Are you doing a good job composting? What composing-- you ask. The composting that I hope you are doing in your backyard. Composting is a "good thing."

Composting is good for the environment. When you compost, you divert solid waste that otherwise would have taken up landfill space. And we do not have a lot of landfill space left. So composting preserves valuable, ever-depleting landfill space.

Composting also improves soil quality, which makes plants healthier. Higher quality soil means that less fertilizer and less pesticides need to be added to the soil. The less we use these kinds of products, the better off our environment is. Fertilizers can run off into streams and lakes and cause environmental problems. And pesticides have a host of problems associated with their use, from fish and bird kills to making people sick.

Also, composting improves "soil structure." Better soil improves water drainage. When water drains properly, it seeps into the ground and feeds plants, which is another "good thing." Also, proper drainage avoids soil erosion. That is good as well.

Many materials can be turned into compost, including leaves yard clippings, and vegetable scraps. You can also add coffee grinds, sawdust and shredded paper. Avoid meat unless you want to attract crows and rats. Also avoid diseased plants.

Composting can be casual, and require very little effort. Or, it can be an intricate operation. To a large extent, the more work you put into composting, the better the end product. But, even a hole in the back yard will yield some compost. If you don't have a lot of time, you can still compost.

There are different kinds of composting methods which can be utilized. The first is called cold composting. Cold composting means dumping grass clippings and leaves in the ground. There is very little maintenance, but it takes almost a year. Shredded yard waste will enhance your yield.

If you have a little more time, then you might want to try hot composting. Hot composting generates heat, which accelerates the breakdown process. This means a quicker process, and the process might also kill harmful bacteria. Of course, beneficial bacteria may also be killed.

The hole needs to be at least three feet by three feet by three feet. Temperatures will range between 100 degrees and 160 - when you really have it cooking. There is an art to this. Materials should be added in certain, somewhat measured intervals. Many, many books will provide you with guidance. A lot of community colleges provide programs as well.

Are you ready for vermicomposting? This method relies on earth worm digestion, and produces a high quality product that can be mixed into soil. But, you need some real knowledge here -- you need to know what you are doing.

Composting can be used to support container gardening. Large particles should be removed, and the compost should be mixed with soil and added to the containers.

If you wish to grow vegetables and flowers, you can mix compost into your soil on an annual basis. Some suggest that two inches of compost should be spread around the garden and worked into six to eight inches of soil.

Compost is also valuable for growing shrubs and trees. Compost should be mixed into the soil around them. You may also wish to place mulch over the enriched soil.

Composting is big business and quality compost is commercially available. But, nothing beats home grown compost.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.