Where it started
It all started in 2004 with my first attempt at starting a vegetable garden. I could get nothing to grow in the compost I had bought. After much research this became my first lesson in the many types of soils and composts available to us, and so my love for composting began. For the next 20 years I would be perfecting the recipe to suit almost all organic materials and environments to produce a rich colloidal humus compost, which contains everything needed to create the perfect environment for plants and the existing soil, to regenerate and thrive.
What we are about
In August 2020 Holy Crap compost became more community orientated and started experimenting with a social and land rehabilitation project. I launched the R10-a-bag system, where we would hand out bags to anyone willing to fill it with garden waste for R10.
I wanted to create awareness around the value of composting and its ability to uplift the community. I wanted to see if one could apply permaculture and natural law to social and economic structures.
In 2021 I was joined by my partner Kathryn and together we decided that by expanding this project we could process much of the green waste of Barrydale and stop it going to landfill; we could provide firewood to those in need; we could create job opportunities for anyone willing; and we could educate people on the value of composting and the importance of good soil for one’s overall health and the health of the world. We value everyone that works with us equally. We want to support as many beings as possible and the earth. We feel that so much good can be created from what is freely given to us by Mother Nature and we definitely have the gift of turning it all into something magical.
Our colloidal humus compost:
- is filled with life – it will continue to regenerate the existing soil which will continue to give back
- due to the time involved, ensures all necessary micro-organisms and bacteria are available to activate the necessary components in the regeneration of the soil and the feeding of your plants
- remains at the top levels of the soil for much longer, easily accessible to the roots.
- retains water better than other composts
- is planting-ready (i.e. no additives or fertilizers needed)
- requires less frequent applications and watering
- is created with love which you and your plants will feel
We have maggot and earthworm systems in place too, to mimic nature’s processes as much as possible. This creates two more beautiful products: vermicast and worm-tea.
We do not use any additives, chemicals or heavy machinery in the making of our products, as we take the time to use methods that are kind to the environment, that support as many people as possible with jobs and create firewood for those in need.
Through the purchase of our colloidal humus compost you are supporting us to create many avenues of assistance to the community and the environment, while enriching your own soil and health on a physical, spiritual and humanitarian level.
ALL our products are consciously created. We really take the time to treat ALL the life we encounter with love and respect.
General tips for good composting
There are many types of compost, all dependent on the ingredients and methods used. These are general guidelines :
- carbon to nitrogen ratio should be 60%(C) : 40%(N)
- moisture is essential – don’t be scared of over-wetting when building the heap
- beneficial microbials and bacteria need oxygen and this is achieved by turning the heap, adding larger sticks and branches to your mix, or creating air channels in the heap
- activators will speed up the process but are not essential
- the greater the variety of material, the greater the variety of nutrients
- adding manure greatly increases the fertility of the compost. Due to cattle having four stomachs, their manure is the best. This is followed by sheep, horse, donkey, goat, pig and chicken. Do not add more than 5 to 10% chicken manure as it is extremely high in nitrogen and in excess it can burn your plants.
- finished compost should be dark chocolate brown in colour; moist; neutral to sweet-earthy in aroma; variable in particle size.
