The most common way to compost organic material into usable fertilizer is to make use of the naturally occurring microbes to use the material as food and energy. Other than ensuring your pile has enough water, food, and air you can leave the rest of the job to the ever helpful fungi and bacteria.
The types of microbes you want to inhabit your composter are aerobic, meaning they need oxygen to thrive and live. You can make sure they have enough air by aerating the compost heap (turning it over with a rake). Another way to ensure there is good air circulation is to add a material such as wood chips or hay – both are bulky and are not easily compressed. This makes sure the air can get in and do its job.
The other kind of microbes that can convert your waste are anaerobic (they do not need oxygen to survive). This may sound like a great alternative – not having to worry if enough air is available. But the unpleasant side effect of having anaerobic microbes in your compost bin is the smell. Without enough air, there will be a distinct rotting garbage smell emanating from your bin.
Another way to compost is to use red worms to help decompose the organic waste. This form of composting is known as vermicomposting. The red earthworms can quickly turn your table scraps into compost. To help the process along it is recommended that you chop or cut the organic material you add to the composter first. This is an optional step but will yield faster results. Only food scraps, paper or yard waste is recommended for this type of composting. You can purchase the red worms at your local pet or fishing supply store – these are not the same worms that you find crawling in your backyard.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Good article. Thanks for the last line in your post regarding the difference between the red earthworms from the pet store versus the ones in the backyard. I was almost under the impression that you were going to miss that difference. Thank you.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I’ve always found that winter mulching works well for me. I get it all together in the fall and then just keep it outside all winter long and by spring I have a good amount of it to use in planting.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Excellent article, i agree with you, especially when you have kids at home, my nephews get a big problems with asthma as some fungi was growing in my brother house.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I never really considered that the compost needs a lot of air, otherwise it’s rotting. What I did wrong then was that I mostly put grass after mowing back to the compost, which leaves not much air for the compost to develop I think. Thanks for the insight!
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Another way to compost is to use red worms to help decompose the organic waste.Wonder information there!
I just ordered my first batch of Redworms! I’m so excited. They came yesterday by UPS and I was worried they might have been dead since it’s hot outside and the box felt kinda mushy! But, all is well! And the happy worms are eating my table scraps now. I’ve got them in one of those compost plastic tubs that have the air holes on the top. I just stir them a little and rotate the compost material.
Thanks for all your help on your post there.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
A common mistake that people make, thinking that all compost is the same or that “the cheap stuff is just as good”.
Good article.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Great information. I had no idea that the anaerobic microbes had that effect.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:17 am
is plant vitamin equal to manure?
because that I hear also can quicken impregnation and growth.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:58 am
I have a small garden and drop in used egg shells, wood chips etc when I have them available.
September 14th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Thanks for the blog post.
I started a compost area of my garden earlier this month. These tips will certainly guide me along the way. I have been reading quite a bit about composting lately and came across this blog. Great job!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:16 am
This the first time I visit your blog. And I got “green” impresion. Read this post make my mind opened. Use compost to our garden with the help of organic organism, it’s Green way. Thumb Up..
September 17th, 2008 at 11:02 am
My grandad has used red worms for years and swear by them!
September 21st, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I didn’t realise there were lots of different types, thanks for that. BTW, I love your blog theme, especially your 100% organic slogan
October 8th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Great explanation of composting. I would add that a lot of cities in the US are offering special prices on compost bins to encourage recycling of organic waste.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Never thought before that composting is so difficult & important process.
October 16th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Composting is such a great way to help reduce the waste stream.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
The category brought me here, and I had to stop and tell you that your blog design is awesome. The colors go together so well and it’s simply striking.
October 24th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I have always wanted to start a garden but I have very limited outdoor space in the city and have thought about trying “square foot gardening”. In the book the author suggests composting but my husband is throwing a fit saying the smell is atrocious and he doesn’t want that in his garage. Does composting always smell badly or is there a way to combat that? Thank you for your advice!
November 7th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Great series on composting. I have three compost bins in our garden plus another pile for the annual sweep up of leaves. Invaluable!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
totally agree….and what God’s way of telling the man that u emerge out of dirt…now why don’t u end in the dirt?!
November 8th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Nice articel. Thanks.
November 11th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Where would you compost if you are in an apartment with an indoor garden to avoid the odor? I normally buy compost at a reasonable price, but in my road to a fully environmentally friendly garden, I would like to try making my own.
