Since our last DIY workshop at Playcentre, our Kiero pilot group in Whanganui has been up and running, and some members have already sent me photos of the Kieros they built themselves.
Sara’s Kiero, painted with an artist’s touch
She stained it in a beautiful colour, showing her artistic sense!
Seeing Sara’s Kiero, I think I should paint mine too, so it catches people’s attention.
Andrew’s Kiero, with his own improvement
Andrew added his own supports to hold the roof — an improved version of the Kiero.
He started with just lawn clippings and some topsoil, and after using it for a week, he was already impressed that it isn’t boggy or smelly.
I think it’s a good idea to put some clippings at the bottom. Actually, I put some mulch in and mixed it with the topsoil too.
Why topsoil? Because it’s cheaper than other soils, that’s all. But sand and clay aren’t suitable for Kiero, because fewer microorganisms live in them.
Michelle’s raised up Kiero
Michelle has installed her Kiero in a raised garden bed — and so have I. The height makes it much easier for us to maintain, so it’s a good idea if you can.
Naomi enjoys her Kiero
It’s been about 2 weeks, no issues at all. I like using this amazing box!
Thank you for the positive feedback! I can see that from the photo — lots of sticks marking where she’s buried her food scraps! 😄
Are fence palings safe for Kiero?
One of my newsletter readers sent me a question.
If you build a Kiero from fence palings, could the chemicals in the timber soak into the soil and be bad for your vegetables?
Thank you for your valuable feedback!
Every opinion helps Kiero grow in New Zealand!
I used a fence paling for my Kiero. Just because they were easy to get and low cost. The treated wood last long. Touching the soil and wood cause a rot. That’s why.
So, I asked Compost Lab, one of the Kiero makers in Japan, about their experience.
Preservatives are applied to stop the wood from breaking down, while soil microbes are busy breaking things down. If you’re concerned, untreated timber is the best option, as long as you can rebuild your Kiero after a shorter time. Materials vary between makers, and Compost Lab doesn’t use harmful coatings like the old-style creosote.
In Japan, DIY isn’t so easy, and people want a Kiero to last around 10 years, so a preservative is recommended there. That said, the purpose of Kiero is to reduce food waste. Growing vegetables is a by-product, although the soil does become very rich in nutrients.
So if using the Kiero soil in your vegetable garden is important to you, it’s worth thinking about the materials you choose.
Our pilot team will keep sharing updates and interesting findings with you.
Kia ZERO
Next workshop: Tuesday 13 October
If you’re curious about Kiero, come along to my next free workshop.
📅 Tuesday 13 October, 10:00–11:30am
📍 Kai Hub, 267 St Hill Street, Whanganui
🎟 Free, but spaces are limited, so please register: Register on Humanitix
Everyone will receive a free Kiero guide to take home.
This workshop is supported by the WDC Waste Minimisation Fund.
I’m looking forward to seeing you there!
