Turn organic waste into a resource

I can think of many excellent reasone why every Canadian would want to compost: the environment, education, economy, convenience, usefullness and downright rewarding. Composting is a simple way to capture valuable organic resources and recycle them back into the garden. Adding finished compost to garden soil helps to improve soil quality and productivity. Do-it-yourself composting grows in popularity each year as homeowners discover this easy and rewarding process. As we begin a new growing season I encourage you to start your own compost.

Together, you and the kids will learn that great compost begins with many raw, organic materials that we eat and enjoy around the yard and ends with the miracle of a valuable resource that is good for everything that you grow in your garden.

Many municipalities in Canada now provide waste disposal for organics, I encourage you to keep the compostable organics for yourself. You will save money by not having to buy quite so much garden soil, you will help the environment by not having the raw material trucked away and you will have fun. So will the kids!

Composters range in styles from containers or rotating stands to large fenced-in areas of the yard. There are a few basic rules to follow when establishing a compost pile:

The more sun your composter receives, the faster the raw material in it will break down.

It is important to locate your composter near a reliable water source. The organic mixture needs a thorough soaking every couple of weeks during the heat of summer.

The best way to accelerate the decomposition of the organic material in your composter is to turn it every couple of weeks throughout the gardening season. Rotating units are great for this. Stationary compost piles will require turning with a garden fork or compost turner. Turning the organic mixture introduces oxygen into the center of the pile. This recharges the microbial activity of the beneficial bacteria in the compost.

www.markcullen.com

Mark Cullen is Canada's own garden expert. His love of horticulture was firmly rooted as he grew up in his family's business. Now the President of Mark's Choice Ltd, a horticultural communications and marketing company, Mark enthusiastically shares his knowledge and passion for gardening. He acts as spokesperson and horticultural consultant for Home Hardware Canada. Mark is also the spokesperson for GolfGreen organic-based fertilizers and lawn seed and Green Earth environmentally friendly garden products