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Illustration of Composting

Composting

Composting is the managed process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps

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The story

The Secret of the Yummy Dirt

I am a secret superhero for your garden! I take your leftover apple cores, banana peels, and crunchy fall leaves. I munch them all up, getting warm and cozy while I work. I turn yucky, leftover stuff into yummy food for the soil, making it dark, soft, and full of goodness for new plants.

Hello! My name is Composting, and people have known my secret for a very long time. Thousands of years ago, way before there were castles, farmers noticed something magical. They saw how old leaves and fallen branches disappeared into the ground in the forest, and they noticed the dirt there was perfect for growing food. So, they started making their own piles of leaves, weeds, and leftover food. They learned that if they waited, I would turn it all into special, rich dirt that helped their plants grow big and strong so everyone had plenty to eat.

Today, you can help me work my magic right in your backyard or in a special bin! When you give me your food scraps, you’re not throwing them away. You’re helping me make a super-food for gardens, parks, and farms. I help keep our planet clean by turning trash into treasure. I am Composting, and I love helping the Earth grow!

Wow facts

About

Composting is the managed process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a rich soil amendment called compost.

First documented use 2334 BCE
Described by Pliny the Elder 77 CE
Development of Indore Method 1924 CE
Popularization in the U.S. 1942 CE

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Composting
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