Welcome to week 9 of delicious produce pick up. As usual, this week´s harvest is even larger than before. Mother Nature has yet again bestowed upon us the blessings of rain; creating happier fields and happier people! However, just as people need more than water for survival, plants also need nutritious food in order to become the healthy plants we enjoy each week. Which leads to the topic for the week: COMPOSTING!

Composting is simply the breakdown of organic matter into a natural plant fertilizer. Most of our compost is broken down by microbes in large heaps, such as those near the parking lot. These are occasionally turned to facilitate decomposition. Manure from the nearby stables is also spread on our fields, left to decompose, and eventually tilled into the top soil for added nutrients before crops are planted. We also have a composting worm village where red worms eat through organic matter to create rich, dark soil. The worm castings can also be used to create a compost tea which can be used to bring microorganisms back into the soil. Setting up worm composting, or vermicomposting, is also popular since it can be accomplished indoors.

Compost is essentially carbon and nitrogen, which are essential to any plant´s health. When planting, many of our crops receive a healthy dose of compost around the base of the plant for added nutrients. This will seep into the soil and feed the roots. Compost aids in suppressing plant disease and pests. Basically, compost is worth its weight in gold on a farm.

Sadly, about 85% of the nation´s municipal waste is considered organic material. You may be surprised by what you can throw into compost. Any food leftovers from plants such as rinds, stems, or even produce which is simply no longer tasty is perfect for composting. Yard clippings, such as grass and leaves, are also great for composing. Coffee grounds, recycled paper products (paper towels), used tea bags (no staples or strings), egg shells and even hair are all excellent composting materials. Please avoid composting animal products like meat or cheese, pet or human waste, weeds which have gone to seed, tobacco, or any inorganic material like plastic or metal. Any donations of compost are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off in the first compost heap across from the parking lot at Serenbe. In case the gate is not open, donations can be dumped into the trash can labeled "Compost" just outside the gate.

In order to become a more sustainable farm, we at Serenbe Farms encourage avoiding the use of fossil fuels, such as petroleum. Since petroleum is an ingredient in plastic bags, we encourage you to remember your green Serenbe bag for your weekly pickup. If you never received a green bag or would like to purchase another for $4, please see one of the Serenbe Farms associates. Other suggestions for picking up produce include coolers, plastic bins, boxes or even reused grocery store bags (which we´ll gladly take extras of).

From all of us at Serenbe Farms: Lauren, Mary, Matthew, R.J., Paige, mascot Niko, occasional Brock, volunteer Stephanie and chef extraordinaire Hilary!