How to Compost

The Root The first time I pulled completely decomposed compost out of my home-made Roughneck garbage can composter, my only regret was that I didnt have more. Black gold, this stuff is. Earthy, rich humus. And Im not talki...

The Root The first time I pulled completely decomposed compost out
of my home-made Roughneck garbage can composter, my only regret was
that I didnt have more. Black gold, this stuff is. Earthy, rich
humus. And Im not talking about the chick-pea dip. Compost is a
natural mulch and a superior soil amender. Everything about compost
in a urban kitchen garden makes sense it aerates the soil, breaks
up clay clumps, improves water retention, boosts soil fertility and
promotes healthy root growth. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, all
of these will be naturally added to the soil through compost, so you
dont have to worry about adding any petroleum-derived fertilizers,
which in my opinion are not only scary, but part of the bigger
problem. Even if you have a few window boxes hanging on your fire
escape railing, a few indoor plants, or friends that do have access
to a bit more urban gardening space to whom you could gift compost,
its totally worth your while to compost indoors or outdoors.

The
amount of compostable or biodegradable material that goes into our
landfills on a yearly basis is shocking. Landscaping waste alone
constitutes around 30% of landfill waste. Now, that doesnt apply to
us city-dwellers as much as our suburban brethren, but take a look
next time at all the compostable material that goes into your
garbage can and out to the city curb twice a week. It may comprise a
bulk of your weekly waste.

*For where to buy one or how to make
it, click here.

For more great stuff, check
out
www.urbanhomefreerange.com