Composting in the WALA herb harden

The earth is the most important organ for the growth and the health of the medicinal plants. The regular addition of compost and other procedures such as application of the biodynamic preparations increase the fertility of the soil and enhance the vital processes in the earth. In order to produce good compost a lot of preparatory work is necessary. In the WALA gardens there are altogether about 50 composts. Most of them are mixed composts, that is they contain all the plant residues occurring in the garden, e.g. grass clippings, prunings etc.. In addition, while preparing the compost heap, layers of cow mature from the nearby Demeter farm "Sonnenhof" in Bad Boll are added. When the compost heap has reached a certain height it is covered with straw. In the following spring or autumn the compost is then turned for the first time.

Apart from these mixed composts, leaf and wood chipping composts are also prepared in late autumn. The leaves for this are collected in late autumn, the wood chippings come from cutting back trees and bushes.

Die Compost Care

Twice yearly, in spring and in autumn, all composts are turned by hand with pitchforks. This is done to promote the decomposition and maturing processes in the compost heap. As a result of this turning all the layers are mixed and loosened. In fresh composts there can be insufficient breakdown at the core because of too much moisture and a lack of oxygen or because the compost is too tightly packed. Turning can set the decomposition process going again. The careful turning twice a year results in optimal mixing of the materials, revitalization of the compost heap and promotion of the compost fauna.

Turning also allows the gardener to look inside the compost heap. He or she can see how richly the compost is permeated with worms and other animal creatures, can observe its color, feel its moisture, perceive its smell. The turning allows the gardener to experience with his or her own body the heaviness or lightness of the earth in the compost heap.

After turning, the compost preparations are added. These contain yarrow, dandelion and chamomile flowers, oak bark, green shoots of stinging nettle and the juice of valerian flowers.

Use of the compost der Komposterde

As soon as the breakdown processes in the compost are completed the compost can be applied to the beds. Depending on the quality of the soil and the use of the beds, e.g. for plants with high or low nutrient demands, annuals or perennials, different amounts of compost are dug in with a spade or sometimes with a cultivator (four-pronged implement) or a hoe. The turning in autumn and the subsequent action of the frost in the winter have a very positive effect on the soil structure.

The wood chipping composts are spread under trees and bushes in the autumn. A selected mixture of fine, crumbly leaf mould and rich, loose mixed composts with a fine sand content is used as potting soil in the greenhouse.

This regular addition of compost enhances the long-term fertility of the soil and promotes the vital processes and forces in nature. At the same time it makes the earth receptive for cosmic influences. This gives the plants increased resistance against pests and disease.