Colloidal humus--compost on steroids

The benefits of compost have long been known to gardeners. Composting provides an easy way to dispose of leaves, lawn clippings, weeds, and other organic material. When these materials break down, they provide a nutrient rich dressing for plants and vegetables that improves soil health and holds moisture.

A little know "secret" is colloidal humus--compost on steroids. A colloid is a liquid that takes the form of a solid. Jelly and butter are examples of colloids. The unique structure of colloidal humus is such that the nutrients within it do not wash away when you water your plants or when it rains. This means that the nutrients within colloidal humus are just sitting there waiting for your hungry plants to come to dinner. It is kind of like a smorgasbord for your plants--they can eat when they want.

Colloidal humus is much different from traditional compost. It doesn't need to be turned, it doesn't stink, and you can hold the equivalent of bags of traditional compost in the palm of your hand. I don't know about you, but the joys of turning a compost pile or lugging bags of compost quickly lose their appeal on a hot day. Because colloidal humus is so nutrient dense a little goes a long ways. That saves your back, your wallet, or both.

Unfortunately, colloidal humus isn't widely available. Fortunately, you can make it yourself. Without boring you with all of the science involved, the process involves fermenting the compost through a series of steps.

As the humus ferments portions become negatively charged and attract nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Other portions become positively charged and attract nitrates and phosphates. The process is like a chemical trash compactor, turning organic material into a nutrient rich ball of putty that holds water like a sponge.

This e-book explains the process of making colloidal humus compost.

Compost sifters

For years I have been making my own compost. While I love the results, it can be back breaking at times. I have been sifting my compost to remove sticks, the occasional stone, and other large objects that can't or haven't broken down yet.

A few years ago I began experimenting with easier sifting methods. While I haven't yet built anything that is electrically powered, this video certainly is giving me some ideas.