Black Gold: Converting Banana Peels into Spring’s Delightful Soil - by Susan Tucker

I am a consumer … no, really, a CONSUMER. I am truly amazed at how much waste we produce in our household. I’ve been feeling pretty guilty about it, but without taking drastic measures I wasn’t sure what we could do to minimize our footprint. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the ReSource booth at the Sustainable Resources Fair in Ft. Collins last fall that I found the answer - by way of a beautiful, plastic, black bin.

Ah-ha, composting! Don’t get me wrong, I have heard of composting, and all the glories of it, but figured my thumb was too black to even try it out. However, after a quick chat with the ReSource guy, coupled with an inexpensive price tag, I knew I HAD to get started, and right away!

I set up our newest addition at the back of the house in its own cute little compact spot. I poured over the instructions and promptly got started collecting leaves, twigs and kitchen scraps. As with my million other projects, my husband just stood by – shaking his head, mind you - as I gushed and gushed about how wonderful it’s going to be and how I’m going to take good care of it and how it’s going to be the “best soil ever!”

I’m proud to say that four months and several hundred banana peels into the process my hard work is paying off and I can’t wait for spring! Upon last rotation, I was amazed to see fluffy, beautiful soil beginning to form. What an incredible feeling. And, best of all, our waste is down and my husband is finally seeing an end result to one of my many projects!

If you’re interested in starting a compost pile, please do your homework – there is an art to making black gold. Here are some things I’ve learned:

1) No need for fancy equipment. A large plastic container with holes and a lid will work just fine.
2) Place your bin in the sun so your ingredients can “cook.”
3) There are many materials you can include in your pile (do your research!), but the most important ratio to remember is 3:1 – three parts “brown” to one part “green.”
4) Turn it once a week. I use an old shovel and just get in there and flip it all around like batter.
5) Don’t let it get too dry or too wet. A nice mix of materials can prevent that from happening.
6) And, most importantly, have fun. You’re recycling in the best way you can!

Find out more about composting in the Fall 2006 issue of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine or at www.compostguide.com.