To give you an idea of my technique, as of now, I do it in a bucket I got from Lowe’s and I’m not sure if it is deteriorating as quickly as it should.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Is it dangerous for human beings these microbes.
November 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
You need to use red worms Brad, if you go to your local pet store they should have them
Great post
November 13th, 2008 at 5:47 am
detrivores are the best to use (ie. earthworms)
November 14th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Great information on establishing a compost bin. I will get staight onto it tomorrow.
November 17th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Great Blog My Father Loves Gardening And I Found Many things Great On your Blog Keep it Up
November 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Did you stop posting Pascale?
November 25th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I hear coffee is a nice addition to composte. Do you agree? How about used tea leaves?
November 27th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
So, are anaerobic bacteria naturally occurring too, then? If you had a large enough airtight bin, you wouldn’t have to worry about smell, right?
November 29th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hi Pascale, great advice – can you recommend a good compost container? Thanks!
November 30th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Cool tips on compost. I have had this problem before where the pile smells so awful! The red earthworms may be a good option for me to try,
thanks
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Second way of composting is better for me. Compost so more quickly. I recommendet second way.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Natural fertilizer sounds very good. Never know the earthworm can be of such great use. Where can you get the aerobic microbes?
December 4th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
wow you really know your stuff
i’ll definitely check other posts too
my garden certinley could use a touch-up
December 19th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Thanks for the tips. I’ve been looking for some ideas on composting. It seems like the only logical thing to do, hopefully this blog helps me figure out how to start =) Glad I found you.
December 21st, 2008 at 2:42 am
I love the gardening tips i have never been too great with plants but this gives me hope
December 21st, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Great post. Thanks a lot.
December 24th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I don’t get this. How can there be less air available?
December 28th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
thank u so much ,i was looking for this … will try this out now itself
January 6th, 2009 at 2:42 am
I’ve been wanting to do some backyard composting. We’ve recycling in our area, so they pickup all our glass, paper, and tin. However, we’ve a lot of food that we throw out and I would love to not have to send it to a garbage dump. People think that food items actually rot in a dump, but they bury it so deep and put so many chemicals on things that something that would normally rot quickly, take an enormous amount of time.
I live in a somewhat crowded area and I’m worried that it will bother my neighbors with the smell. Any suggestions?
January 11th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Fantastic blog, I love gardening, although I’m just a beginner.
January 17th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Wonderful post! I learned so much! My girlfriend seems to be totally into it, so I decided to check out some stuff regarding this. Great info! Thanks!
January 20th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
You are right. My great grandfather used to have a chicken cope and thats where the chickens went #2. Anyway, he used to scope the poop up from there and put it in his garden. It seemed foul but boy did his plants grow tall.
So it taught me that the best compost you can find actually smells the worst
February 1st, 2009 at 9:36 am
The rotting smell is definitely the biggest turn-off when it comes to composting. Part of this problem, however, certainly has to do with the amount of cooked food that accidentally gets throw in the mix. I usually drink beer or wine with my meals and by the time I’m washing up I can barely sort my garbage properly, let alone pick the kids up from karate. My neighbors also don’t seem to like my composting much, as it’s basically a pile of leftover food at the end of my driveway.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I use the second way myself, at least I think so.
I have two composts that I alternate between.
February 6th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Hi,
Just a quick question.
We have loads of leaves in our yard from an old oak tree. In the Autumn we get leaves blowing everywhere, and I can’t help but think they would make great compost. Is this the case and will they do our garden any good at all?
Thanks,
Nigel
February 9th, 2009 at 4:11 am
Great post! Very practical things I can apply to my own yard. Keep up the good work.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:35 am
When I lived out in the country and could keep the compost pile far from the house anaerobic was the way to go. Now that I’ve moved back into the suburbs it has to be aerobic.
I found if I use light layers such as straw I’m getting a better compost rate.
February 13th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I have tried all but the earthworms technique and I think in my new home I’m going to go buy some earthworms since I hear its a very safe and “green” way to compost. Thanks for the information and all the comments are really helpful as well.
February 14th, 2009 at 5:19 am
With spring coming up where I live, I’m wondering when the best time to start composting is?
