So, your going to be a Dad soon, huh?  Congratulations!  Whether this is your first, or you're a Veteran Dad, I have something to tell you:

Don't let Mom-to-Be give birth without a doula.  Why?  Wait--- What in the world is a "doula", anyway?  A doula is someone who offers non-medical physical, emotional, and educational support before, during, and after labor.

A doula is specially trained to support you & Mom by:

1) Helping you choose a Doctor or Midwife whom is able to best support you and your partner's needs/wants for a healthy birth.

2) Answering questions and concerns about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, or newborn care that your OB or Midwife might not have the time to answer or may not know the answer to.

3) Explaining the pros and cons of various interventions and medical procedures to help you make an informed decision

4) Helping you and your partner decide what is most important to you during birth, and putting it into words on a "birth plan".

5) Teaching and implementing various methods of relaxation (breathing, focus, visualization, music, aromatherapy) and comfort techniques (massage, touch, positions for labor and pushing) for use during labor.

6) Assisting with breastfeeding and newborn questions immediately after birth as well as during a postpartum visit.

7) and much more!

OK, sounds great for Mom, right?  But what's in it for you - the Dad?

Saturday, Oct. 30 event to spruce up future greenway at Percy Priest Lake

La Vergne, Tenn. – The City of La Vergne and the Nashville Clean Water Project are joining forces for a lake-side community Clean-Up at Percy Priest Lake, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. Choked by garbage that flowed in from the early May floods, the clean up will take place along the old road bed near the Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp, off Stones River Road in La Vergne.

Advance registration is encouraged at www.CleanPercyPriest.org.  Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. with the actual clean-up beginning at 9:30 a.m. A complimentary hotdog lunch will be provided after the event for participating volunteers.

The Nashville Clean Water Project is an ongoing, volunteer-based project started in 2007 to combat trash and dumping problems at Percy Priest Lake. The effort has amassed strong corporate support from the likes of Waste Management, Bridgestone Americas, Envolve Strategies, Team Green/Lightning 100, and others with acute interests in environmental, sustainable and community initiatives.

Organizers of this cleanup are seeking Scout troops, churches, school groups, as well as individuals to help make the area more attractive.

"The old road bed is a part of the proposed greenway system within the city," said Parks and Recreation Department Director Robin Grubb. "We have been working with the Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) on making this trail a reality for our system. It's a beautiful area with lots of scenic spots that will allow people to enjoy walking while coming into contact with nature. With the help of the Nashville Clean Water Project volunteers, we are hoping to make this more aestetically pleasing for hikers, hunters and fishers alike."

Grubb said that the trash along the trail usually flows up onto land during high water and that the debris left from the May flooding has really littered the area with all types of trash.

Mark Thien, co-organizer of the Nashville Clean Water Project, said the service-minded group has been quick to step up: "When the city of La Vergne inquired about a partnership, we suspected folks from the surrounding Middle Tennessee communities would support their public green spaces initiative. Sixty volunteers have pre-registered which is fantastic, but the project could still benefit from a bunch more."

Grubb said that the clean up of this trail is important for the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.

"As a part of our parks system, we have proposed five to 10 miles of greenways around the city, eventually tying in with Smyrna's and Nashville's greenways," she said. "The Parks and Recreation Department knows that it's important to have trails around the city on which to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. We are actively working on making our proposal a reality in the near future."

Pre-registration is encouraged for a well-organized event and will continue through midnight Friday, October 29 at www.CleanPercyPriest.org.   Day-of registration will begin at 9 a.m at Hurricane Creek Recreation Area off Stones River Road, in La Vergne.

(ARA) - Gardening is becoming more popular than ever, thanks to a number of converging circumstances, including the First Lady's planting of a White House organic garden. Because of the sagging economy, people want to save money anywhere they can, and vegetable gardening is a great way to save money on foods that can be costly. Additionally, more and more people want to live a "green" lifestyle, and you can't get more local than picking vegetables right in your back yard. Plus, when you start an organic garden, it's even more environmentally friendly.

When you start on your way to growing healthy garden fruits and vegetables, keep in mind that tending an organic garden has special requirements and poses some different challenges than conventional gardens do. However, the increased popularity of organic gardening has led to some great innovative products that can help you maintain your plot without adding harmful chemicals.

