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With cold winter weather so far away, it�s hard not to think about the summer season. But with our waste problems, as well as the increasing amount of urban pollution, we can do our part to help the environment this winter while providing our gardens with excellent soil for the spring.
Chemical fertilizers contribute greatly to urban pollution, and can cause contamination of precious groundwater sources. The unnatural amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulfur create chemical imbalances in the soil, and can eventually leach the soil entirely, rendering it useless for future generations. The chemicals can also get into water resources and cause problems such as eutrophication, the total depletion of oxygen in water, sources such as ponds and lakes. Once eutrophication occurs it is virtually impossible to return the area to its natural state. The waste in the United States is also a problem. Biodegradable material such as garden and landscape refuse accounts for 20% of the waste disposed in landfills, and often remains in tact because the landfills are sealed without oxygen, a critical component in the breakdown of materials. Through the process of composting garden waste can be used in the beautification of gardens. So what is composting? Basically, compost is the end product of a complex feeding pattern involving hundreds of different organisms, including bacteria, fungi, worms, and insects. Organic matter is broken down to produce dark, nutrient rich soil that is an excellent answer to the waste and pollution problems, and is incredibly beneficial to your garden. Composting not only decreases waste in landfills and reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, it also conserves water by increasing retention which is especially helpful in our sandy soil. Composted soil increases the softness of the soil, and when applied to the top layer, can also prevent water and wind erosion. Composting can be done in a very small space. An optimal size compost pile is 3 cubic feet. Compost bins can be bought or made. The most important parts of composting are the materials you put in your pile and ensuring the pile is sufficiently aerated. The fall is an excellent time to begin composting since all of the leaves we rake from our yards can be composted. Just remember not to put weeds in your pile! Other items include fresh fruits and vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, tissue paper, gray cardboard and grass clippings. At least once a week, turn your pile with a pitchfork to help the aeration process. Compost piles take about 10 minutes a week to maintain, but the benefits not only for the health of your garden, but also for the environment will last a lifetime. (Story and image provided by South Carolina Wildlife Federation.)
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