Earth Mandala

(picture of compost at OAEC gardens)





In Sanskrit, Mandala means "circle". Following the spiritual significance of mandala, and the love for the cycles of Gaia, I will continue to use that term. Posting my Garden Mandalas along with tips and tribulations of the seasons.

I begin with the EARTH MANDALA...Compost!

Here are a few beautiful shots of compost from Peaks Pike Farm (my first design project started April 2011).

There are many ways to grow your own dirt. But no matter which you choose, moderation of all ingredients is key. Carbon and Nitrogen ratios as equal as you can get without thinking too hard is just fine, let nature run its course. If you have an open compost, keep it tightly packed and water if needed. Flip every 3 months or so, to aerate.

When it's time to harvest, you may find pieces that need more time in the compost. I built a box with chicken wire to fit over wheelbarrow to filter out the bigger woody chunks. Throw them on the new compost to continue to break down and you are left with nutrient filled soil.