“The totally natural way to reduce, reuse and recycle organic waste”

Q. I have noticed that where I have buried my fermented waste, a ‘growth’ has appeared on the top of the soil. It was a pale grey/fawn colour. What is this and is it ok?

A. This is a secondary fungal growth, often resulting from uncomposted material in the soil. This is a similar situation to that of ‘Fairy Rings’ often seen growing on pasture and lawns.

It will disappear in time and will no effect on the soil. Watering with a strong sugar solution can also help.

I have used this product now for what will be two seasons and have found it to be not only a great soil conditioner/fertiliser but an good snail repellant as well and is as good if not better than the standard “slug pellets” and would have no hesitation in recommending to others”

Yours sincerely Paul Stewart (Auckland)

Q.  “On occasions the juice extracted from the bottom of my bucket has a strong odour. What do you suggest to prevent this happening?”

A.  Any juice accumulating in the bucket needs to be removed on a regular basis. It is recommended that any juice be removed every 2-3 days, even if only a small amount.

If the juice is left for longer periods the result can be strong odour and the material should be disposed of via a waste drain or toilet. Wash out your bucket with fresh clean water and if any odour persists wash with a little white vinegar. Also check your fermenting waste and if this also has a strong odour or has green/blue mould on it this should be disposed off and you will need to start the process again.

Good ‘juice’ should generally be a golden colour with a slight fruity /vinegary odour and will often have a white fungal matter growing on it-a good sign that the fermenting process is going well.

Ensure that you added CompostZing to each layer added and that your bucket is stored in a warm place and out of direct sunlight .The fermentation process can be improved by pressing down each food waste layer added to expel any trapped air.

Another customer question that I want to share with you all.

Q.  “Can the ZingBokashi juice be used on compost heaps to help break the heap down? If so what ratio should I use?”

A.  ZingBokashi juice can be used on your compost heap as follows.

• If your heap is dry and requires the addition of water to increase moisture levels sprinkle your juice over the surface – diluted 1 part juice to 100 parts water.
• If your heap is moist and does not need any additional water sprinkle the juice over the surface – diluted 1 part juice to 10 parts water.

Composta in garden corner

There will be times when your garden area is in full production and space to bury your fermented waste is limited or non-existent.

A simple proven method when this looks likely is to ‘store’ your waste in a ‘Composta’

Start by locating the Composta in an area close to or in the garden.

This will make for easy dispersal of the resulting compost material when ready for use.

Start by:

1. Adding a layer of fermented waste into the base of the Composta
2. Add a layer of dry ‘browns over the top
3. Mix the food waste layer with the brown layer below [a fork is ideal for this]
4. Add a further layer of ‘browns over the top and leave ready for the next lot of food waste.
5. Repeat this process till the Composta is full.
6. Ensure the lid of the Composta is secure between additions of material

Note:

Brown material can be either of sawdust/ spent potting media/mulchings /bark or soil.

It is important that these material be DRY when added and it is advisable to keep a stock on hand.

When your Composta is full or you are ready to use the material – lift the composta off and you will have a neat pile of great compost ready for the garden.