Composting for your garden!

Compost - is plant matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming. At its most essential, the process of composting requires simply piling up waste outdoors and waiting a year or more. Modern, methodical composting is a multi-step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of water, air and carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. The decomposition process is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture. Worms and fungi further break up the material. Aerobic bacteria manage the chemical process by converting the inputs into heat, carbon dioxide and ammonium. The ammonium is further converted by bacteria into plant-nourishing nitrites and nitrates through the process of nitrification.
         Compost can be rich in nutrients. It is used in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture. The compost itself is beneficial for the land in many ways, including as a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, addition of vital humus or humic acids, and as a natural pesticide for soil. In ecosystems, compost is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and as landfill cover.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost

Some useful links to get you started in building your own compost pile bin:http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/environ/waste/recycle/compost/compostbins.htm
http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?ContentID=2030
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/publications/Organics/44295054.pdf

Books to check out at the Brentwood Public Library for composting:
Composting-an easy household guide:  BW-AD Non-Fiction 631.875 SCOTT
Backyard composting:                            BW-AD Non-Fiction 631.875 BAC
Let it rot:                                                 BW-AD Non-Fiction 631.975 CAMPBEL
Secrets to great soil:                               BW-AD Non-Fiction 635.0489 STELL

Some useful links on what to add to you newly created compost bin:http://www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm http://www.howtocompost.org/
http://www.composting101.com/
http://www.wikihow.com/Compost
http://www.gardenguides.com/2143-guide-composting.html

For additional resources for your composting project please visit the Brentwood Public Library and browse our garden section.  Below are call numbers where books are located.

The nonstop garden:                    BW-AD Non-Fiction 712.6 COHEN
Understanding garden design:     BW-AD Non-Fiction 712.2 NAGEL
Nature's garden:                           BW-AD Non-Fiction 641.303 THAYER
The garden organic guide:           BW-AD Non-Fiction 631.875 PEARS OS
The family kitchen garden:          BW-AD Non-Fiction 635 LIEBREI
The wild garden:                          BW-AD Non-Fiction 635.9676 ROBINSO
The new low maint garden:         BW-AD Non-Fiction 635 EASTON