COMPOSTING
by Michigan State University Extension Services
Composting of yard wastes such as leaves, grass clippings, dead garden plants and hedge trimmings, along with kitchen scraps, is popular with home gardeners who long ago discovered the benefits of the dark, rich, sweet-smelling, earthy end product called humus.
Benefits of composting
In about as much time as it takes to burn or bag yard debris for disposal, you can prepare these same materials for composting and use them as a soil conditioner. Home composters can use humus to lighten heavy, clay soils or enrich sandy soils to improve water-holding capacity. Plants grow well in well-drained soils that hold some moisture and the result should be a healthy, vigorous garden.
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