Originally Posted by FishermanTim (Post 772717)

:claps::claps::claps::claps::claps::claps::claps:

Well said!

I used to find it amusing when people would spend tons of money to get a "manicured lawn" that they NEVER set foot on, or play on. I guess the thought is that a "perfect" lawn is like a priceless picture: basically useless except to look at.

I can remember the tug-of-war I had with my parents when I started them on composting. Once it was set up, they couldn't believe how truly clean and simple it really was.
Collect organic kitchen waste: fruit cores and peels, coffee grounds, corn husks and cobs, moldy bread, egg shells (worms LOVE bread and egg shells) even old newspapers if you don't recycle.
I start off by digging a small pit and layering the materials in a brown/green/brown alternating fashion. after a couple of weeks, depending on how "inocculated" your soil is, the bateria and worms will be well on their way to creating some really great organic compost. Think of the best potting soil you can get for virtually nothing. All you need to do is turn the pile, which I do whenever I add new material, and sift whatever you plan on using (to remove large uncomposted pieces).

The only chemicals I use (on RARE occaisions) is to kill poison ivy.
I do make a mean bug spray from chewing tobacco and dish soap, but that's a different post entirely.