Back in spring, Kevin decided it was time to make a few changes in the ways we prepared “goodies” to feed the garden soil. Families of rats and long ropes of kikuyu grass kept invading our precious compost piles, and after a couple of years on the Farmlet, we still hadn’t got around to setting up a good barrel system for making liquid fertiliser. Something had to be done!
We had the good luck to find some large lidded barrels (200 litres each) at our local bargain centre. Here’s what Kevin did with them:
A tap was fitted to one barrel, and it was set up on blocks. We put some of our prized fish scraps into it, fill it up with water, and leave it to ripen. The resulting liquid fertiliser is rather smelly, but seems to have done wonders for our garden.
Rat proof/rhizome proof compost barrel
Kevin drilled lots of small holes in a second barrel, and we began to make our compost in it, layering kitchen scraps with dried kikuyu. Because the bottom of this compost container is closed, the lid fits tightly, and the ventilation holes are small, rats and ropes of kikuyu are kept out. The barrel heated up beautifully over the hot summer months. This compost bin design suits our needs so well that Kevin has plans to make another. The task of drilling all the small holes is rather tedious, but at least it’s a job that only has to be done once.
Recently, we tipped the compost out of this barrel, to build up the soil for our autumn/winter vegetable garden. We hope the plants will thrive on the results!
Sounds great! One recommendation: Have a look at Effective Microorganisms or short EM. Not sure if you already use it or know about it! This improves the micro organisms in your soil and also gets rid of smells. It is very cost effective too! Let me know if you want to know more!
Cheers
Peter
Good ideas there. We put some fish scraps into a bucket also, filled it with water and left it – for 5 months now. It is EXTREMELY smelly and we’ve been too scared to use it on the garden!! How long did you leave yours before using?
Hi and thanks for the comments.
@Anonymous: We started using the liquid after a couple of weeks and kept adding more water and using it again for a long time. We never had any problems, but Kevin diluted the mixture quite a lot before putting it on the garden, especially for the first batches, which seemed very potent!
@Peter: I’ve heard mention of EM before, but really don’t know anything about it. Any information would be very welcome.
Cheers,
Rebecca
Hi and thanks for the comments.
@Anonymous: We started using the liquid after a couple of weeks and kept adding more water and using it again for a long time. We never had any problems, but Kevin diluted the mixture quite a lot before putting it on the garden, especially for the first batches, which seemed very potent!
@Peter: I’ve heard mention of EM before, but really don’t know anything about it. Any information would be very welcome, thanks.
Rebecca
We’re doing the same but with wormies. We have this drum with a sort of platform at the bottom with holes in it. The wormies and scraps live on top, the liquid drips down and we get it through the tap at the bottom. When it fills up you’re supposed to use the compost on the top, and pick out as many worms as possible for the next batch. I think the worms (Tiger worms, watch the fingers) are supposed to break it down faster. You can order them from Trademe I believe.
Good luck 🙂
This liquid fert is a bit like stock/broth but for plants.
Can you help? I run the Victory Community Garden and have some barrels and a simlar plan but don’t know where to get an appropriate tap from. I’d love to know what you used and where you got it from.