1. Compost Notes Composting:
Allowing decomposers (FBI: fungi, bacteria, invertebrates) to break down biotic (organic) material--weeds, food scraps, etc.--for nutrient use.

2. Ecological Sampling (QUADRATS)
I. Background:
A. Ecology: Study of our home, interactions, cycles, energetics
Gaia Hypothesis
Ecological Sampling (QUADRATS)

3. I. Background:
B. Cycles: Begin with sun and soil: provide nutrients and energy for producers which provide for consumers
Producers (photosynthesis)
Decomposers (F.B.I.) Consumers
Nutrient loop/cycle

4. I. Background:
C. Applied ecology: Ecological knowledge helps gardeners: Improve the soil--it’s the basis of life.
The best way to do this is by using what is already there: organic (biotic/once living) matter--AKA:
COMPOST

5. II. Composting A. Why compost?:
Reduces waste--MAKES BEST OF WHAT WE HAVE IN ENVIRONMENT!
Reuses waste
High in nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium)
Well aerated (air for plants and water)
Easy
Cheap

6. II. Composting
B. How compost: Support the decomposers who break down the organic matter-- give them what they need:
1. Food,
2. appropriate environment,
3. with water,
4. and air.
Environment

7. II. Composting 1. Food: a. Browns: Carbonaceous waste (sticks, weeds)
often involve weeding

8. II. Composting Learn your tools! 1. Food: a. Browns: involve weeding
Weeding technique: often requires tools (weed wacker, hand weeder, pick, pruners) which must be used with care and knowledge.
Weeds removed at the root are less likely to grow back

9. II. Composting
1. Food:
b. Greens: Nitrogenous waste (kitchen waste)

10. II. Composting
1. Food:
c. avoid stuff that decomposes slowly (it can attract pests)

11. II. Composting Dark, warm, with air and moisture for decomposers
2. Environment, Air and Moisture:
Dark, warm, with air and moisture for decomposers
Bins: Cuttings go in first bin and get rotated through periodically

12. III. Action
Learn the tools for TOOL QUIZ! You must pass to participate.
Work days (Safety Contract must be signed and Tool Quiz passed. Your work in the garden will be given a participation grade).
Weed, Add soil to garden beds, Repair and fill compost bins, Collect topsoil and subsoil samples for Soil Testing
Bring in some greens for composting (EX CRED), Wear yucky clothes for weeding