Rumpelstiltskin is off the hook on this one. Black gold is easy if you have a bit of patience. Black gold is to be found in the garden. More specifically in the compost heap. Then to be most carefully hidden in the garden.
This is a compost heap. Or at least the start of one. A layer of green ( fresh ) and brown ( dried ) plant matter about one foot deep. On top of that will go a layer of dirt. Then repeat.
Eventually it will reach about 4 to 5 feet high. Plant matter, a little dirt, and a lid to keep it from getting too wet. Like this…
Ready for cooking – no – actually already cooking. Kitchen scraps, egg shells and coffee grounds can go in too. No meat or dairy products though. If you need the exercise you can turn the compost pile every two or three weeks. If you are patient, have a little room, and have more important garden tasks you can go for the slow burn. Just let it sit till next spring. Then you should get something that looks like this..
Settled down to half its original height this stuff is fully formed product of transmutation. The molds, bacteria, bugs, and worms have all combined to work their magic to make a loose crumbly black gold that will give any soil a shot of nutrients and a dose of good texture . Real soil is a complex living community.
Since it is fall and a whole new starter crop of fallen leaves are on their way, this bin will be emptied into the ‘vault’. A holding coral of sorts. Each fall planting will get a few scoops of compost mixed in the soil. And the rest will be held for spring.
These are the vaults of a gold based economy that actually works.
Black gold – for garden use only. Weave a little in your garden and watch the results. And if an angry little man shows up …. remember…. Rumpelstiltskin !
a north east ohio garden 