#MaineDEP #Sustainability program - #HomeComposting

"What is composting?

Compost is a dark brown, earthy, crumbly material made of decomposed organic matter.

Benefits of Composted Material

When added to soil, compost improves soil porosity and water retention, and provides plants with essential nutrients.

Composting diverts organic materials from the waste stream and our landfills!

How does Material Decompose? Millions of microorganisms work to break down organic material. We can speed up composting by managing the process.
How do I start a compost pile?

Start by picking a location. Look for an area that is:

- Well -drained and close to level
- In partial shade, to help with water retention
- At least 1 -foot away from walls, fences, bushes, trees etc.
- A convenient spot to place materials and to get the end product to its final location

What tools will I need?

These tools may help get you started:

- Compost bin
- Pitchfork (compost turner)
- Chipper/shredder
- Wheelbarrow (for transport)
- Garden hose
- 4’ X 12’ Sturdy coated wire mesh (to form cylinder to contain compost pile, if desired)"

Learn more:
https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/compost/home-composting.html

#SolarPunkSunday #Composting #Compost #HomeCompost #SoilIsLife #ReduceFoodWaste

So, these #rainbarrels are a bit pricey (apparently there are bulk discounts though). However, I own two of the terracotta-colored ones, and they have held up during #Maine weather (where it can be warm and rainy one day, freezing the next). Obviously, they should be drained and stored for the winter, but when that doesn't happen, the material seems to be forgiving (unlike the beige rainbarrels -- which are made from lighter plastic)...

This program is not just for #Mainers!

Upcycle Rain Barrels and #Composters

Providing Eco-Friendly Products for More Than 20 Years

2026 MAINE WATER COMPANY RAIN BARREL EVENT

ALL ORDERS WILL BE DELIVERED 10 - 15 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF ORDER.

*** BARREL PRICES INCLUDES DELIVERY VIA FEDEX/UPS DIRECTLY TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE ***

https://upcycle-products.com/me/mwc/

#SolarPunkSunday #RainbarrelProgram #Composter #HarvestingRainwater #WaterCollection #HomeComposting

Mulched beds, borders and (young) shrubs and trees. Exhausted now and all of our own #compost used up. Vegetable garden mulched a couple of weeks ago already. In all I had about ¾ of a cubic metre of compost. Not enough.

#mulching #HomemadeCompost #HomeComposting #composting #artistsgarden #imperfectgarden #garden #gardener #gardening #gardenphotography #artist #wolfkettler #permaculture #gardenwiltshire #wiltshiregarden #wiltshire #NoDig #sustainable #biodiversity #natural #naturalGarden