ter that should smell like the forest floor , your compost is ready to apply in your garden or farm fields . You can also buy compost from a local source that understands the soil food web .
In general , when making compost , most soil life creatures don ’ t like to get above warm , let alone cook at hot temps for long periods of time . Compost rested in the shade for as long as possible ( ideally a forest ), will become a whole ecosystem of living microbes . Colonies of indigenous microbes can be added to accelerate the inoculation of beneficial organisms into any compost or degraded soil . In combination with other good land stewardship practices , composting is an essential piece of the puzzle of regenerating our soil for the health of all living things on our planet .
Fortunately , many local farms in Loudoun are actively participating in the soil health revolution . If you are interested in learning about regenerative soil stewardship through hands-on volunteer opportunities , check out The Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows this growing season . More info can be found on the Piedmont Environmental Council ’ s website pecva . org . And remember , when choosing a farmer to purchase from , make sure you ask about their soil health practices !
Making compost helps keep food waste out of landfills
One local company , Worm Works LLC , started by Potomac High School Alumni , George Ardura , is utilizing the power of worms to turn food waste into gardening gold for home gardeners , landscapers , and farmers alike ! Food waste rotting in the landfill is globally the third largest emitter of methane gas , which is one of the most potent greenhouse gases . Worm Works is working hard to make methane emissions from landfills food waste a thing of the past by collecting residential and commercial food waste through a subscription service , operating throughout Loudoun and Fairfax counties . What ’ s more , they can even help turn your weddings , graduation parties , and baby showers into “ green events ” by providing clean and easy composting solutions !
Food scraps are collected curbside weekly , bi-weekly , or monthly , or can even dropped off at convenient collection sites located throughout numerous residential neighborhoods . The food waste is then composted locally at their facility located at Gathering Springs Farm in Middleburg , Virginia . To date , they have diverted more than 70,000 pounds of food waste from the Loudoun County and Fairfax County landfills since they began their services in 2020 .
Most recently , Worm Works was a two-time winner in the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority ’ s Innovation Challenge in their “ Agri-Tech ” and “ People ’ s Choice ” categories and was awarded a $ 35,000 grant , allowing them to purchase their first commercial vehicle to expand their operation . If you ’ d like to learn more about their composting services , visit their website : www . wormworkscomposting . com .
Pete Walton is a farmer , educator and activist who is passionate about soil health and reconnecting people to the joy of growing food . He is dedicated to applying regenerative methods of agriculture on a variety of scales , from tiny gardens to large-scale farms . walton . pete @ gmail . com