Black Gold

Among organic gardeners the term black gold does not refer to hitting an oil strike but the earthy result of composting. Utilizing kitchen scraps, tree trimmings, grass clippings, and other natural debris to create a compost heap is a useful and green way to keep your trash load low and save money on fertilizer. Any fruit or vegetable waste in it's raw state can go in the compost. You do not want to add cooked items or anything with grease or oil in it. Egg shells and coffee grounds are other excellent additions and if you use unbleached coffee filters, those can be added too. A good compost heap has a balance of wet and dry materials. If the pile is too dry it will not break down quickly and too wet a pile can be a bit smelly. But even so, all piles will eventually break down , sooner or later, and become beautiful, crumbly black compost. Compost is perfect for top dressing lawns, gardens, and potted plants. You can make compost tea for watering indoor plants by wrapping compost in cheesecloth and soaking it in a bucket of water. Compost improves the soil and strengthens plants, making them resistant to pest and disease. You can go on the web and find plans for building a simple bin out of wire and stakes or wood or you can go on your local home store website and order one out of recycled plastic that keeps smells contained and critters at bay. Don't forget to aerate or stir your compost to accelerate breakdown and moisten it if it becomes dry. And if you're feeling really ambitious, you can purchase special red worms that will eat your kitchen scraps and produce the finest compost you have ever seen. Composting is one small step in the greening of the planet.