There are so many great reasons to try composting! And this month, there are a number of free classes available to get you started. Check out our Events Page for a complete list of classes this month.

For those who wonder whether it’s really worth it to invest time and effort into composting, here are a few good reasons to turn to composting:

• Compost provides nutrients that plants need to grow and to thrive, and provides them in a form that is easily available for plants to absorb.   In addition to the main three nutrients -nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, compost also provides important micronutrients such as manganese, copper, iron, and zinc.
  

• Want to eliminate the need for pesticides in your garden?  Healthy plants are less susceptible to disease and pests, and compost can make a difference in helping to ensure healthy plants. 
  

• Compost builds soil structure unlike soils that are damaged by relying on synthetic fertilizers.   The good soil structure that compost provides allows air and water circulation that keeps plants healthy. 
  

• Good soil structure provides habitat for beneficial bacteria, fungi and earthworms that all work to provide nutrients which plants need. 
  

• Good soil structure also provides habitat for beneficial insect predators that keep plant pests under control. 
  

Compost certainly deserves to be called Black Gold!  

Happy Gardening!! For more information, please see our Composting Page.

 By Les Kishler, former Agroecology, Chemistry, Biology teacher:  Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District.  Currently supervisor of the Los Gatos Community Garden.