Photo Credit Greg Holdsworth
Green
The goal of Sustainability 2.0 column is to share valuable resources, discuss relevant trends and bring you the latest and greatest on how to become part of a creative solution. We will discuss energy, out of the box water conservation, socially responsible investing, eco-tourism, healthy eating, and collaborative consumption.
COMPOSTING YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER SOIL BY TAJANA MESIC During a recent visit to the Hoh National Rain Forest in the Pacific Northwest, one of my most treasured memories was the rain-filled smell of earth. This rich smell of old trees and leaves decomposing, the fresh scent of the moist soil, and the vibrant green of new growth. How magical! Far from the vision of orchids and colorful parrots, this temperate rainforest in Washington State impresses with mosses and ferns that blanket the forest floor and fallen trees, adding another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest. The Hoh Rain Forest soil feels totally opposite to my Houston home soil. My garden and lawn is set in alkaline tough clay soil and it needs help; compost comes to mind. We all have a Master Gardener friend with gorgeous petunias and picture-perfect daffodils and caladiums. What they will tell you is that the answer lies in the soil. Rich soil makes beautiful plants. We don’t
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have that soil here in Houston and we need to feed it nutrients. Organic compost is the best that we can feed our soil. Making and using compost reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, reduces water run-off, restores your garden and lawn, and creates more beautiful landscapes. Using organic compost will help you grow your own beans, squash, watermelon, and gorgeous caladiums and petunias in no time. Compost is the magic ingredient that helps feed the roots of plants. How do we make compost? Basics There are so many ways to turn your old vegetables, fruit and other organic materials scraps into healthy food for your soil. Composting is controlled decomposition. How does it work? The aerobic microorganisms break down grass clippings