There are so many great reasons to get your hands in the dirt just now, not the least of which is that spring has arrived and it’s time to prepare our yards and gardens for another growing season – and it’s so much fun!
But on a serious note, there’s more need now than ever to turn our attention to the soil and its biome that nourishes and nurtures us. Not only does the soil grow 95% of the food we eat, but it plays a key role in absorbing carbon from the air and filtering water. As we lose soil – and we are at a rapid rate due to chemical-heavy farming techniques, deforestation which increases erosion, and the many technological ways we navigate through the world – the Earth’s temperature rises and the land is further degraded. Poor soil means poor food which equates to poor health – not just for humans, but for every living thing on the planet.
So every little bit you can do, like composting and catching rain, helps in a big and meaningful way – you CAN be the change you want to see in the world!
The benefits of composting include:
- Enriching soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
- Eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Encouraging the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
- Reducing methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.
Not sure how or what to compost? Check out this handy FAQ from the EPA and you’ll be a pro in no time! And, most importantly, Makers Mill has all the tools you need to start: compost bins, rain barrels, and some related accessories.
Compost bin $63
BPA free • UV stabilizer is added to resist deterioration from sunlight • Made from recycled content • 10-year warranty • Unit dimensions when assembled: 33″ diameter by 33″ high • Weight: 15 lbs. • Volume: 10.5 cubic feet (80 gallons or 300 liters)• Easy snap-together assembly • Twist locking lid • Harvest door, for easy compost removal • Vertical and horizontal ventilation • User guide, harvest door, lid and screws included.
Rain barrels $75
Conserve municipal water supply and cut household water bills with backyard rain barrels. Rainwater, free from chlorine and water treatment chemicals, is an excellent water source for lawns, plants, and gardens.
Mosquito mesh keeps bugs and leaves out • Overflow hose can be linked to another rain barrel or can be directed away from house • Contoured spigot • Easily accommodates existing downspouts • BPA free • UV stabilizer is added to resist deterioration from sunlight • Made from recycled content • Unit dimensions 26” diameter by 34” high • Weight: 16 lbs. • Volume: 55 gallons or 208 liters • 5-year warranty.
Compost turner $31
Turns compost without resorting to the traditional back-breaking job of removing and reloading by shovel or pitchfork. Simply plunge the tuner into the compost pile; as it is withdrawn, the heavy-duty blades open to aerate and turn the compost.
Designed for use with the Earth Machine • 34” long • Long, comfort grip handle for easy aerating • Easy to clean • Sturdy, professional quality • Slender design.
Compost kitchen pail $15
(Apologies for photo quality but it was the only one we could find!)
Compact design fits in cabinet, under sink or on countertop • Volume: 2 gallons or 7.20 liters • Unit dimensions 8.7” diameter by 8.5” high • Weight: 1.1 lbs. • Easy-tilt handle for one-hand transport • Hinged lid for easy opening • Dishwasher safe • BPA free • Made from recycled content.
Let us know if you’d like to order any of these items by April 22 latest. Simply email us at info@makersmill.org including item type and quantity. Items will be available for pickup at Makers Mill, 23 Bay Street, Wolfeboro, sometime between May 13 – 21 – we’ll notify you when.