You may have heard that compost is the key to a healthy garden, and feeding the soil is more important than feeding your plants. And if you don't garden, you've probably heard about composting as an eco-friendly way to live more sustainably and support the planet. That is why I dedicate an entire episode explaining what composting is and how it works.My guest, Michelle Balz, is a true composting guru who has written, not one, but two incredible books solely focused on this amazing soil amendment. By the end of our conversation, you'll understand exactly what compost is made of, how it benefits your garden's soil, why it's so great for the environment, and best of all—how to successfully compost both indoors and out.In this episode, we learn:[06:49] What has Michelle’s journey been in composting?[09:24] How many different composting systems does Michelle have in her home?[10:20] Compost vs soil vs potting mix[12:02] What makes compost so special?[13:53] How does composting benefit the environment, ourselves, and our gardens?[14:31] Carbon sequestration[15:40] Discover the secrets to attracting birds to your garden with 'Bird Friendly Gardening'![17:44] Skip the hassle of making your own compost with this organic Compost Blend![20:51] How does composting impact gardeners?[26:42] How does compost help support the mycorrhizae?[27:20] What can and cannot be composted?[29:52] Is the composting ratio important?[32:18] What do we need to know about anaerobic/aerobic composting?[34:17] Indoor composting[35:07] How does vermicomposting work?[36:55] How can compost be extracted without worms?[40:30] Bokashi composting[42:57] Terracotta pot composting[45:22] What are the best composting options for outdoor gardeners? (bin and in-garden systems)[49:27] How do you know when the compost is finished/ready?[50:13] What is the life cycle of composting, how long until the first batch, and how can you nurture it effectively?[01:01:23] What is Hügelkultur?[01:02:45] What is an African keyhole garden?[01:05:14] Where can you find Michelle's books and social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Lomi tabletop composterNo-Waste Composting: Small-Space Waste Recycling, Indoors and Out. Plus, 10 projects to repurpose household items into compost-making machines (No-Waste Gardening), book by Michelle BalzComposting for a New Generation: Latest Techniques for the Bin and Beyond, book by Michelle BalzFor Michelle's recommended composting methods,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: Bird-Friendly Gardening by Jen McGuinnessBring more wildlife and nature into your life with Jen McGuinness' Bird-Friendly Gardening: Guidance and Projects for Supporting Birds in Your Landscape. This book is an authoritative guide to planting a wildlife-welcoming home landscape filled with a diversity of native plants that feed, shelter, and support birds. With hundreds of North American bird species facing population decline or at risk of extinction, today is the perfect time to create a home-based habitat garden that offers birds the resources they need to safely feed, migrate, breed, and thrive.Grab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Espoma OrganicMake composting easier with Espoma Organic's Mushroom Compost Blend! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Follow Michelle:LinkedInInstagramXAmazonFollow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, I