The New Look of Compost

In many realms of life, being eco-conscious can be achieved without a lot of hassle. We can make a big difference by buying organic or locally grown food, driving fuel-efficient vehicles, and even wearing eco-chic clothing and jewelry. Until recently, whether or not to compost would not have been considered an easy environmentally aware decision. This is changing, however, as several companies are producing new receptacles and devises that make it possible for even the most finicky of us to compost with ease.

The Basics

Compost describes the process that occurs when nitrogen and carbon rich materials, such as vegetable scraps and paper products, come together and decompose. Humus (not to be confused with the lovely chick-pea spread of a similar name) is the final product of this process and looks like dark, moist soil. It is very rich in nutrients and can be used as a fabulous fertilizer. Composting is a great way to create homemade garden fertilizer as well as to divert waste that would end up in a landfill. The Old Way Many households and even municipalities in the United States are currently composting. This typically becomes an activity akin to gardening. The nitrogen-rich food scraps are collected in the kitchen and periodically placed into an outdoor bin. In this bin, the scraps are mixed with carbon rich materials such as dried leaves or paper products. Eventually, the contents of this compost bin will completely decompose leaving the valuable humus. The unfortunate part of this process is that you are essentially creating a bin of decomposing or rotting waste that you must monitor and add to. It can take up to a year for the compost to be ready, and when it is, you must “harvest” the final product by essentially digging through the bin to sort out pieces which did not decompose and then collecting the humus to be used in your garden. This procedure involves buckets, shovels, and a willingness to get dirty at the very least. The New Way While digging around in outdoor compost bins might sound like a lot of fun to some, for those of us who are looking for a cleaner way or who may not have the time or outdoor space to dedicate to a compost bin, there are some alternatives. First, when it comes to collecting food scraps, there are many products now that make this an attractive and easy thing to do on any kitchen counter. The Kitchen Compost Crock, available online, is a ceramic container which not only can be an attractive addition to any kitchen, but also comes with features such as a carbon filter to absorb odors. Once the food scraps are collected and stored in this or a similar container, there are now options for creating the final product right in your kitchen. Bokashi, which is originally a Japanese method of food scrap fermentation, combines an air-tight container with a Bokashi mix, containing many micro-organism, to produce a garden supplement in days, not months. Airtight bins and the Bokashi mix are available online and are a great way to divert your food waste quickly, easily, and without all the mess. For those of you who are ready to take the next step beyond eco-conscious purchases and recycling, compost is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint as well as create a product which is useful for your garden, as a gift to a friend, or even as a donation to a local public garden to help curb their use of chemical fertilizers. Image Credits: Spikes Sanctuary, Gardeners.com, Cleantechnica.com

Creative Container Gardens: How to Grow Organic Veggies on Your Balcony

Organic gardens are becoming an integral part of our nation's capital this season.  Chances are, you've been inspired to grow your own fruits and vegetables as well - but a few acres of pure garden space may not be an option.  Whether you're living in an apartment with limited outdoor space or need to protect your plants from wandering wildlife, container gardens are versatile, easy to maintain, and ideal for any situation.  

Why Container Gardening?

What could be better than walking into your backyard and picking a fresh tomato for lunch?  Stepping onto your porch and getting it!

Container gardens are more than just convenient though - they're:

• Creative. Almost any type of container can be transformed into a unique planter for your garden.
• Flexible. Your container garden can be in the backyard, on your balcony, or on the roof. The plants can easily be moved indoors to protect them from harsh weather or wandering animals.  
• Easy.  Growing in containers ensures the right soil mixture for organic cultivation. Watering, removing pests, and caring for the plants are simple tasks as well.

Getting Started

The right plants - You can grow a variety of fruits and vegetables in container gardens. Tomatoes and fresh herbs are favorites. Perennial flowers, peppers, lettuce, carrots, and even potatoes can thrive on your patio as well. 

Location - A container garden can be located anywhere, but you'll want to choose a location that is easily accessible and receives the right amount of sunlight throughout the day.  Patios, balconies, and decks are the most common spots for container gardens. You can also place your containers on the roof, the windowsill, in the yard, or any other sunny location that provides enough space.

Choosing your containers - This is the perfect opportunity to reuse and recycle! Old tubs, baskets, buckets, and bowls are a few possibilities. For a rustic look, consider old boots, wheelbarrows, and leaky watering cans. Whatever type of container you decide to plant in, be sure to bore holes in the bottom to prevent root rot and allow drainage.

The planting soil - Your local garden store should offer a variety of organic planting materials. If you prefer to make your own, combine equal parts garden soil, clean sand, and either compost or peat moss. For best results, wet the soil first and then add it to the container.

Caring for Your Organic Container Garden

As with any plant, you'll need to be sure your containers receive enough water and enough sunlight. Water your garden at least once a day, more often in hot, dry weather. If any plants begin to wilt or die, it is often best to replace it with a new plant to reduce the risk of pests.

If you see insects or bugs visiting your garden, brush them away with your hands. Organic pesticides are available to prevent insect infestation or a homemade mixture of water and detergent will keep pests away. Remember to keep your plants free of dead leaves and blooms that attract insects.

Images: Er.We; species_snob via Flickr