What is compost?

 Compost is a soil-like product made of decomposed organic material placed into a bin or barrel that can be used to fertilize and condition soil. This can include leaves, grass clippings, fruits, vegetables, saw dust, coffee grounds, eggshells, or nutshells. Decomposition is a natural process and the product that is produced has been recognized and valued by people for thousands of years for its ability to improve soil. So much so, that Compost is often referred to as "Black Gold" or "Gardener's Gold" because it is so helpful to soil, water, and air. There are many environmental and financial reasons to make your own compost. Here are TEN great reasons:

1. LESSON THE LOAD!

Composting is an excellent way to recycle food and yard waste. This lessens the amount of organic material that ends up in a landfill.

2. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT!

When organic material (such as kitchen scraps) is added to a landfill, it produces METHANE and ACIDIC LEACHATE, two not-so-nice by-products. By keeping landfills free of organic matter, you will be helping Mother Earth not to produce any unnecessary toxins.

3. SAVE MONEY!

Using organic waste from your trash cans and using it to make compost reduces the amount of your garbage bill.

4. SAVE WATER!

Compost helps soil retain water and reduces runoff, which means less water use and a lower water bill. Compost soil soaks up water like a sponge, helping fight drought. One hundred pounds of compost holds 195 lbs of water!

5. BE PESTICIDE AND HERBICIDE FREE!

Compost fights plant diseases and pests, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical fertilizer and bug sprays. This also protects the health of animals and keeps chemicals from polluting groundwater, streams, and rivers.

6. REDUCE NATURAL GAS USE!

Many fertilizers are made from resources such as natural gas, which causes pollution. Compost is a natural alternative for your garden.

7. LOVE YOUR SOIL!

Composting makes your soil stronger & increases the nutrients. This improves the soil's ability to anchor plant roots.

8. MAKE YOUR GARDEN GROW!

From beautiful flowers, delicious fruits and vegetables, and luscious lawns... compost's nutrient-rich matter helps your garden grow healthy and strong!

9. STOP EROSION & IMPROVE AERATION!

Compost improves the structure of soil, which helps resist erosion. Aeration is very important to the health of the soil and compost helps build a soil structure that promotes the best aeration.

10. FEED THE CYCLE!

Worms are a big part of the compost process. They balance and aerate the soil, and leave nutrients along the way. These little wigglers can eat up to their weight in soil every day! Compost feeds the worms, allowing them to multiply and continue their important work. Worms are fabulous free labor for your garden. Not to mention, you have bait to go fishing with.

DEFINITIONS:

* DECOMPOSITION:  Breakdown or decay of any organic material.

* ORGANIC:  Making a type of food for plants or animals produced without the use of chemicals, pesticides, growth stimulants, or antibiotics.

* LANDFILL:  A trash and garbage disposal system in which waste is buried between layers of earth.

* METHANE:  A colorless odorless flammable gas that is caused by decomposition or organic matter.

* ACIDIC LEACHATE:  A liquid with a strong odor that drains from a landfill. It can include both solid and dissolved waste products.

* TOXINS:  A poisonous substance that is produced by living cells or organisms that can produce disease.

* DROUGHT:  A long period of little or no rainfall that damages growing or living conditions.

* PESTICIDE:  A chemical used to kill pests, especially bugs.

* HERBICIDE:  A substance used to destroy plants or stop them from growing.

* FERTILIZER:  A substance of natural and man made materials that are spread onto soil to help plants grow.

* POLLUTION:  The contamination of soil, water, or air by harmful substances.

* NUTRIENTS:  A type of special food made especially for plants.

* EROSION:  Dirt being worn away or disappearing by the actions of water, wind, or ice.

* AERATION:  the circulation of air, or oxygen into the soil.

 Making your own compost helps the environment in numerous ways, and adding compost to your garden is the absolute best thing you can do to improve its overall health and performance. Ready to take the plunge and have fun turning your kitchen trash and waste into compost? Many agencies, including our local Permian Basin Master Gardeners offer free composting classes. The EPA - Environmental Protection Agency also has helpful information on composting.