The compost piles at the Sebastopol Energy Garden that have been decomposing for the last 6 months are now ready to be sifted and made into seedling mix. Sifting the compost with a 1/4" screen produces a fluffy, aerated compost blend, that when mixed with sandy loam at a 1:1 ratio functions as a seedling mix. Through producing nutrient rich soil onsite and processing it into seedling mix we are able to reduce our dependence upon external sources of nutrients and lower our impact upon ecosystems outside of the Energy Garden.

The compost sifters were both constructed onsite from an old fence that was donated to the garden. The pickets from the old fence make excellent handles and the salvaged 2x4" functions as a durable frame. All that was required to convert the fence into the compost sifters was a screw driver, screws, wire mesh, and a jig saw. All cuts were based upon the dimensions of the wheelbarrows onsite.

With the seedling mix that we produced, we used our seed block press to generate flats , into which we planted our seeds. The seed block press makes twenty 1 1/2" blocks with small depressions in the tops for
seeds which allows for labor efficient planting. Planted flats are then transfered to the straw bale cold frame where they are incubated and protected from external conditions.

Through allocating energy towards our crops in the early stages of their development we ensure the vaiability of our crops early on. Healthy crops bring higher yields and are less susceptible to pathogens.