Black Gold aka Compost!!

     There is something about rich, moist, black dirt that makes me want to stick my face in it and role around! Most of the time I refrain but I think you understand how much I like it. Unfortunately that kind of soil is hard to find in most garden spots.  Most of the time urban gardeners have few options when it comes to garden location, so they pick a sunny spot in the yard and start tilling only to find soil that leaves much to be desired. At this point they have a few options. They could go ahead and plant the way it is, pay someone to bring in a load of over priced top soil or "my favorite option" MAKE COMPOST!
     Making compost is free, easy and green. Compost energizes the soil food web, which is made up of microscopic bacteria and fungi, along with earthworms, crickets, and many other life forms. Many fungi form partnerships with plant roots, making it possible for vegetables to feed themselves more efficiently. Research shows that compost enhances the ability of tomatoes and other vegetables to stand up to common diseases and may improve their flavor and nutrition, too. Compost also helps the soil retain moisture. Through composting you enhance your garden’s ability to grow healthy plants while reducing your volume of trash.
     There are many types of compost bins and drums. But if you want to go the cheap rout any enclosure that you can get into at with a shovel or fork to turn the material will do.

 





     This is a picture of a raised bed that I used as a compost bin over the winter months. As material was available I put it in the bed then in the spring I took off the uncomposted material and this is what was I was left with. A good seven inches of good compost!
     In order to get a good end product, The experts advise that you use equal parts brown material,(such as dead leaves etc.) green material (fresh grass clippings etc.) and water. It is also essential to turn or aerate the pile to ensure oxygen gets to all parts of the material.
    According to the EPA it is safe to compost all of the following materials as long as they have not been treated with pesticides or herbicides and are in their natural state.

Fruits and vegetables

Eggshells

Coffee grounds and filters

Tea bags

Nut shells

Shredded newspaper

Cardboard

Paper

Yard trimmings

Grass clippings

Houseplants

Hay and straw

Leaves

Sawdust

Wood chips

Cotton and Wool Rags

Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint

Hair and fur

Fireplace ashes