February 17th, 2009 at 8:13 am
great advice, thank you – i will definetly think about that here in the spring
February 17th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I look forward to the summer season to try for these worms
Can I order them in a some web store? I’m not kidding 
February 19th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I recommend the second way to, easier & feels less messy
February 21st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
My neighbor has a similar method. He has an old-fashioned wood barrel with iron straps. He fills it up with vegetable food scraps, leaves,soil and a dozen or so “worms.” He swears by his methods.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:13 am
It´s interesting to me because I´m making a homework about it, the different kinds of composting.
thanks
February 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Good site. It’s a pity, it hasn’t been updated for a long time…
March 1st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Very nice article! My neighbor uses the Vermicompositing method and swears by it. He has an old wood barrel with iron straps, every night he throws his table scrap into the barrel.
I thought it was pretty odd at first, until he explained the process to me.
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 am
My brother owns a company that uses organic fertilizer. It’s getting to be quite a big thing
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:17 am
You need to use red worms Brad, if you go to your local pet store they should have them Great post
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I take intrest in gardening when im not fishing. thanks!
March 4th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
You can make sure they have enough air by aerating the compost heap (turning it over with a rake). Another way to ensure there is good air circulation is to add a material such as wood chips or hay – both are bulky and are not easily compressed. This makes sure the air can get in and do its job.
????
March 4th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Well, I can only say big thank you for this article. It was very interesting to read. I am also interested in gardening and I find this info very beneficial for myself. Thanks a lot!
March 5th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Thanks for even more great advice, both ways sound really good, I think I will start off with the first.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
A great way of aerating the compost, other than raking is to use a bamboo stick or similar to stick through to the deep part and allow oxygen to flow through. This also creates useful worm holes to deeper part of the matter.
March 6th, 2009 at 1:45 am
I actually remember from back when I was a kid, that my grandfather used to have a compost heap in his garden. I recall that he would throw in some egg shells to the mix.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:10 am
I second the suggest on earthworms. Much more effective!
March 8th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Composting is a good idea, but I find that the smell can get a little overbearing at times. Good overview, though.
March 9th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Wow its like scince
March 15th, 2009 at 3:19 am
The idea of using red worms is a little much for me. I know its mother nature at her best but I cant stand worms.
March 18th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Great post, that fertilizer sounds good to me.
keep the good job.
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
i used red worms without succes, would love to hear more about that
March 25th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Red worms? And all that time I thought any old worm would do. I’m going to change up my compost worms today.
March 26th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
The “relaxed” Blog i have ever seen – great job webmaster.
March 29th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Our neighbors assured us that leaving waist-deep leaves in the backyard over the winter would ensure that the soil underneath was ready for spring gardening. OK, it was only knee deep. They somehow assumed that this would naturally compost, but they ended up mulching with a mower last week. Somehow there is a lot of confusion so that some think mulching and composting are the same thing. We’ll get them to look at this web site.
April 8th, 2009 at 9:11 am
I always love good tips, I hope i can stick with a project for more than 3 months though.
I haven’t done composting before, but will be moving in to a new place with a small back garden. I’m keep on growing beans. Any suggestions?
April 9th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Great info! Can you add continuously to this compost, or do you need to leave it until it is complete?
April 12th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Great post you got some really good points there.
April 14th, 2009 at 1:58 am
hello… i like your blog, cool…….
April 17th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
These all things are new for me.
Cool tips on compost.
April 19th, 2009 at 3:59 am
Thanks so much for the info. I really hate the idea of putting more and more chemicals into my little patch of the Earth.
April 20th, 2009 at 9:47 am
we have been composing as much as possible for a year or so now and have recently started using worms it seems to be working well
April 20th, 2009 at 11:46 am
It wouold be nice to have organic compost for gardens. Au naturale is the way forward. More power to your website.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Like green…
April 25th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I agree with Bethany, you need some good old red worms which you should be able to get from a good garden centre.
April 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
now that is something i call as a good article,
saves earth and money both.
April 30th, 2009 at 11:50 am
So many good advices and so little time… I would like to do something in my garden, but I think it is a very big task. Does anyone have an advice, how to optimize the time I have in my garden?
April 30th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I think that the only way to fertilize your garden is the natural way. If all of us had an ecological mindset, then the world would be a much better place to be for our childrend..
April 30th, 2009 at 11:58 am
can you give more information please because i need help
May 1st, 2009 at 3:25 am
Composting is such a good idea. You create less landfill while creating something amazing for your garden. If you have Mexican walking fish you can even feed them the worms you will attract and feed.
May 5th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Try to make sure air gets in from underneath. You can place sticks on the bottom of your pile.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:35 am
Thanks for the simple instructions. I’ve been looking around for info on setting up a compost bin, and a lot of people make it far too complicated.
