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Compost is a dark, crumbly mixture of decomposed organic matter, such as grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches.

Compost is a dark, crumbly mixture of decomposed organic matter, such as grass clippings, leaves, and thin twigs.

==How Does Composting Work?==

===How Does Composting Work?===

Even the first-time composter can make good quality compost. Like good cooking, composting is part science, part art. Attention to the following parameters will help you get started.

Even the first-time composter can make good quality compost. Like good cooking, composting is part science, part art. Attention to the following parameters will help you get started.

Anything that was once alive will naturally decompose. However, some organic wastes should not be composted at home.

Anything that was once alive will naturally decompose. However, some organic wastes should not be composted at home.

DO compost these items: grass clippings, leaves, plant stalks, hedge trimmings, old potting soil, twigs, annual weeds without seed heads, vegetable scraps, coffee filters, and tea bags.

==What does compost actually do?==

* It improves soil's water-holding capacity, especially important to new plants or in arid climates

* It loosens clay soil by adding components that keep the soil broken apart

Do NOT compost these items: diseased plants, weeds with seed heads, invasive weeds, pet droppings, dead animals, bread and grains, meat or fish parts, dairy products, grease, cooking oil, or oily foods. Although all of these can be composted, they are also likely to attract unwelcome visitors such as rats. Although most plant diseases and weeds will be killed by the heat in the middle of a heap, they may be able to survive near the cooler outer edges and still be present when the compost is used.

 

==Do NOT compost these items:==

* diseased plants

* weeds with seed heads

* invasive weeds

* pet droppings

* dead animals

* bread and grains

* meat or fish parts

* dairy products

* grease and cooking oil, or oily foods.  

 

Although all of these can be composted, they are also likely to attract unwelcome visitors such as rats. Although most plant diseases and weeds will be killed by the heat in the middle of a heap, they may be able to survive near the cooler outer edges and still be present when the compost is used.

===Making It Work===

===Making It Work===

To prepare compost, organic material, microorganisms, air, water, and a small amount of nitrogen are needed.

To prepare compost, organic material, microorganisms, air, water, and a small amount of nitrogen are needed.

Organic material is leaves, grass clippings, etc. that you are trying to decompose. Microorganisms are small forms of plant and animal life, which break down the organic material. A small amount of garden soil or manure provides sufficient microorganisms.

Organic materials are such things as leaves, grass clippings, etc. that you are trying to decompose. Microorganisms are small forms of plant and animal life, which break down the organic material. A small amount of garden soil or manure provides sufficient microorganisms.

The nitrogen, air, and water provide a favorable environment for the microorganisms to make the compost. A small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can add sufficient nitrogen to the compost. Nitrogen fertilizers can be purchased at many hardware stores, feed stores, or nurseries.

The nitrogen, air, and water provide a favorable environment for the microorganisms to make the compost. A small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can add sufficient nitrogen to the compost. Nitrogen fertilizers can be purchased at many hardware stores, feed stores, or nurseries.

Air is the only part which cannot be added in excess. Too much nitrogen fertiliser can kill microbes; too much water causes insufficient aeration in the pile.

Air is the only part which cannot be added in excess. Too much nitrogen fertiliser can kill microbes; too much water causes insufficient aeration in the pile. Turning the pile helps with aeration.  Aeration is vital because the organisms in the compost are aerobic which means they need air in order to do their jobs.

==Biology==

==Biology==

As a top dressing, mix finely sifted compost with sand and sprinkle evenly over lawns.

As a top dressing, mix finely sifted compost with sand and sprinkle evenly over lawns.

==Sources==

==Sources==

*[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/highlights/homegarden/compost.html USDA]

*[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/highlights/homegarden/compost.html USDA]

*[http://www.cheap-and-easy-recipes.com/category-tips-easy-garden/soil-compost.htm Soil and Compost - Hints and Tips]

*[http://www.cheap-and-easy-recipes.com/category-tips-easy-garden/soil-compost.htm Soil and Compost - Hints and Tips]