A good read. Much of that I already knew, but I didn’t know that walnut shells have a chemical toxic to some plants.

And I think you are fine to compost bread, pasta, and rice, but do so sparingly.

via mothernaturenetwork

The science of compost | Mother Nature Network

Gardening experts discuss how to rectify a stinky compost bin.

ecofriendlyhealth:

Composting is one of the best ways to be eco friendly AND healthy! Since I have started I have been amazed at the reduction of waste in my trash bin each week. I am a newb at composting though. I started in October of 2009. This past year was the first time I was able to put my very own compost into my garden so I have high hopes for my garden production for next year. I put a lot of love and time into that dirt - it betta produce!

So I emptied my bin at the end of the season and worked it into my garden beds so it would have time to do it’s thing. But here I am with an empty bin at fall time. My heat is gone, my good green grass clipping are gone. I have nothing but my kitchen scrapes:

And some leaves and my bin looks nothing like dirt!

So what is a girl to do? RESEARCH!

So here is what I have learned. Composting in the winter slows down almost to a stop. But you can continue to fill your bin with waste through the winter so it will be prepared to jump into action in the spring.

First you need to clear out your bin to make room for winter waste (I did that - go me!)

Then insulate your bed with leaves, straw or dead plants (Did it - score!)

Next, put anything not quite finished composting in the middle of the pile and add another layer of insulating leaves. This will keep the center active longer.(Okay this I did not do - what was not finished composting is sitting at the very bottom. Lesson learned for next year.)

Then just keep adding in waste through the winter and layer with leaves. (this I have been doing!)

Don’t turn your pile, just keep adding your waste and cover with leaves. Also, cut everything into smaller bits. In the summer you can get away with big chunks because of the high heat. In the winter your chucks need to be smaller so that even without the heat they can begin to decompose.  Also, keep a bin inside to collect as much waste as possible inside. This will save you from having to make so many trips to your outside bin in the cold.

I learned a good lesson to make it better for next year and that I just need to be a patient girl and let nature do its thing. But come spring I think it will do just fine and I will have some more good dirt!