Compost
Compost is a soil amendment used to improve soil heath and provide nutrients to plants. It is the product of composting, an aerobic decomposition of organic material by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, as well as macroscopic organisms such as worms and other "bugs".
Making, maintaining and using a simple compost heap
To begin a compost heap find a small open area of exposed soil, preferably out of direct sunlight, and begin adding organic materials. These organic materials should be a mix of "greens" and "browns" such as:
- grass clippings
- fruit and vegeetable scraps
- leaves
- eggshells
- coffee grounds
- shredded untreated/unbleached cardboard or paper
- small twigs
While most organic materials are good to compost some should generally be avoided (for various reasons):
- meat
- dairy
- fats and oils
- feces
- aggressive weeds
- infested plants
- anything "treated" (treated/painted wood, "biodegradable" plastics and packaging, anything that may have had contact with herbicides or potentially harmfully chemicals/fertilizers)
While, for the most part, this heap can be left and forgotten about, the heap should be kept moist but not wet so it may require light watering during hot and dry weather. To speed up and more importantly, ensure an even and quality decomposition, the heap should be churned and mixed occasionally. Over time a rich, soil like compost will form and can be collected (and optionally sieved) for use as a soil amendment.