Getting Started with
Composting: A Beginner’s
Guide

Introduction

When I think of organic cultivation, the first thing that comes to mind is the substrate. From the very start of my journey, I’ve understood that producing your own substrate is not merely a cost-saving measure—it is the true beginning of cultivation. The plants come later; the magic must first reside in the substrate, for it is the foundation that nourishes our plants with essential vitamins and minerals. My approach to organic cultivation is grounded in simplicity: substrate and water. No added chemicals or synthetic solutions, just pure, natural ingredients. Throughout the process, from vegetative growth to flowering, we enrich the soil with molasses and a blend of worm castings—a technique known as vermiculture. We will delve into creating your vertical worm farm in our blog section.

Here, we will explore the art of transforming kitchen waste, fallen leaves, and even sand into 5-star compost that will fuel your outdoor garden. You’ll learn how to properly treat and fill compost bins, and how to harness easily accessible organic materials from around your home. Here in Africa, we are fortunate to have vast outdoor spaces that allow us to cultivate powerful substrates in large containers. But rest assured, you don’t need expansive land to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Whether in small bins or bathtubs, you can produce the same powerful substrate that has fueled my cultivation for years.

But let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: the opportunity to produce your own substrate at home. Imagine turning vegetable leftovers from dinner, coffee grounds from your morning brew, and organic matter from your neighbor’s garden into a potent substrate – all for free. With these simple ingredients, you can create a substrate that rivals store-bought alternatives, requiring only water to sustain your plants throughout their growth cycle. The savings are significant, and the results are undeniable.

In our corner of Africa, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of our homemade substrate. Plants towering over 2 meters tall, yielding 300g or more per plant in the high season. But it’s not just about the harvest; it’s about the ecosystem we’ve created – one that fosters biodiversity and rejuvenates the soil with each cycle. So, join us as we harness the potential of our landrace genetics and discover the true rewards of our labor. Welcome to the world of Splinter Cultivation and Soil Guide, where cultivation embraces tradition and reconnects with nature’s wisdom. more information for click here

 

The true beginning of cultivation lies in the substrate. It’s not just about saving costs; it’s about creating the very foundation that will nourish your plants with the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.

The Foundation of Life: Cultivating with 5-Star Compost

Discover the essentials of organic cultivation, where the magic begins in the soil. Our gallery highlights the transformation from kitchen scraps and leaves to nutrient-rich compost, ready to fuel your garden. Whether you have a large outdoor space or a small container, this guide will help you create the powerful substrate your plants need to thrive

Indoor
Kitchen Scrap Bins

For our compost bins, we use durable plastic or metallic square containers, each with a diameter of about 8cm. These containers are perfect for holding both solid and liquid waste (check the pictures for reference)

  • Coffee Grounds and Water: Both the coffee grounds and the water from the plunger are great additions.
  • Tea Bags: Used tea bags are excellent for compost.
  • Leftover Fruit: Any fruit leftovers work well, except citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
  • Banana Peels: Any fruit peel is good, but be mindful to avoid citrus peels.
  • Leftover Rice: Ensure there’s no meat, fish, chicken, or tuna mixed in—this compost is strictly for vegetable scraps.
  • Watermelon Rinds: These are fantastic for compost and can even be placed directly under plants. We’ll discuss the benefits of melons in soil in another chapter.
  • Sugars:Whether it’s white or brown sugar spilled on the kitchen counter or leftover from my toddler’s juice, small quantities of sugar are beneficial for soil.
  • Small Cardboard Pieces:Items like rolling paper boxes and egg cartons help create layers within the compost, improving its structure.

Let’s Build Your Dream Garden Together

Discover the secrets to thriving plants and vibrant gardens. Our blog is packed with expert advice, tips, and stories to help you grow your best garden yet.

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Organic Matter from the Garden

Here’s a brief list of what we use. Unlike indoor collection, this collection is done once a week, preserving what wasn’t used in previous days. Be sure to check out the blog section, where you’ll find much more information. Positive vibes, good smoke, and great harvests!

  • Leaves: Both dry and wet leaves from the garden are great.
  • Small Sticks: Fallen stems from trees and plants can be added.
  • Leftover Root Material: Any root material from harvested plants works well.
  • Natural Debris: Anything resting under big trees—check the pictures for examples of proper organic matter.
  • Sand: This will eventually transform into rich, fertile soil.

Proof in the Plants: The Power of 5-Star Soil

In just 14 seconds, witness the remarkable growth of this robust cannabis plant, thriving under the open African sky in Section B of our garden. This tree, still two months away from its flowering stage, stands as living proof of the effectiveness of our meticulously crafted 5-star soil. Grown exclusively with water and our nutrient-rich substrate, this plant showcases the unparalleled potential of organic cultivation. Watch as nature works its magic, nurturing every leaf and stem to perfection.

This short video encapsulates the essence of what we strive for at Splinter Africa—transforming sand and organic waste into a powerful foundation for life. Prepare to be inspired by what true, natural cultivation can achieve.