Compost

Composting is the process of exposing organic biodegradable materials to oxygen so that bacteria and other organisms can break them down into smaller particles. The resulting matter is a rich soil that provides nutrient rich, toxin-free sustenance to a garden or field.

Benefits of Composting

Composting provides you with free highly nutritious soil for your garden that doesn't have any toxic chemicals. It helps control soil erosion, improves soil structure, texture, and aeration, stimulates healthy root development, helps soil maintain a healthy balance of water, and enhances soil fertility. Composted material also has the added benefit of not winding up in landfills or incinerators. Yard trimmings constitute 20% of landfill waste, and food waste take up another 9% of that space. By composting, you will help free up 29% of landfill space.

Common Composting Myths

1. Compost smells
A properly managed compost heap should be no more stinky than fresh-cut grass or the woods. If a compost pile smells funny, it's usually a clue that you need to do something to the pile.

2. Compost is poop
Poop is not a part of the normal compost heap, especially dog and cat waste. On the other hand, composting IS a wonderful way to reuse and recycle stuff you never dreamt you could. Food refuse (not including meats, fats, or oils), fingernail clippings, hairballs, and lawn trimmings all help to make a wonderful compost heap.

3. Compost takes forever
Compost heaps take different lengths of time to develop, but if you turn your pile frequently, it could take as little as two weeks to produce usable garden nutrients.

4. Composting requires lots of work
You can decide how intensive you want your compost pile to be. Though you can have a pile that requires a fair amount of work, you can also build one that takes a minimal amount of time and effort.

Composting Procedure

Getting started on your own compost heap isn't that hard.

• You can make a simple heap in your yard, keep one in a special bin, or even make a pile in a worm box.
• Different styles have different effects: Piles break down faster but require more flipping and often smell a little more than an enclosed bin. Bins are useful for keeping your pile looking neat, retaining heat and moisture, and avoiding the negative effects of wind and weather.
• If you live in a rural area where food wastes are composted in your pile, a bin can help deter pests.
• Many organizations and magazines have put together do-it-yourself hints. You can find links to these types of services on the web.