Getting ready for the new tenants

Creating a livable space and employing sustainable practices has been a primary goal in the Leftbank project.  One way we’re addressing excess is through compost.  Along with food oriented tenants, we expect other folks working at Leftbank will be generating a healthy assortment of food waste.  Deciding to put garbage to good use, we’re working out our vermiculture plans.  Worm compost, and the run off water called worm tea, makes an amazing addition to plant soil, being very high in nutrients. The fortified soil will go back to the plants on the property, a very economic loop.  A couple of us are undertaking worm projects at home so we’ll be well prepared farmers at work.  My family and I picked up a worm compost system at the state fair in Salem last week made by a company called The Worm Farm. They have a nice mail order shop and a light and durable five teared composter. We could have bought the worms on line, but the kids and I couldn’t wait, so the next day we headed over to Pistils on Mississippi and picked up a bag of red wigglers.  We added some compressed wood, shredded paper and vegitable scraps, now we’re waiting to see how it goes.  For the first few days we had the composter inside the house in the kid’s play room.  It seemed like a cool out of the way place and the worm bin doesn’t smell.  Unfortunately the dog got a bit curious and turned the whole thing upside down on the carpet. Let’s just say it was a learning experience for me, in so many ways.  The worms have moved outside now and seem to be doing great, they are eating and have a healthy sheen. We’ll start adding new tears to the system in the next few weeks.  We’ll keep you posted on our progress and design ideas for the bin at Leftbank, something larger, which is integrated with the space, and won’t tip over!