Let's Talk Dirty - The Basics of Beginning Composting

Talk Dirty To Me

For this article, we're going to talk dirty. However, referring to compost as "dirt" seems disrespectful somehow, for there is much time and effort put into its creation. As usual, Mother Nature hosts a fascinating and thoroughly efficient recycling process.

As I mentioned in my introductory column, probably the first step every new organic gardener should take is the formation of a compost pile. In a perfect world, everyone would be composting -- not just gardeners. Even if you have only houseplants to care for, a little compost is a great amendment to their potting soil. But we'll get to possibilities for high-rise apartment-dwelling composters later.

Compost Happens

Let's begin with a definition of what compost is, exactly, and what's so great about composting?

In actuality, composting takes place all around us. When the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves and other organisms in various stages of decay, it is composting. All natural material on the ground breaks down and eventually becomes a course, nutritious self-fertilizer for the earth. Finished compost -- a dark brown, earthy-smelling, crumbly substance -- is a great additive to any garden's soil in providing nutrients and improving texture and drainage. Unfinished, lumpy compost makes great mulch too. Beyond that, it's free; think of all the money you've spent on fertilizers and mulch in the past.

If that's not enough to convince you, take a trip out to your local landfill. The sight of all that refuse should inspire you to do something else more Earth-friendly with your kitchen scraps, papers and grass clippings besides bagging them up and tossing them in the garbage.

Location, Location, Location

The first step in starting a compost pile is -- as they say in the real estate business -- location, location, location. If you live in the cooler climates of the U.S., it's a good idea to start the pile in an area of the yard that is fully exposed to the elements, both sun and rain. Heat and moisture work together to make the components of the pile break down faster. If you live in a mild climate, as I do, full sun isn't as important, but access to water certainly is. Make sure your hose will reach the pile for necessary watering in the swelter of summer.

The copyright of the article Let's Talk Dirty - The Basics of Beginning Composting in Organic Gardens is owned by Tamara Galbraith. Permission to republish Let's Talk Dirty - The Basics of Beginning Composting in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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