How to Build A Compost Pile for an Organic Garden

Now is the perfect time to gather all the falling leaves in your yard and prepare to build a compost pile for an organic garden. Not only is it easy to do, but you can have your entire family spend a day outdoors raking the leaves and having a great old time. Kids usually love to play with leaves, especially when the leaves are piled high enough for them to jump into.

More importantly, however, your own compost pile for your organic garden will be rich in nutrients for the soil, and it acts as a catalyst to fertilize your soil using organic materials.

What materials are required to create the compost pile? While there is no hard and fast rule, there are three ingredients to create a compost pile… and if you can remember “brown, green, and water,” according to the EPA, you are ready to begin.

Let’s look at the brown material first. It would consist of dead leaves, branches, and twigs, bathroom tissue, cardboard rolls, coffee grounds, hair and fur, nut shells, and wood chips, to name a few. The green material would consist of grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. The water is essential to keep the compost from drying out.

Therefore, with the right combination of all three elements and an equal amount of brown and green material, you can easily layer the material in an alternating fashion.

According to the EPA, “the water will keep the pile moist and break down the organic material.” Also, the brown material is important because it emits carbon while the green material provides nitrogen. This perfect blend is necessary to produce compost that will enrich your soil when you prepare your organic garden for planting.

Where should you place the compost pile? Well, it is recommended that you choose a dry area in your yard that is near a water source, and in a shady area. After you and your family have raked the leaves and piled them to the spot you have chosen, you can then begin to add the other brown and green materials mentioned above. It is also recommended that you lightly water the materials as you add them to the pile. Finally, cover the compost so that you can keep all contents moist.

How do you know when the compost is ready for use? Look under the covered compost and reach under the bottom of the pile. If the material is dark in color, it is ready for use.

According to the EPA, compost usually takes anywhere from two months to two years to fully develop.

You now have the information to build a compost pile for an organic garden. If you begin now, the compost will be more than ready for spring planting.

** Note that there are some things that you should not put into your compost pile. Here is a list of them, and the reason why they should be left out:

* Black walnut tree leaves or twigs – Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
* Coal or charcoal ash- Might contain substances harmful to plants
* Dairy products (e.g., butter, egg yolks, milk, sour cream, yogurt) – Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
* Diseased or insect-ridden plants- Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
* Fats, grease, lard, or oils – Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
* Meat or fish bones and scraps – Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
* Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter) – Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
* Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides – Might kill beneficial composting organisms

Have fun composting!

What’s the Big Deal About Organic Foods Anyway?

There is still a debate going on as to whether or not organic foods are better for you than conventional food products.  So what’s the big deal about organic foods anyway?  Well, here is a hint that non-organic foods might be a problem.

According to the National Research Council (NRC), “traces of pesticides left on traditionally grown products are unlikely to cause an increase in cancer.  If fruits and vegetables are properly washed, most of the chemicals are likely to be removed.”  This statement not only proves that non-organic foods can be hazardous to your health, but is contradictory to say the least.  On the one hand, the NRC, who are proponents for non-organic foods are saying it’s okay to buy these foods, yet on the other hand they are admitting that pesticides are present and can pose a health risk.  So who’s right?

It has long been confirmed that organic food does not contain high amounts of pesticides.  Thus, organic food has become more popular today than ever before.  Companies and organizations who promote healthy eating, as well as finding ways to protect the environment, may still be in the minority.  However, they are gaining ground in light of the recent recall of certain vegetables and meats.

It also follows that families who are making a conscious effort to protect the environment are leaning towards an organic lifestyle.  So the question still remains:  What’s the big deal about organic foods?  Quite frankly, it is only a big deal to those who oppose this alternative lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at some facts about organic foods:
* Consuming foods that are naturally grown is healthier and provides more nutrition.
* Foods organically grown are known to contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
* There are no additives present.
* The process of organic farming eliminates any form of chemicals or hormones.  Our environment is protected and our wildlife are given much better treatment than by conventional standards.
* Most importantly, the fertilization of soil promotes healthier crops.

Finally, those in the know tell us that organic foods taste better than the more traditional non-organic foods.

Consuming organic foods is an individual choice.  But whether you grow your own organic garden, eat at restaurants which only serve organic foods, or purchase organic foods at your local farmer’s market, there is something to be said for the nutritional value contained in organic foods.

So what’s the big deal about organic foods anyway?  Obviously, the big deal is most likely an economic one.  Organic farming, or converting a conventional farm into an organic one, would take years before it can be certified as organic.  In addition, while there are organic farms today, the supply has not yet met the demand.  For now, however, those who prefer an organic lifestyle are living healthier, eating healthier, and are contributing to a more viable environment.

Five Places to Buy Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Whether you grown your own organic garden or shop at your local farmer’s market, you can be assured there are plenty of places to obtain organic fruits and vegetables. To assist you in this endeavor, here are five places to buy organic fruits and vegetables:

1. Organics Online. There are several websites devoted to purchasing organic fruits and vegetables. Some sites offer you the opportunity to buy directly online, while others give you lists of places where you can purchases fruits and vegetables. The Organic Consumers Association has a comprehensive website that is totally devoted to organic foods. Here you will find lists of places where you can purchase organic foods.

2. Farmer’s Markets. This is a great place to find organic fruits and vegetables. Once you have determined that the market is in fact organic, you will be afforded the opportunity to purchase freshly picked fruits and vegetables when in season. In fact, you may find that the prices are a bit less than traditional supermarkets that carry organic products.

3. Grown Your Own Organic Garden. This is probably the best way to ensure your fruits and vegetables are grown safely and pesticide free. Many people are now in the process of starting a compost pile which will aid them in the planting phase in the spring. There is absolutely nothing like the taste of a freshly grown tomato, as well as other vegetables from your own organic garden. It’s affordable and easy to maintain. In addition, you can check online sources to assist you on where to purchase seeds as well as get gardening tips.

4. Local Supermarkets. Since there is a demand for organic fruits and vegetables, you may wish to check several of your local supermarkets to determine if they have organic products available. The prices may be a bit high, so research is required to ascertain who has the best prices and availability.

5. Organic Co-ops. This is probably the most inexpensive way to obtain organic fruits and vegetables. There are many food cooperatives which offer discounts to its members based on bulk buying. Not only can you save money, but you are helping these local farmers to continue to provide organic foods at low prices. The only requirement is that if you buy in bulk, you have enough storage space where you can easily store the fruits and vegetables for a few months.

As mentioned earlier, the Organic Consumers Association is your best bet in locating organic fruits and vegetables, especially if you live in a community where farmer’s markets or local supermarkets do not carry organic products.