by Laureen Manera

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: August 31, 2010

Composting is becoming increasingly popular as a way of re-using yard and kitchen waste, rather than simply getting rid of it. It is healthy, natural, and virtually free to make and use.

Organic compost is being used by many people in gardens or on crop farms in place of traditional fertilizers, and often with better results. The nutrient-rich compost material is great not only for growing plants, but also for the soil. It helps to break up otherwise hard clay soils; and when used in sandy soils, will help hold in water that would otherwise leach out.

Don't think that you must have a heaping compost pile in your yard, either- although many people do. You can easily start small, with a pail or a bucket kept in your kitchen, for example. Just be sure to keep a cover or a lid on it, or it will likely attract flies and other pests.

You can add many kitchen and table scraps to your compost: fresh greens, crushed egg shells, coffee grounds, virtually any fruits or vegetables, etc. Do not use meat (including fish), grease, vegetable fats such as peanut butter or oils, eggs, charcoal or coal ash, bones, or animal waste. (Although some people do use manure from herbivore animals, which is usually alright if allowed to dry out and age somewhat. But never use dog, cat, human, or other carnivore waste as it can spread disease.) The reasons for not using these materials is because they will smell bad as they decompose, and will likely attract pests as well. Other things such as bones or charcoal take far to long to decompose, so aren't practical.

If you do have a compost pile outdoors, be sure to maintain it. This means keeping it aerated and making sure it never gets too dried out. You can aerate it by occasionally turning it over or by making holes in the pile every couple of weeks.

Moisture is another essential element to a healthy compost pile. Yet, you must be careful that it doesn't get too wet, or you will end up with a soggy, smelly mess. The best rule of thumb is to keep it just damp; preferably in layers if possible.

Yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings are excellent materials to use in an outdoor compost pile. Do not use any diseased plant matter, or weeds that may have their seeds intact, as you can spread them around your yard or garden.

It's best if your compost pile contains an equal amount of 'green' material (fresh plant or grass clippings, fruits, vegetables, etc.) and 'brown' material (dried and dead leaves or other plant matter, coffee grounds, wood ash, etc.) This is the ideal way to ensure a healthy, proper compost heap, and if you do any kind of gardening - even very small scale - you will find it to be an invaluable renewable resource.

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