You’ve given me a good starting point, thanks Pascale!
May 6th, 2009 at 3:59 am
Hi there,
Worm composting is definitely one of the better methods. Good site. I’ll revisit.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:06 am
Can these compost heaps make you sick? It seems like with all the fungi and bacteria it might be unhealthy for people that don’t have a lot of land. Would it be safe to have a small compost heap in my backyard?
June 4th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I also have tried you tips. it works very well.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Why aren’t you blogging anymore – we all still need help?! I would like information anyone has on pruning conifers – when, how, and do they recover if the undersides have gone brown and deadlooking?
June 5th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Great tips! Personally, I’ve had friends who have had their best experiences using red worms when composting.
June 6th, 2009 at 7:58 am
good advice, thankz a lot!
June 7th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Great tips on compost.
I recommendet second way.
Thanks.
June 10th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Great post. Very educational. I plan on using this info in my own garden!
June 13th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Agreed. “Is it dangerous for human beings to use these microbes.”
June 17th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Hi Pascale, thanks for the advice, can you reccomend any way of speeding up the process?
Thanks!
June 17th, 2009 at 2:34 am
I just stumbled upon this site. It’s too bad Pascale isn’t updating. Has some good info.
June 18th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
good to know about red earthworms.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:22 am
Great infos about gardening, I´s the first time visiting your blog, and I love it!
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Good advice, you can really compost loads of waste, not just your normal garden waste using worms. Worms can breakdown a variety of kitchen waste also, even cardboard!
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
We used acquired some chickens from a battery hen rescue centre. Had them 3 months so far and they are completely free range during the day. makes for excellent fertiliser!
June 25th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Great blog. Are there going to be more posts in the future?
June 26th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
My father would love to hear this information since he loves gardening so much. Thanks!
July 7th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Thx, i didnt know about such thnigs!
July 12th, 2009 at 11:37 am
That redworm tip was great. I tried it and have had great results. Thanks for that, keep posting the great info.
July 16th, 2009 at 9:12 am
a nice blog post thanks
will come in handy when i finish my home garden digging and all
July 17th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I use diced banana peels in my compost… a friend of mine told me about this and seems to do wonders.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Interesting
July 19th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Regarding using wed worms, I haven’t been able to find the same worms that are best for composting (red wigglers – aka Eisenia fetida) at local bait and fishing stores. I recommend buying red wigglers from a vermicomposter. You can get them online too just have your worm bin prepared in advanced so you give the new worms a home as soon as they arrive (traveling by UPS for a week can make them weak and kill some if it’s hot). If buying online, make sure your worm supplier ships on a Monday and that you’ll get it by Friday (i.e. UPS ground can take 5-days cross country, so upgrade to 3-day shipping or ask them to use Priority Mail). You don’t want the worms sitting in a wharehouse somewhere for an extra 2 days on the weekend. Finally, it should be mentioned that worm castings are way better for your garden than regular compost (and regular compost is great). That’s the great benefit of vermicomposting.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Yes compost is key to providing good nutrients. I have tried many methods. Cow dung with dirt and leaves is great.
July 21st, 2009 at 6:40 pm
“I hear coffee is a nice addition to composte. Do you agree? How about used tea leaves?”
What??? i didnt know that coffee could be a composte… ==”
i think its not, but who knows?? ^^
tea leaves is sound better…
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Great post you really know your stuff – our garden has turned from a dump to something amazing by following this blog!
July 25th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I think the easy way to explain this is to talk about hot and cold composting. Hot preserves most the nutrients and happens in as little as 14 days. Cold can take up to 2 years but is really easy.
July 25th, 2009 at 10:55 am
different site with another…i love this blog…thanks
July 28th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
This is really helpful, I especially liked the section regarding the microbes. It surprises me to know that all this time, compost is actually a community of living beings, just small ones! ha
On that note, I was wondering if you, or any of the readers have any urban gardening compost recommendations. Thanks.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:57 am
I’m definitely interested in composting, but it’s hard to figure out how to do it living in a fourth-floor apartment with no access to a yard of any kind. I’ll keep researching, though!
Thanks for the great info.
July 31st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I recommend the first way.
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hey,
thank you very much for your tips. Very usefull and easy to read.
thx,
Lambert
August 6th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Thanks for the posting.i make my own organic fertilizer.I believe in natural fertilizer.At least i have some knowledge on how to upkeep my garden.tks anyway.
