Decomposition Experiment: July Update

 

Here is the Squash/Pumpkin experiment update for July and "forever". This is decomposition at nine months. There is a bit more mould in both containers. We had moved the containers outside last month hoping that a few weeks of hot weather will speed up decomposition to try and get a late Autumn squash harvest. However, not much changed and it is now too late to grow anything from these squash.

We have decided to let them continue to decompose until next Spring AND we will be starting a new experiment like this one with new squashes later this Autumn. We have learned from this round that these containers really need more warmth and/or sunlight during the colder months in order to properly decompose. 

In an exciting twist, we have also decided to add to the new containers springtails and some isopods! We think that having a cleanup crew in the containers will greatly increase the decomposition process and be another fun variable to keep track of. So, stay tuned for updates on this in a couple months.

[1/2 the larger container with a small, moulding delicata squash inside. 2/2 the smaller container with a moulding, tiny orange and tiny white pumpkin inside.]