composting the easy way.

composting in arid climates: make it easier despite obstacles.

Reduce the need for turning and watering for maintenance.
Increase the speed of composting process.
Minimize attaction for urban pests: rodents and roaches.
Provide opportunity for easy indoor composting - no smell!
This kind of composting can be continued year round.
the scoop on composting:

Composting, and general soil health, relies on a biological process that requires moisture and moderate temperatures. This means careful attention to your compost pile if using the methods common in moderate climates.

The usually extreme conditions found in New Mexico require that we compensate by watering a compost pile frequently, that we locate a compost pile where temperature will not become too high or too low, and requires careful layering of materials to compost to prevent compacting. It IS possible to compost in a basic pile by monitoring conditions mentioned above, and lining a wood or wire containment with cardboard seems to create the best chance for success.

How much organic material do you need to compost? Only one ballpark calculation necessary to begin your project! The secret to composting in urban spaces requires a container with air holes that will hold twice the amount of your kitchen's weekly discards. This tells you how large your container should be. So now what is the secret?

just add worms!

These are the simple steps for beginning or adjusting a compost project:

First - Decide where composting would be most convenient for your home. Under the sink is no problem, no smell, no mess! Or the garage.
Second - Estimate how much you may need to compost in a week? A pound of worms will process 7 pounds of kitchen waste in a week. Begin with a small inoculation of worms from a healthy compost pile, from Gardeners'Guild or Soilutions locally. Worm populations will increase quickly as all generations are present in a sample of healthy compost!
Third - Gather materials for the tidy compost set-up! A container with lid, soil and shredded newspaper or scraps for a happy worm habitat.
Fourth - Buy compost worms. These worms are not the same as those that we see improving the health of our soil (earthworms). Compost worms, also known as red wigglers or anglers, require organic matter like kitchen waste and newspaper to keep them going.
Fifth - Assemble your unique but simple system. The worms will need air holes through the side of your container, with a little starter soil (organic only! no fertilizers) and a food source. Shredded newspaper is easily available and well-liked if no veggie ends are ready. As you have green waste, coffee grounds, etc. Toss on top of soil and starter newspaper and away they go. Keep LIGHTLY moist, and keep an eye on things until there are enough worms to take care of kitchen scraps.
IMPORTANT NOTE. No protein (meat especially) should be composted.

find G'G for more details:
open Wed–Sun 11am-7pm & by appointment on Mon/Tues.

3222c central se, albuquerque nm 87106 or email to G'G:
info@gardenersguild.org