that is , what helps decomposition in a composting pile, can be explained this way.  I will give you a general overview of what must happen to make organic waste material decompose. You’re all familiar with nature’s process that when  leaves drop from a tree, they decay into soft black humus over time, without any help from people. When an animal dies, its remains slowly return to the earth. Anything that once lived will eventually decompose.

But…what is really helping these organic materials decompose? What’s going on behind the scene?. . .

Since there are many ways to compost, I will focus on hot composting– a very popular method used by most gardeners – to show you what is involved when materials decompose.

During the decomposition procedure, which is based on the natural process explained above, the procedure begins with the thousands of micro-organisms which live naturally in soil. These micro-organisms feed on a moist heap of organic waste materials, generating considerable heat in the process. Other groups of “decomposer” organisms, an ever-changing workforce of bacteria, fungi, and insects, go to work as the temperature rises.

When the temperature drops, turning or stirring the pile gives the “decomposers” more oxygen and the heat builds again, helping to kill harmful bacteria.

When all the easily decomposed material has been consumed, the temperature drops for the last time and earthworms and ants may move in, signaling that the compost is ready to feed new plants with its “recycled” nutrients.

How To Recognize Finished Compost

Finished compost has the distinctive fresh smell of newly-turned soil or a forest floor in spring, and won’t heat up again no matter how often you turn air into the pile. The ideal result of the composting process is crumbly, dark, soil-like humus where none of the original material can be identified. The nutrients stored in compost depend on the richness and variety of its ingredients, and on its exposure to harsh weather. But experienced gardeners know there is no such thing as bad compost! No matter what, a compost pile always works.

As explained in the previous article “Why Compost?”, finished compost is “backyard magic” because finished compost helps restructure the soil,  reconditions the soil, protects the soil from drought and erosion by holding onto its water, and most importantly  puts nutrients back into the soil thus putting nutrients back into our food to help us stay healthy. There is just nothing comparable to it.

Therefore, it only makes sense for people to have their own little garden where they can use organic compost to help grow their own vegetables in a healthy,  safe environment.  For the person who wants to  eat healthy and stay healthier, organic gardening is well worth the effort and ” is the way to go”!

Marcie

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PS :  In the next post I will give you a general overview of the “Compost Recipe”. It is rather long so I may have to divide it into two or three posts.

If you, like many people,  are still not too familiar with the art of composting, you may be looking for answers to such questions as:
– What is composting and why should I compost?
– How does a compost pile work?
– What is the best way to use my compost?
– What should I put into the compost pile?
– What should I not put into my compost pile?
– Why are oldtimers and those who have used organic compost in their garden calling it a way to create Backyard Magic?

I sill eventually answer all of those question, but in this  post, let’s look look at the first question: What is composting and why should I compost?

What Is Composting?

Composting is using nature’s own recycling system. Weeds and leaves, grass clippings, vegetable peels, and various other organic wastes are turned into humus, an essential soil conditioner richer than anything we can buy.

Compostinghas been used for ages; however, in the last 50 years or so, we have been lulled into thinking that synthetic fertilizers are just as good and a lot less work.  To our chagrin, we are learning that this new method of fertilization is far from being the “holy grail” advertised by big companies.

Why?

More and more  gardeners are realizing that synthetic fertilizers cannot put back ALL the nourishment which has been used up by the growing plants . . . and the soil MUST be fully replenished to remain healthy and provide all the nutrients for the growing vegetables.

Our grandparents’ generation knew the value of composting their yard and kitchen wastes and using this compost to feed their soil.   Giving back some of the nourishment they took from the earth made good common sense..and it still does!

What Can Compost Do For Your garden soil?

First of all, your lawn, garden and house plants can never get too much compost. It gradually releases a variety of nutrients just when they’re required by the growing plants. Insects and diseases don’t seem to do as much damage where the soil is enriched with plenty of decayed organic matter. 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.

Secondly, plenty of compost added to the soil acts like a sponge, soaking up water when it rains and releasing it in dry spells. It improves the structure of both sand and clay soils, protecting them against drought and erosion.

Although composting does require a bit of an effort, it is easy to do and well worth it. Creating gardening compost not only gives people a chance to do positive things for the environment but also when finished compost is used to boost the soil in any type of garden, the results can be simply amazing.

Tomorrow’s topic will be “How A Compost Pile Works”.

Until then . . .

Having Your Own Organic Garden Makes Sense!
Get Healthier! Stay Healthier!

Marcie