Earth Bytes: Composting

Think grass clippings, banana peels and dried leaves are just trash? Think again. Composting is the science of using organic materials to enhance soil and grow plants.

Here's a starter guide on why composting will benefit the environment and how to get started.

Why compost?

• Compost can suppress plant disease and pests.
• Compost replaces commercial (and often toxic) fertilizers.
• Compost is free.
• Compost keeps household waste out of landfills.

Get Started

• Find a dry, shady spot near a water source in your yard for the pile.
• Add carbon "brown" ingredients (twigs and dried leaves) and nitrogen "green" elements (coffee grounds and grass clippings) as you find them. Good compost should be balanced - check the EPA compost site for measuring ratios.
• Keep the pile damp (not too wet because it'll smell) and stir it frequently. The extra O2 will help decomposition and prevent smell.
• Avoid using meats, pet droppings, diseased plants, fat, grease or too much nitrogen-rich material. You'll spread bacteria, attract animals and stink up the neighborhood.
• When material at bottom is dark and rich, you're ready to compost.

For tips, uses and more general info on composting check out compostguide.com , composters.com and epa.gov/compost .