What is Composting?

Composting is a garbage waste management system.  A nutrient rich material known as composting comes from the decomposition or microbes in the soil breaking down the garbage.  

Squash seedlings growing in compost soil

Can you see these microbes?  No, because of their size.  While you may be able to SEE the microbes you can certainly SMELL what is going on which is the decomposition process. So what can you see you ask... well, you can see the white flour substance called fungi.  

Looking for a way to reduce the amount of food scraps and yard waste in landfills? If the answer is YES, then composting is for you as it produces a natural product that can help your plants grow.

Most of my composting has been done with Brown AND Green materials. Brown materials produce carbon and green materials produce nitrogen.

Brown Materials:

• dead leaves

• branches and twigs

• sawdust or wood chips

• coffee filters

• cotton and wool rags

• shredded pieces of paper

• cardboard or newspaper

• shedded nut shells and

Green Materials:

• grass clippings and leaves

• fruit and vegetable scraps

• hair

• lint

• tea and coffee grounds

After adding all your materials to the compost, the last and most important ingredient is WATER.

Be sure to subscribe to my garden club blog for my What is Composting: Part 2, as well as MORE information, tips and facts on the benefits of recycling and overall sustainability!

Sincerely,

Terrilyn

P.S. The Missouri Botanical Garden's Hot Line is designed to answer all your gardening questions! You can call 314-577-5143 between 9 and 12 Monday through Friday.