Rsearch and Annotations

1.

"How to Compost." How To Compost. 2006. 15 Sept. 2009 .http://www.howtocompost.org/

Compost is composed of biodegradable organic material

"Compost is simply decomposed organic material. The organic material can be plant material or animal matter. While composting may seem mysterious or complicated, it’s really a very simple and natural process that continuously occurs in nature, often without any assistance from mankind. If you’ve ever walked in the woods, you’ve experienced compost in its most natural setting. Both living plants and annual plants that die at the end of the season are consumed by animals of all sizes, from larger mammals, birds, and rodents to worms, insects, and microscopic organisms. The result of this natural cycle is compost, a combination of digested and undigested food that is left on the forest floor to create rich, usually soft, sweet-smelling soil."


2.
"Some Tips on Making Compost." Envocare. 30 Sept. 2001. 15 Sept. 2009 .http://www.envocare.co.uk/makingcompost.htm

So there are good things that we can use for compost and there are ad things. This website explains both of those.

What's Good to Compost Basically, all organic waste from your garden and kitchen. All fruit, vegetables and waste from these, flowers and leaves, tea and tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells (preferably crushed). Weeds, grass, soft cuttings and prunings. Shredded twigs, prunings and cuttings. Waste paper including tissues, kitchen towels, newspaper, printer paper, corrugated paper/card and cardboard but not too much; it should all be torn up or crumpled and well mixed in with the rest of the compost.
		What's Bad to Compost Meat, fish, dairy produce, fat, egg, bread, cake, biscuits, pastry and things containing these; they rot and attract vermin. Nearly all cooked food, for the same reason. We think you shouldn't compost tomato plants and tops of potato plants; we understand that they can transmit disease (the actual tomatoes and potatoes are fine). Cat and dog faeces, because it could carry/transmit disease. Plastics, shiny paper and card. Coarse cuttings, prunings, stalks and twigs, as unless they are shredded they'll take too long to decompose. Big roots and roots of dandelions, ground elder, mares tail, couch grass, bindweed etc as these will re-grow. Diseased plants or leaves, like those with black spot, mildew, rust or other visible diseases. Grass cuttings, moss or other garden waste recently treated with chemicals; you should follow instructions on the packet/tin etc regarding composting following treatment. Soil. Small quantities are acceptable, and may be beneficial if well distributed, but you should shake or knock excess soil off plant roots before composting them.

3.

"PH Levels In Garden Soil." The Gardners Network. 1999. 15 Sept. 2009 .
http://www.gardenersnet.com/atoz/ph.htm

There is more to compost and soil then just watering it and letting the plants grow. The soil needs to have the perfect balance of pH levels.

"Do you give your garden as much love and attention as your neighbor, yet your garden is not as healthy and productive? Chances are, your soil pH level may be out of balance. "pH" is a measure of your soil's acidity or alkalinity. Each plant in your garden or yard, has an ideal pH range that it will thrive in. This ideal range varies from plant to plant. If your garden soil is outside of this ideal range, the vital nutrients and minerals your plants need may become "locked up" in the soil, and the roots are unable to absorb them."

"Testing your soil's pH (and nutrient levels, too) should be a routine task for gardeners. It is also a fun task if you test it yourself. Even if your garden has been productive over the years, soil testing can be beneficial. Soil ph can get out of balance for a number of reasons. Most often, using inorganic fertilizers will make your soil more acidic over time. Adding amendments to the soil can also alter your soil's pH. If you do not test your soil occasionally, you are passing by the opportunity to maximize your plants' potential in the size, health and quality of flowers, vegetables and fruits."