On the 5th March 2009, the Aberdeen Garden Club members were hosted by Vee Long and James Wood. In the beautifully maintained garden under shady lemon and orange trees, next to a large natural fish pond, James Wood gave the Club a unique insight into the making of organic compost.
John described the intricacies of making organic compost in detail, with absolutely no artificial chemicals. He made this product sound both self-satisfying and a must for all the intrepid Karoo gardeners. James stressed the need to aerate the compost by placing branches at the bottom of the heap. He stressed that there would be no odour if properly aerated by turning the compost every two weeks. The compost should always be kept moist, as micro organisms would only live in these conditions, and the moisture could be maintained by covering the compost with plastic sheets. Compost should also be layered as it was being developed. Ideal ingredients to have in compost are plenty of bone-meal, borage, yarrow and stinging nettles which assist the decomposition. Cow and horse dung were good. John also uses newspaper and cardboard boxes which gives the compost nitrogen. These were just a few of the ingredients mentioned. It was an informative and interesting morning and enjoyed by all. Article By: Joan Tinker
