By the end of this lesson: you will sieve castings without treating living material like gravel.

Use a suitable screen over a collection tray. Add small handfuls and work gently. Finished fine material falls through while worms, cocoons, fibres and unfinished scraps remain above.

Do not grind or force wet clumps through. If material is too wet, allow it to air briefly in shade until it becomes workable. Return oversize material to the system.

Sieve size depends on the finish required. A very fine screen creates attractive material but increases labour and the risk of missing cocoons. For personal garden use, an ultra-fine finish is rarely necessary.