Build a Soil Season 3 Episode 5: Honoring Clackamas Coot

Introduction

• Season: 3
• Episode: 5
• Topic: Honoring Clackamas Coot and his soil recipe.
• Host: Jeremy from Build a Soil
• Guest of Honor: Clackamas Coot

Key Points

• Clackamas Coot's contribution to Build a Soil's foundation and operations.
• Importance of Coot's soil recipe and using it in the 10 by 10 series.
• Explanation of making soil using Coot's method, focusing on worm castings and other ingredients.

Unique Approach by Clackamas Coot

• Makes own worm castings with special ingredients.
• Uses thermophilic compost and then adds worms, followed by barley straw as carbon base and greens like comfrey.
• Encourages setting up of worm bins, e.g., 100 gallon smart pots or dumpster bags.

Coot's Soil Recipe

• Three Part Recipe: Aeration, Peat Moss, Worm Castings
• Ingredients:
  • Aeration: Pumice, Rice Hulls
  • Peat Moss: Responsibly harvested from Canada
  • Worm Castings: Build a Soil's own and local Colorado Worm Company castings
• Measurements by Volume: e.g., 6 cubic feet of each part to make 18 cubic feet of soil.

Detailed Breakdown of Ingredients

Peat Moss

• 3.8 cubic foot bale, fluffed to 6 cubic feet
• Preferred over coco coir for this recipe.

Aeration

• Rice Hulls:
  • Natural aeration, lightweight and organic
  • Adds silica, prevents compaction
  • Example Brand: Batch tested, non-germinating
• Pumice:
  • Clean, sourced from nearby mines
  • Used also for dental, water filtration, beauty industries
  • More durable than perlite

Worm Castings

• Combination of Build a Soil worm castings and Colorado Worm Company castings.
• Importance of nutrient-dense worm castings.
• Explanation of local sourcing and quality considerations.

Nutrients Kit

• Pre-mixed kit containing:
  • Kelp Meal: Ocean-sourced, high in minerals and growth hormones
  • Crustacean Meal: Includes chitin for calcium
  • Neem Cake: Nutrient provider, pest deterrent
  • Malted Barley: Adds enzymes, boosts soil life
• Kit Ratio: 8 pounds for 9 cubic feet of soil

Minerals and Biochar

• Minerals: Basalt rock dust, gypsum, and oyster shell flour.
• Biochar: Charged with root-wise and amino acids, 2 gallons to 135 gallons of soil.
• Function: Adds long-term carbon, maintains soil structure.

Mixing Process

• Initial Mixing: Break up peat moss, layer ingredients, mix on a tarp.
• Watering: Use wetting agent like Q Yaha to ensure even moisture distribution.
• Moisture Content: 5-10% by volume, caution against overwatering.
• Mixing Stages: Daily turning and remixing for even distribution.

Final Steps

• Observation: Check for appropriate warmth (~90-100 degrees) and moisture.
• Adjusting: Add more water if needed, ensure proper homogenization.
• Ready for Use: Soil can be used immediately or let sit to further develop.
• Ongoing Care: Continuous learning and adjusting as needed.

Challenges and Tips

• Adjusting for local conditions: Ingredient substitutions based on local availability (e.g., different rock dust, different seed meals).
• Importance of understanding and sourcing quality ingredients.
• Personal connection with soil through DIY methods.

Conclusion

• Gratitude for Clackamas Coot's methodology and support.
• Call to action: Follow along for upcoming episodes on using the soil in gardening projects.
• Encouragement to share, comment, and engage with the Build a Soil community.

Notes: Subscribe for more detailed guidance, tips, and future updates in the series.