Composting 101

Composting is one of the easiest things you can do to reduce waste, replenish soil and keep your garden organic. And you'll save money by not having to buy fertilizer. I have a Smith and Hawken composting box in the back of my house that I got for $25 through my city. It is worth checking to see if your city has a similar program. We collect all of our organic waste in a bag by the sink (that's fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, grass clippings, wilted flowers, tea leaves) and dump it in there. With the addition of some juicy red worms I got at the farmer's market (you can order some) that help the process along, the waste turns in about 2-3 weeks when it's not too cold out. Remember, don't throw in meats or fats as these will attract critters and won't break down in the same way that fruits and veggies do.

You don't actually need a fancy box, though it keeps the wildlife away. You can just set up a spot in your yard or build your own composting container. You can find great composting guides here and here.

Remember, you have to mix it with other soil for your plants or they can get nitrogen burn from too many nutrients. But sprinkle some on your garden plots or in your potted plants, or mix it in at the beginning of the planting season and you will be amazed. Plus you may get a few bonus plants, too. I threw in some bulbs that seemed dead, and lo and behold, they sprouted. I sprinkled some into an empty pot and I now have pea vines, tomatoes and lillies growing there. I think I even see a kabocha vine popping up!

So do your part for soil conservation, waste reduction and for organic gardening!