Aug
Why Compost?
Compost is “Backyard Gold.” It creates “Backyard Magic.” Composting is a traditional idea 
:idea: with a broad new appeal. Our grandparents’ generation knew the value of composting their yard & kitchen wastes. Giving back some of the nourishment they took from the earth made good common sense…and it still does.
Composting uses nature’s own recycling system. Weeds & leaves, grass clippings, vegetable peels, & various other organic wastes are turned into humus. There is more. There is more. That’s an essential soil conditioner richer than anything we can buy.
Reduces Garbage:
Up to 30% of the garbage we throw out each week can go in the compost pile. Cutting domestic waste generation means a longer life for landfill sites & better environmental management for the entire community.
Keeps Plants Healthy:
Your lawn, garden & house plants can never get too much compost.
1. It gradually releases a variety of nutrients just when they are required by the growing plants.
2. Insects & diseases do not seem to do as much damage where the soil is enriched with plenty of decayed organic matter.
3. And there’s another bonus: dark compost draws the sun’s heat to warm the garden soil, making our short growing season a few days longer.
Builds Up The Soil:
Plenty of compost added to the soil acts like a sponge, soaking up water when it rains & releasing it in dry spells. It improves the texture of both sand & clay soils; plenty of compost protects the plants against drought & erosion.
Therefore, composting not only gives people a chance to do positive things for the environment, but with just a little effort the results can be very satisfying.
About the Author
A gardener for years, Marcelle has learned the value of composting & using it to put nutrients back into the soil. You can get her free 12-page pdf: “The Composting MiniHandbook” at her blog http://www.OrganicGardeningClub.com
