Homesteading
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sustainablility
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Composting
Composting is the natural decomposition of organic matter, and compost is the end result of the process. The sweet smell of a forest floor is the smell of compost, the smell of years and years of organic matter broken down so that it can be used again in an endless cycle of life, death and re-birth. Composting happens naturally, but by managing the size and composition of a pile of organic matter, we can increase the efficiency (and thus the speed) of the process significantly.
Composting has two great benefits: For one thing, it keeps organic matter out of landfills, where it justs take up space. Second, and more significantly for the gardener, the finished product is a perfect fertilizer.
- Mastercomposter.com
- The most comprehensive site for the home composter. Features information on all aspects of composting, including instructions on how to build several different kinds of outdoor compost bins. There is also a composting message board where the finer points of the art and science of composting are discussed.
- WormWoman.com
- WormWoman advocates vermiculture (composting with worms). From the site you can purchase red worms, the best variety of worm for this purpose, and a basin in which the wigglers will happily turn your kitchen scraps into fertilizer for your garden or houseplants. This can easily be done in the home, so even urbanites can join in the fun.
- The Humanure Handbook
- Take your composting activities on step further, and take responsibility for your own organic waste. This is the online full-text 1999 2nd edition of The Humanure Handbook, your complete guide to building your own simple, inexpensive, environmentally-correct composting toilet.
