The Problem: Fruit flies in your vermicompost bin or in your pre-composting container. The solution for both of these problems is super simple. If you are finding fruit flies in your worm bin simply stop feeding. Cover the exposed surface of the bin with coffee grounds. Then add a layer of fresh bedding. The easiest…
Compost myth: I can just dig up some worms for my vermicomposting bin right? Compost Answer: No. The worms in your yard or garden are earthworms. You cannot just dig up some worms from the soil outside for your worm bin unless you live on a working ranch or dairy farm and have a large…
Compost MYTH: It is alright to toss an apple core out the window. It will break down and help the environment right? Compost Answer: It would be much better to save the apple core or other biodegradable waste for your indoor vermicomposting bin or your outdoor compost pile. Besides setting a really bad example by…
The number one chunk of misinformation out there which needs to be shot down in flames is that you need to purchase worms for an outdoor compost bin. Worms are for indoor vermicomposting bins that are designed to process kitchen scraps. Indoor vermicomposting bins will turn out great fertilizer for house plants or limited outdoor…
We’ve all had them. And I really want to know. You compost now, but it might not be going so well. Or you know that composting is one of the easiest things you can do to save the world, but don’t know how to get started. Or You have been composting for years but you…
The spinning (sometimes called a barrel) or tumbler composter is a commercial gimmick to convince you that anyone, including small children or pets, can turn the whole pile at once in a few seconds. Most are too small to heat up properly, can’t be turned when full or nearly full, do not provide enough ventilation,…
1) Start a worm bin in order to covert a third of your waste stream into something that helps the planet. 2) Never, ever again use a disposable bag for carrying home something you purchase. 3) Walk or Bike somewhere everyday. It is not hard to save the planet, commit to it now, never look…
One sunny afternoon three summers ago, Kevin and I were tidying up the backyard in preparation for our joint birthday party. We were both turning older than dirt that year and thought we would have a big soiree and invite all our friends to celebrate, check out the garden, and see my latest artwork. While…
Many municipalities now offer a third (after garbage and recycling) or green bin for composting. And while this is a very good thing it is not a substitute for urban individual compost piles. Your grass, houseplants, vegetable garden, herb garden, and flower garden need compost. Desperately. The single best thing you can do for soil…
Backyard Ecosystem began as an expression of my determination to make a difference in our own backyard. Literally and metaphorically making a difference at the micro level of my yard and to operate at macro level of treating the entire planet as something I am an integral part of and whose destiny is shaped everyday by what I do in my corner of the world.
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