The soil is where the nutrients come from so it is important to discuss soil and composting. Fertile soil is no accident, and must be worked on. Organic gardening soil by increasing its organic content.

Composting is nature's way of building new soil through the decomposition of natural plant materials. Composting costs nothing and takes little effort. All sorts of organic wastes can be used --table scraps, leaves, grass clippings, weeds, etc. Compost is more than fertilizer; it is the process of continuing life. A true gardener appreciates the valuable assistance of earthworms since they will aerate the soil and enrich the mineral content. The earthworm actually eats and digests the soil. Its excrement is richer in minerals than the ingested worms from natural country soil, or from a bait and tackle fishing store.If you do not have a shed or an area in the basement you can section off and use for decomposing soil, you will need one or more large trash cans, whatever space permits. Obtain the best soil you can find, preferable soil which has not been sterilized or chemically treated. If you are unable to obtain earth from the country, or a backyard, use the sterilized earth sold in stores. The earthworms and decomposing table scraps will add life to it.

Composting in Trash Can

1. Fill the bottom of your trash can with soil, about 2 to 3 inches deep, and add 3 or 4 earthworms.

2. On top of this layer, place fruit and vegetable scraps. Cover them with an inch or two of soil.Harvest soil (the mats from cut indoor greens) may be added on top of this.

3. Each day, follow the same procedure, covering scraps with soil and greens.

4. Three to four times a week, aerate the soil by punching deep holes into it with a broomstick or mop handle.

5. For further ventilation, make sure the top of the can fits loosely and is open enough for air to get in and circulates.

6. When filled, the soil inside the can will be ready to use in 8 to 12 weeks.