We practice three methods of "composting" in Granny's Gardens.  Each comes with its own teaching possibilities.

• At this time, most of our "waste" comes from leaves and garden debris.  We have such a large volume of this material that it is not practical to turn it by hand.  For the most part, we practice nature's way of passive "cold" composting. 
• In the future we hope to establish a whole school composting program that will capture food waste from the cafeterias through vermi composting.  At this time, though, our vermi composting is limited to bins in a number of classrooms. 

• Our third method of composting is the three bin "hot" method most touted for home use. We use this method for teaching purposes.

Benefits of Using Compost

• Although the soil surface appears solid, air moves freely in and out of it. The air in the upper 8 inches of a well-drained soil is completely renewed about every hour. 
• Improves the soil structure, porosity, and density, thus creating a better plant root environment. 
• Increases moisture infiltration and permeability of heavy soils, thus reducing erosion and runoff. 
• Improves water-holding capacity. 
• Supplies a variety of macro and micronutrients. 
• May control or suppress certain soil-borne plant pathogens. 
• Supplies significant quantities of organic matter. 
• Improves the ability of soil to hold nutrients for plant use. 
• Supplies beneficial micro-organisms to soils and growing media. 

Can bind and degrade specific pollutants.