Composting

As I mentioned in my last post, composting is a wonderful way to reduce waste in the landfills and create a nutrient rich dirt. Compost can be added to soil as a valuable amendment and it helps retain moisture.

Although I've been gardening for years, I procrastinated on composting. I had this misconception that a compost pile would stink, be messy and attract rodents and pests. I also thought that there was a scientific formula for making the perfect compost mix. Now that I've experienced composting, I wish I had more piles. I will nickname myself "the greedy composter".

I traditionally keep two composting piles at a time. One pile is for immediate use and the 2nd is a work in process. There are many different types of composting. But, here's my simple and easy recipe: 50/50. That's it! 50% Brown and Dry matter and 50% Green and Moist. If I'm a little off on the recipe, no worries. My dirt is almost always yummy.

What is brown and dry? These are Carbon-Rich materials like straw, pine needles, dry grass clippings, dried leaves, sawdust and newspaper.

What's green and moist? These materials are high in nitrogen, like vegetable and fruit scraps, alfalfa pellets, coffee grounds, tea bags, green plant clippings, hair and feathers.

I follow a few Never, Ever rules. Never compost meats, grease, dairy, dog and cat feces, and poisonous plants, ie: oleander, salt cedar.


An excellent composting book, worth the read, is "Let It Rot". It can be purchased on Amazon.com. Also, The Tucson Organic Gardeners at http://tucson.com/nonprofits/TOG has some exceptional information on organic gardening and composting.


When I compost I feel empowered. I know I'm reducing our household waste and making a valuable product to nourish my fruits and vegetables. I am contributing to a natural process, the circle of growth and life. If composting is part of my gardening regiment, I must ask myself ...... if more people gardened, would we change the world? I believe we would.