COMPOST


     Starting a compost pile either on a large or small scale can be fun,
educational, and practical. If everyone composted fruit and vegetable 
trimmings, landfill waste would be reduced by 30 percent.

     Getting started with composting need not be a formidable task, the basics 
are simple. You need a source of nitrogen, such as kitchen or fresh yard 
trimmings; a source of carbon, such as shredded newspaper or dry grass; 
moisture and air. The only trick is finding the proper balance of material, 
but once this has been achieved, a compost pile or bin won't smell or attract
pests.

     One composting method, called vermicomposting, uses red worms. They feed
on the deposited scraps which provide nitrogen, and the newspaper which 
provides carbon. The worm cast has a crumbly structure which provides high
nutrients as well as as a soil conditioner that affords soil drainage and 
aeration.

     To determine how many worms to buy, estimate how much fruit and vegetable
waste you generate. Worms eat their weight in food every day. If you generate
a half pound of waste, purchase a half pound (approximately 500) of worms.

     In proper conditions, worms are very happy. They just eat and have a good
sex life. It is estimated that eight worms will multiply to 1,500 within six
months. However, don't worry about a worm overflow. If there are more worms 
than food, they will die off.

     For more composting information and resources for material you can 
contact the suppliers who are listed below.

AVANT GARDEN              P.O. Box 1303     Ross, California   94957
                                  [ Fax [415] 454-6553 ]

NECESSARY TRADING CO.     One Nature's Way  Newcastle, Va. 24127-0305
                                  [ Fax [703] 864-5186 ]

THE NATURAL GARDENING CO. 217 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, Ca. 94960
                                  [ Fax [415] 721-0642 ]

PEACEFUL VALLEY FARM      P.O. Box 2209 Grass Valley, Ca. 95945
                                   
SMITH AND HAWKEN          25 Corte Madera Ave. Mill Valley, Ca. 94941

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Another text file from STONEHENGE BBS [415] 479-8328
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