience here at RMH, but now I know why it is often called “black gold”—it’s essential to organic gardening. Or, so I kept reminding myself when it was 95 degrees, and I was ankle deep in freshly rotting compost, turning the piles we have to keep the process progressing.

Now, I’ve read a lot about this topics, and I have been composting for several years, but as you might guess in today’s information-loaded society, there is much opinion about the “proper” way to compost (again, basically, to let things rot…). In fact, many people have closely-guarded compost “recipes” not to mention the fine art of compost tea (compost steeped in water for several days…YUM!).

(I like the U.C. Davis guide OR, you could go the “dummies” route.)

All in all, it’s really not that complicated to get some basic systems going, and there is a range of effort—with associated benefits—that one could use, but organic material in a pile eventually decomposes into good stuff for the soil.

It is a striking example of the “garden in motion” as I see a review of past garden work in the cuttings and trimmings as well as a retrospective of scraps from the kitchen. Also, the piles visibly change weekly and is surprisingly dynamic—bacteria & microbes, insects, worms, birds, various animals, all do a particularly effective job in this process. A complete ecosystem.

“Working with my piles” (as I like to call it) is a particularly reflective time for me. I tend to do it every week or two, by myself out in the Vegeyard, in the morning or late evening. And, since turning piles of decomposing organic matter isn’t very technical or difficult (perhaps “ripe” sometimes…though a well-balanced pile shouldn’t “stink”), I find that I am able to process a host of thoughts and ideas.

I also see an investment in the future, the continuation of the garden, as this material is a wonderful addition to any soil I will soon be planting. So, there is comfort in knowing we are taking materials that have outlived their original purpose and re-purposed them into something living that will impart new life into things growing. (Not to mention the decrease in garbage volume.)

I also love making my own compost tea—scoops of finished compost soaked in a bucket of water for several days. Now, in my experience, the pride people hold for their particular compost “recipes” is nothing compare to the secrecy people use to guard their compost tea approach. I kinda just let it do it’s thing (though I do have some special additions I’m not a liberty to mention in this public forum).

So, even the process of working with decomposing vegetation is a joyous part of gardening for me, and, as in most things, I find lessons and opportunities that help make my life richer.

I’d encourage everyone to give it a try. In many cities, you can put most organic items in a green bin, and a worm bin doesn’t take up much room and takes care of most kitchen scraps. If you have a yard, a basic compost bin takes very little room. Of course, given the space, you can really dive in on a grand scale, but just remember, the piles you make will be the piles you turn, even on very hot days.

All Things Herbal

I wanted to give you a quick update on our small medicinal herb garden. Thanks to our friend Ingrid’s consultation and the herb fair in Sebastopol, we were able to fill the box with many plants that have a current or historical medicinal application. It’s all doing very well with very little attention, so we’re now researching simple, practical uses for some of what we are growing.

It has been an engaging and insightful process to read about the many plants that cultures have valued for purposes other than food. One of our favorite resources has been the Sonoma County Herb Association with many resources, events and links to various learning opportunities.

Happy Summer!

~Timothy