In Granny's Gardens, we promote and practice a passive method of composting for most of our garden waste.  Passive composting is nature's way, it takes longer than actively mixing and turning the organic material but it gets the job done. 

• Mulching is the first step in passive composting.  Mulching is nature’s recycling system. Nature spreads thin layers of organic materials evenly over the surface of the soil. Year after year, season upon season, leaves and blades of grass mature, die, and fall to the ground. Soil organisms begin the process of decomposition. First molds, then bacteria, later earthworms and beetles all come to return organic matter back to the soil from which it came. In this process of natural mulching, topsoil is gradually created over time.

• Whenever possible, we aid in the process in our gardens.  When pulling weeds, for example, as long as it is not in flower or seed, it goes back into the garden.  Larger weeds should be cut 3-4" inch pieces and the pieces left in the gardens. Flowers and seed heads, can be removed and placed in the dumpster.

• When disposing of spoiled tomatoes or other produce, dig a hole in the garden or path and cover the produce with 4-5 inches of soil.  Leaving it exposed will draw unwanted insects and animals. Frequent harvesting should all but eliminate the need to dispose of produce.

In the fall, garden plants should be cut and spread in the garden.  Most of the material will have decomposed by spring.  The exception is plants that show sign of disease or insect damage.  These plants should be put in the dumpster.