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Composting

Composting is a wonderful thing, any way you look at it.  It reduces the amount of waste in landfills and adds essential nutrients to your soil.  In our opinion, it is the single most valuable fertilizer for your garden plants.  Many people think that they need a large space in their backyard for a compost pile.  They also feel it may be smelly and bothersome.  These are common myths that we are here to dispel.  You can easily use any out of the way corner of your yard for composting.  The only requirement is that it needs to be exposed to sunlight to generate heat for decomposition.

We recommend digging a hole at least 2 ft. deep by 2 ft. wide.  Then, use some chicken wire to form a cylinder equal or slightly smaller than the diameter of your hole.  The height of the cylinder is up to you.  Just be sure it's tall enough to allow for continuous layers of material to be added to it.  Insert your cylinder in the hole.  Now, your ready you're ready to begin.

For a less labor intensive version, buy a product called the "Earth Machine" from your neighborhood hardware store or call SLUG (San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners) for prices and availability.  This product cost about $25.00.  Follow the simple instructions and you're on your way.

You should never leave you compost uncovered. This attracts flies, rodents, and other insects to your compost because of the smell.  Always cover your compost your compost with a layer of one of the above each time you empty it.  This also make your compost virtually odorless while decomposing.

Materials Appropriate For Composting: all fruits and vegetables (with coffee grounds) tea bags egg shells breads grass clippings Materials To Avoid: all dairy products eggs (excluding shells) meats, poultry, fish, sea-fish bones avocado pits large branches or tree limbs synthetic, non-biodegradable materials

Essential Compost Tip: Before emptying, keep your compost in the freezer in a Tupperware bag. This does not change the decomposition time, but it does eliminate odor in the kitchen. If you have children, get them involved.  This is a wonderful family activity and ongoing science project.  Its a great way to get your kids excited about gardening.