Small Things Count

Next week (May 1-7) is International Compost Week. Doesn’t sound exciting?  And way too much work?  Actually, it’s a fun, easy family activity.  Find at least a 3’ x 3’ sunny spot in your yard and start collecting coarse materials like pieces of bark, twigs, and prunings. These make a base that will allow for air-flow and access by those wriggly workers, worms (if you build it, they will come—or add your own). On top of that, put 2-4” of kitchen waste, animal manure, grass clipping (mix with dry leaves to avoid compacting), and other organic matter.  Lightly water the pile and build a similar pile on top of it.  Another light spray, then continue.  Every other week, add a handful of bone meal or a shovelful of manure and turn the pile with a pitchfork.  Soon you have a very rich substance to feed the flowers and vegetables.  Meanwhile, if the kids have learned a little something, who’ll complain?