"You don't need a green thumb, you need good soil," says Allen in Cobb's article.
I knew composting was important, but I hadn't realized how practical it is. And if done right, composting has greater potential to form relationships with communities. Taking people's waste and turning it into extremely productive soil is the very definition of sustainable agriculture. It's a win-win for both the community and the farmer or gardener, which might open-up further partnerships down the road.In urban environments where lead poisoning is rampant, good soil is even harder to come by, thus composting may be able to create more workable soil.
Composting has other benefits too. The Growing Power garden in Cobb's article uses it to generate heat so that plants can continue to grow through the harsh Wisconsin winters. The soil traps in heat in the greenhouses as well as heats up the beds itself. Highly efficient and 100% organic.
It's amazing how much we throw away that could easily be turned into soil and eventually food. I'll be adding composting to the list of things to try whenever I have a garden of my own.
What other benefits does composting have that I haven't mentioned here? What are the challenges of composting that I might be neglecting?
There are numerous benefits of composting, as you have pointed out. The biggest problem I have noticed with composting is availability of space. Being a college student, living in apartments for a while now, there is not really a good space in which I can compost. I love the idea of composting, and I cannot wait to be able to do it myself.
ReplyDeleteCompost is incredible! Depending on what type you have, it can also balance the pH of the soil and amend soil that is too clayey or sandy. It can help with water retention and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil. If you are using compost from food scraps, it can also provide tons of macro and micronutrients for plants, which not only makes them better for eating, but also naturally boosts their immune system and ability to fight off disease and pests.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sara's comment about space. Also, some landlords won't allow compost on their property, even if you do have a yard, because of smell or attracting pests. That's actually why I started composting with a worm bin -- I used to keep it in my kitchen and my landlady never even knew that the plastic container was filled with worms and food scraps. Vermicompost bins usually don't smell or attract pests like traditional piles. Some cities (including Tallahassee?) also compost yard trimmings and other materials, and then have a compost sale once or twice a year, which can be a great option for people who don't have space or time to have their own bin. Back in Louisville, the city zoo also had an annual "Zoopoopydoo" compost event, selling truckloads of exotic animal poop (from herbivores and tree trimmings). I bought some last year and it was great in the garden!