August 6th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
My father n me are interested in Flower and Gardening, I hope this blog will help me to some question about gardening. thanks…
regard
adam
August 7th, 2009 at 4:08 am
So if you have to buy the red earthworms, then what are the ones in my back yard, and the ones that I already have bad?
August 9th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Great tips. whole natural all the best, never end if we can explore.
August 11th, 2009 at 8:58 am
The pile should always be warm or hot – if you dig a small hole into the pile and put your hand near it, you should feel it being warmer than the air temperature. If it’s cold, you need to add more green stuff.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:52 am
I’ve had the problem with the ‘rotting garbage smell’. I think I’ll try the tip about red worms, I’ve never heard that one before. Thank you!
August 13th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Great post. I’m in Texas, on a hilltop, with rocky soil. We have to compost. We’ve used several of your techniques: a layer of mulch or chips, earthworms, and turning it. This will be our first batch of compost though. We’ll let you know.
August 13th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Oh, and our garden is in Austin, Tx. 78732.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Be careful with the food scraps…they may invite critters you don’t want…mice, rats, possums, racoons, etc.
August 15th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Should you compost everything? Someone on our allotment ploy says you shouldn’t compost raspberry canes or old potato haulms.
Another person (An old timer) reckons you can compost everything if you have a large enough pile of material so it gets hot!
Is there any reason you shouldn’t put raspberry canes in? Do they sprout in the compost like potatoes do?
August 21st, 2009 at 8:41 am
Hey! Great info you have there! Ive been gardening for almost 3 years now! where do we get those worms in order to decompose?
August 30th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I’m quite new to this gardening lark… thanks for the info.
August 31st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Have been thinking of getting into composting for a while. I know it is the best way to go completely organic. I am going to give it a try.
September 4th, 2009 at 9:33 am
We have tried composting in the past and are trying to get back into it. There are so many benefits – both for your garden and for the environment. Thanks for sharing your tips!
September 6th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
You can’t improve on mother nature’s processes.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Thank you pascale. I’ll wait u’r other tips.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
The idea of using red worms is something I never heard of. Really interesting. This is coming from someone who thought they knew something about composting.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:32 am
good news…………
September 15th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Very nice blog. I love talking about gardening
September 15th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
i can still remember from my biology lessons that anaerobic is without air, and aerobic is with air.
yay! thanks for the very useful advice about compost. very informative.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
We compost but never know what to do with it once it is ready. A compost kit should come with a gardening book!
September 26th, 2009 at 7:46 am
compost organic material into usable fertilizer, i will try
September 29th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I prefer vermicomposting (with worms) as it is quicker and therefore can be smaller, doesn’t smell so can be kept nearer to the house and is less complicated as you don’t need to regulate the temperature, humidity or balance the green and brown matter
September 30th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
hi.!!your way of describing is very nice .in my opinion.:-
passive or “sheet” composting– gather materials ;lawn clippings, leaf raking, straw, larger plant materials,etc. in an out-of-the-way area of your yard simply place material upon itself occasionally soak with water if drought occurs.
if you have an old concrete slab or a shady corner & a lot of time this is simple way. just keep dumping organic matter on the pile
in 6 to 10 yrs. the bottom will have rotted down to very excellent compost.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Thanks for the tips. I’ve had a compost in my garden for as long as I can remember. I adopted the practise from my dad as I always remember having one as a kid. Too bad so many people forgot about these things and are only now returning to composting because it’s a trendy green thing to do! Thanks for sharing!
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Good point about aeration. Two years ago I jumped into composting with very little knowledge but a great deal of enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I knew little about the necessity of getting oxygen to the compost materials. The results weren’t very impressive.
Last year, I obtained the advice of a local master gardener and the result was beautiful, rich compost that I am using throughout my yard.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
very informative. we also do composting at our home. its simple yet effective natural fertilizer.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I use coffee as an composte too. I find it very good.
October 9th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Great advice! Although what will happen to the red worms after you finish with them? Can they be safely introduced into your garden soil?
October 11th, 2009 at 4:20 am
Awesome advice…thanks.
October 12th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Wow thanks for sharing, like another commenter said you do know your stuff, I am going to have to read more and get some tips from you!
October 13th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
hey I`ve been following your blog for some time know, and am just thrilled with your practical advices and great guidance in taking care of our gardens. Please keep it up, it`s just so helpfull! thanks!
