I live in an area of Puna where the soil is not very deep. In some parts of my property the soil is only a few inches deep. I would like to grow vegetables and make flower beds. How can I increase the soil on my property?
I found a Hawaii Island web site that says composting creates soil and is good for the environment. Their brochure says that compost is decomposed organic matter and is an essential part of soil, and anyone can create their own composting bin right in his or her own backyard. To start composting you will need green material which is high in nitrogen: grass clippings, weeds, manure, seaweed, nutshells, coffee grounds, and brown material which is rich in carbon: tree and shrub trimmings, dry grass and leaves, shredded paper, newspaper. Next, find a covenient spot about 3 feet long and 3 feet wide. First place a layer of green material and then a layer of brown material and wet each layer. Keep alternating the layers until the pile is about 3 feet deep, and make sure that the pile is moist. Last, turn the pile once a week. You will know that the material is decomposing because the temperature will rise to about 130 degrees. In about a month you can have compost to add to your garden. I also found another site which has lots of information on composting, explained in a way that kids can understand.
Another environmentally friendly way to increase and improve soil for gardening and/or farming is vermiculture, or worm composting. Hawaii Island has a terrific resource for vermiculture in Piper Selden. She conducts vermiculture workshops island wide and has a well-developed Web site with information on worm composting with a local flavor.
I found a Hawaii Island web site that says composting creates soil and is good for the environment. Their brochure says that compost is decomposed organic matter and is an essential part of soil, and anyone can create their own composting bin right in his or her own backyard. To start composting you will need green material which is high in nitrogen: grass clippings, weeds, manure, seaweed, nutshells, coffee grounds, and brown material which is rich in carbon: tree and shrub trimmings, dry grass and leaves, shredded paper, newspaper. Next, find a covenient spot about 3 feet long and 3 feet wide. First place a layer of green material and then a layer of brown material and wet each layer. Keep alternating the layers until the pile is about 3 feet deep, and make sure that the pile is moist. Last, turn the pile once a week. You will know that the material is decomposing because the temperature will rise to about 130 degrees. In about a month you can have compost to add to your garden. I also found another site which has lots of information on composting, explained in a way that kids can understand.
Another environmentally friendly way to increase and improve soil for gardening and/or farming is vermiculture, or worm composting. Hawaii Island has a terrific resource for vermiculture in Piper Selden. She conducts vermiculture workshops island wide and has a well-developed Web site with information on worm composting with a local flavor.
This is the India Blue worm, Perionyx excavatus which is the best composting worm for Hawaii.These sources are a good start for local folks who want to develop the soil on their property, as well as serve the environment in several ways.
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