Valuable compost

Useful roommates: there’s a worm in there

It stinks and it's disgusting - anyone who composts in their garden has to deal with these prejudices time and again. However, if it is set up correctly, there is no odor. With the help of worms, it even works in the house or apartment.

Using compost in the garden is nothing new, but more and more amateur gardeners are turning to this method instead of feeding their plants with artificial fertilizers. Composting turns organic waste into valuable soil that gives plants exactly the nutrients they need. Compost has a bad reputation, and with the right steps, it can become a valuable helper in the garden. "A compost heap is correctly laid out in layers in which carbon and nitrogen alternate," explains natural scientist Dr. Mario Molina-Kescher. In the garden, layers of grass cuttings alternate with "dry" layers of leaves, straw or sawdust.

Compost is also used in raised beds

(Bild: Roland Holitzky)

Smelly compost heaps
The location of the composter also plays an important role - the bins are often relegated to an unused corner of the garden. Firstly, the composters often don't look very pretty and there is a fear of stench. "The decomposition of the organic components takes place without any odor. At most, a slightly sour smell is noticeable. If there is an odor of decay, undesirable processes are taking place," says Molina-Kescher. In most cases, too much green matter is introduced in the form of grass clippings or green waste. Molina-Kescher: "If an unpleasant odor occurs, it is best to leave the compost alone or at most add a layer of dry compost." 
Please do not
Under no circumstances should cooked food, bread, meat, sausage or cheese products be added to the compost. This can attract mice and other animals.

Mario Molina-Kescher gives courses on worm composting

(Bild: Dietmar Rossmann)

New compost is usually created when the "old" compost has been spread in beds and troughs. This is because a composter made of wood or plastic can be used while the organic components are still decomposing. Molina-Kescher has his compost next to an apple tree, for example: "The tree provides the necessary shade in summer. In return, valuable nutrients from the compost go directly into the soil, where they fertilize the apple tree." Another advantage of compost is that recycling organic waste protects the climate by binding carbon dioxide.

Worms as roommates

The big disadvantage of a compost heap or compost heap: A lot of organic material is sometimes required. In recent years, there has therefore been a trend that has even found its way into people's own homes: so-called worm bins or worm composters. Organic kitchen waste is fed to worms in the containers. "Worm composting is much quicker than composting in the garden," says Molina-Kescher, who regularly gives courses on worm composting and building your own composters. And the same applies here: don't just feed in potato peelings, apple scraps or lettuce. Newspaper or sawdust should also be added regularly. Molina-Kescher: "The ratio is two thirds to one third. The more the worms get to eat, the faster they multiply." 

What can go in the worm compost

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Fruit peelings
• Tea bags
• Plant residues
• Coffee grounds
• Egg shells
• Newspaper
• leaves

In addition to the valuable worm compost, the so-called "worm tea" is also produced. This liquid collects at the bottom of the worm composter and contains numerous valuable nutrients. Molina-Kescher: "It contains microorganisms that improve the soil. The worm tea can be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 and poured. The worm compost is mixed with soil in the same ratio." 

Worms and other organisms decompose biological waste

(Bild: Harald Dostal)

Green community
As part of the "Es grünt so grün" series, the "Kärntner" crown once again reports on all gardening topics and collects tips from experts. There is a lively exchange in the Facebook group "Es grünt so grün". In particular, members share photos of their own gardens and nature.