Composting Links

Yesterday, over at Grit, I wrote about how building soil is the most important part of sustainable gardening and growing healthful food. If you missed that post, here's the handy link-  go check that out, first.

There are loads of resources online about building a compost pile, so I thought I'd curate a selection just for you, so you don't have to get mired down in research. I happen to enjoy doing that, but I also know that not everyone else does and/or has the time. Consider it a gift! :)

Articles About Composting

• Different types of compost bins, from the Whatcom County WSU Extension office.
• What can and can't go in a home compost pile, and why.
• What's better than a list within a list? Not much! Check out this collection of resources on small-scale composting, courtesy of our friends at Cornell University.

Videos and Other Resources

• If you aren't sure where your local Cooperative Extension Office is, this locator at the USDA webpage can get you there. Extension offices can help provide you with information specific to your region and unique growing situation.
• Supplies: It amazes me how many things you can buy for composting. Truth be told, you don't need to buy anything. But if building a bin isn't your thing, then click over to Gardener's Supply (there's also an ad in the right sidebar) and type "compost" into their search box in the upper right hand corner. They have everything from bins and tumblers, to little crocks to keep in your kitchen to make collecting scraps easy. (Disclaimer- I am an affiliate of theirs, so anything you purchase through that banner sends a small commission my way, and in turn supports the blog.)
• For us visual learners- here's a great video from Kitchen Gardners International about setting up a compost pile. 
• Here's an entertaining TED talk on composting from Mike McGrath called "Everything You Know About Composting is Wrong".  

Whew, that's quite a lot of info- I hope it helps get you started on the road to composting, if you're not already there. Next week, I'll do this same type of companion piece to the upcoming Grit post, so if you have any composting resources that you would like to share, let me know.

Still have questions about compost? Drop by Facebook and ask away!