Composting

     When I first started my garden we purchased all the dirt necessary to get everything planted. As time went on and the rain slowly washed away the dirt, I had to make a decision. I am a very simple person and try not to spend needlessly, so I knew there had to be a different way to have the dirt I needed. I started talking to my mom (whom always was an avid gardener) to find out how to do such a "dirty" deed. She told me it was simple. Now that is what I was talking about. All I had to do was take all my food scraps and throw them into a pit or container. Awesome! I can do that no problem. So the hubby and I looked around for a pre-made container to compost in just to see what they cost and how they worked, etc... After some research we purchased our 40 gal. heavy duty garbage can. I mean, it's all scraps right. We had found many that were quite expensive for what its purpose actually was. It just had to hold trash. From there we also purchased a hand tool which helps to turn the compost. You do have to turn it so that everything inside will continue to break down and it is aerated. I have also added worms to add to the decomposition to the scraps. The worms help to speed up the time that the dirt can be used. I try to do planting as much as possible so I need a constant supply.

     There are so many benefits to composting. One that has made a big difference is the money. We have saved so much by creating the dirt that I knew we would be needing for future. We have also saved a lot of the trash that we actually throw away. I feel that I am recycling my food into well.....more food.  Another benefit is to my plants. The new soil is nutrient rich. I live in an area that is maybe a few inches thick of dirt and then nothing but coral rock. So I will use all the nutrients I can get. Composting also has taught my kids that if it came from nature, it will return to nature to be reused.  Our planet even recycles :D I will continue to compost everything I use. The benefits are well worth the time and effort it takes to make my own dirt. I hope that my garden continues to grow healthy and provide for my family.