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Earthworm Composting Article
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Dog Waste Composting
Dog waste composting, although seldom heard of in the past, is becoming quite common today, especially for those with multiple dogs. Over 270 pounds of waste is produced each year from the average dog or an average of ¾ of a pound per day. Dog waste on your front or back lawn not only looks unattractive but can cast an unpleasant odor in your entire yard. If dog waste is not tended to, it not only is unpleasant but makes for a very unsanitary living space for the dog and can transmit infectious diseases and parasites.
Composting the dog waste is not only an inexpensive way of getting rid of the dog waste but is also very simple. Dog waste composting also helps the environment by lessening the amount of waste that needs to go into landfills. It also produces a high quality soil additive as well as improving the fertility and physical condition of the soil. Dog compost can be used as a soil additive for lawns, flower beds or as a mulch material. It should not be used for vegetable gardens or crops used for human consumption.
Bins for dog waste composting are being seen more and more in urban areas or on beaches. They're basically simple to use and can be made in your backyard. You can use an old garbage can or large plastic pail. A garbage can works well because it has a cover. Cut out the bottom of the can and drill holes in the sides for ventilation. The next step is digging a hole in the ground large enough for you to place the entire can inside. Put some gravel or rocks on the bottom of the hole for drainage. Place the garbage can in the hole. If you've put in enough rocks, the garbage can should be just a little bit above the soil level.
Put the lid on the can and label the can. The reason for the labeling is so it's not mistaken for something other than what it is and to alert children so they'll stay away from it. As soon as you find some dog waste, put it in the can. You'll need to purchase some septic tank starter to sprinkle on top of this waste. Then add some water to the mix. The septic tank starter is non-caustic and will promote the growth of natural bacteria. It will begin to work on the waste within 48 hours. After this time you can add dog waste to it regularly. It will begin to biodegrade and flow into the ground and subsoil.
If you find that this doesn't take very long to fill, you can also move the can and start another pile in a different location. Your visitors will love that your lawn is no longer filled with dog waste and you'll be helping the environment at the same time.
Earthworm Composting Specific links
Earthworm Composting News
Gardening Etcetera: Worms: Night monsters become horticultural heroes - Arizona Daily Sun
Gardening Etcetera: Worms: Night monsters become horticultural heroes Arizona Daily Sun I've become embroiled with worms once again. I plan to pick up some red wrigglers soon to start a new worm compost bin. I'm excited, a little nervous and determined to ease my guilt. My relationship with worms has not always been a good one. |
CRAWFORD: You need worms to start worm bin - North County Times
CRAWFORD: You need worms to start worm bin North County Times Question: With regard to worms in steer manure, can I start a worm composting bin using steer manure instead of buying worms? The instructions I have for the bin are to fill it halfway with wet, shredded newspaper, then put soil or castings over it, ... |
Local brothers-in-law share an interest in vermicomposting - Reading Eagle
Local brothers-in-law share an interest in vermicomposting Reading Eagle "The worms take care of the rest." They got the idea to begin vermicomposting after Tranquillo attended a seminar on the topic at Wildwood Park in Harrisburg. Both men already had traditional outdoor composting bins but were interested in taking the ... |
Worms are a Healthy Lawn's Best Friend - Our Colorado News
Worms are a Healthy Lawn's Best Friend Our Colorado News Earthworms were squirming out of the ground everywhere. When I got home, my dad threw a few handfuls of worms over the yard then continued to dump the rest onto his new compost pile. My dad's interest in composting became my worm farm. |
Free Compost Available for Ferndale Residents Starting Saturday - Patch.com
Free Compost Available for Ferndale Residents Starting Saturday Patch.com According to the Ferndale Department of Public Works, compost retains water, encourages root growth, aerates soil, releases nutrients slowly, supports beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, and suppresses some soil-borne diseases. |