October 13th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
oh and one more thing, if it wouldn`t be too much of a trouble, could you focus a bit more on growing roses. I love roses, they are my favorite flowers! Thanks again!
October 14th, 2009 at 2:12 am
This post really brings back memories from when I used to be into gardening. It was so therapeutic, why did I stop? Maybe it’s because I was living in Florida and it was too dang hot, this blog is inspiring me to start back though, keep up the great articles.
October 14th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
cool info.thanks
October 17th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
organic material…..
let’s make green environment…
thanks…
October 21st, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Thanks for the info on the organic composting! I had no idea
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:06 am
Second way of composting is better for me. Compost so more quickly. I recommendet second way.
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:28 am
Hi
Great post about microbes as they are really harmful for the humans.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:59 am
I’ve been working on my compost bin for almost a year and still have a way to go. I don’t know what’s taking it so long. I think I have too much brown material (woody stuff) and not enough easily-rotted material. Hmm.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Sounds cool, are these sure save for everyone? Nature & people i mean
October 28th, 2009 at 5:37 am
I often see stem coming off of compost.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:38 am
Great Post..I am an avid gardner and work in the fire damage restoration business. Here’s a little tip I learned on how to deal with an overly acidic compost. Alot of my compost is very acidic due to too many kitchen peelings so I add small amounts of wood ash. As long as the ash is purely organic wood (no petroleum or coal) I think that using a small bit to the pile will raise the alkalinity in a overly acidic compost.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:38 am
Great Post..I am an avid gardner and work in the fire damage restoration business. Here’s a little tip I learned on how to deal with an overly acidic compost. Alot of my compost is very acidic due to too many kitchen peelings so I add small amounts of wood ash. As long as the ash is purely organic wood (no petroleum or coal) I think that using a small bit to the pile will raise the alkalinity in a overly acidic compost.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
great blog on the compost. Thanks for all the tips.
November 5th, 2009 at 12:59 am
I recently purchased a red word farm and have just started putting the compost on the garden, amazing.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I am definitely interested in composting and sustainability, but it’s hard to find ways to compost in my small apartment (and tiny balcony.) Would love to hear more about composting through earthworms.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I’m responsible for maintaining plants at the office I work at, and found this article very useful. Thank you.
November 6th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I started composting for this first time this year, and am looking forward to better garden results next year.
November 11th, 2009 at 3:46 am
First, your blog template is wonderful. Really impressive. Second, thanks for the great info. I had been thinking that the red earthworms in my yard were what I needed, it’s nice to know about the redwords at the local pet store. I’ll have to check that out.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:34 am
cool. I’m gonna ask my husband to start using this information. he’s the gardner in our family.
November 17th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Natural fertilizer sounds very good. Never know the earthworm can be of such great use. Where can you get the aerobic microbes?
November 18th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Timely advice as I just started a mulch heap today with grass clippings. I was advised to throw a handful of lime on the heap to speed up the process. Do you agree with that Pascale?
November 24th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I’d heard that coffee does work well in compost. Apparently sawdust sucks. I’m personally all about the earth worms. They work the magic.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:03 pm
i agree i use the second way to compost i also thow in the odd dead rat
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Richard you can find many different types of compost container online. They range from the small Compost Bucket, the larger Compost Bins and the Compost Tumblers. The Tumblers seem to be growing in popularity. These ease workload of the aeration process. Hope this Helps!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:13 pm
i used to planting, i will use your tips for my garden..thanks for great tips
December 7th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Great advice. I can start my pile today and I should have usable compost by the spring. Thanks for the info.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:36 am
great info, I have been thinking of starting a compost pile now that I have my own house and yard.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Interesting to note how you can how a whole army of little workers (microbes) doing all the stuff for you in your garden. All you pay them is a bit of food
December 17th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Great advice – I add newspaper and cardboard to our compost to add some acidity
December 27th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I need to start indoor composting with red worms, it’s supposed to be so clean, no odor from it and easy…put it on my list of things for 2010!
December 27th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I like the second method, great advice all round though!
December 28th, 2009 at 11:10 am
I think composting is a very good thing to do. It’s very natural.
December 28th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
What do you do with the compost during the winter? Cover it or leave it uncovered?
December 29th, 2009 at 5:56 am
I have a friend that is producing a product called “Thirsty Dirt”. It is made from paper waste and food waste and earthworms. It is a great green product.
December 31st, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I’ll echo #9’s question – can you recommend a good container for composting?