Whether you live within city limits or in a more bucolic setting, it's always fun to see wildlife - just not when they're munching on your zucchini or stealing your strawberries. For most organic gardeners, the goal is to get rid of overly curious garden guests, but without forcing them to ingest poisons or other chemicals that can hurt them.

One of the most trusted ways to keep a strictly organic garden free from unwelcome animal browsers is with the Swedish-developed, garden pest repellent Plantskydd (pronounced "plant-skid" - a Swedish word meaning "plant-protection"). Sweden's reputation as a rigorously green-minded country comes through in these non-toxic repellents, which were the first deer and rabbit repellents to be listed by the USDA-approved Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI), as "suitable for use in the production of food and fiber." Plantskydd's 100 percent organic ingredients make it safe to use around pets and children, but it's also effective in that it won't wash away in the rain, giving your garden longer-lasting protection.

Claude Boisvert, president of Tree World Plant Care Products, Inc., says Plantskydd does double duty as a garden pest repellent and fertilizer. "Because it's a blood meal-derived product, it provides the nutrients necessary for plants to grow strong and produce abundantly, in addition to repelling garden pests like deer and rabbits," Boisvert says. "It's been lauded for its repelling effectiveness by forestry experts, the National Home Gardening Club, as well as soil and water conservation districts throughout the United States."

Other ways to protect your garden include putting netting over the plants that birds, rabbits and other critters favor. Look for netting with small holes that you can spread over strawberry patches, or wire that you can circle around delicate vegetables.

When selecting solutions for feeding or protecting your garden, be sure to do your research and find out the true certification status of products you buy. As the move toward growing one's own organic food becomes mainstream, some repellent manufacturers, who use non-certified ingredients, use terms such as "all natural," or "environment friendly" on package labels in an attempt to associate their products with this "organic" trend. OMRI continues to be a good resource for learning about which products are truly safe and organic.

If you're concerned about your family's health and that of the planet, planting an organic garden is the way to go. You'll not only be able to harvest delicious, nutritive foods right in your backyard, but you'll also be doing your part to foster a healthier environment.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Cool Beans is located at 417 N Thompson Ln in Murfreesboro. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily from Monday – Thursday 12:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday - Saturday 11:00 am-10:00 pm and Sunday 10:30 am-8:00 pm, Cool Beans is available for dine-In, carry out or catering delivery for your family, home or office needs. Phone – (615) 410-3769.

The Senator - $6.75

Cleanliness ___ 8
Price ________ 8.5
Ambiance ____ 8.5
Service ______ 6
Food ________ 8.5
Overall _____ 7.9

Murfreesboro, TN: I’ve got to hand out a Hobbi for most creative restaurant name. Cool Beans. I mean, that’s just fun. It makes me want to do a salsa dance. Or drink a cup of coffee. No wait, anything makes me want to drink coffee. With a name as catchy as Cool Beans, building a restaurant in Murfreesboro and calling themselves an Italian Bistro, some investigation was necessary.

Brianna Walley of Center Pointe Development met me at Cool Beans shortly after one. The restaurant was wide open on the inside with many different varieties of seating. In some areas, seats were much closer offering a feeling of companionship to the people around you. In others, tables were a bit more spread out allowing you to be focused on your table without being distracted by others around you. Our server (I believe her name was Lisa, she didn’t say) made sure we had our food, but that was about the only compliment I can give her. She was texting on the floor and I honestly felt as though I was an inconvenience to her.

That is my only complaint about Cool Beans. The food was actually quite good. It looked great and tasted very good. Brianna loved her soup… I did too. The sandwich was well put together. The texture, presentation and preparation were really top notch. Price was pretty good for the quality and amount of food. I tried to eat as much bread as possible and was able to take some of the sandwich home. By the way, it reheats well.

I think you should definitely go try Cool Beans. Try them on a night with live music. Take a date. Take a friend. Spend some time and enjoy yourself. While you are in Murfreesboro, you should try this place at least once. It’s a restaurant that has set out to do something unique and I believe that they have done it.

**Want us to check out your restaurant or have an idea of where we could find our next great review? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .**

Murfreesboro, TN - When Murfreesboro native Vicki Lewis and Californian Chris Gibson partnered in April 2009 to see how much of a fuel mileage increase they could get on their 1994 Nissan Quest mini-van, they discovered that a combination of efficient driving habits, a green tune-up and minor modifications made a noticeable difference. They increased their fuel mileage 25-30% above the stock mileage.

Because of this success, Vicki and Chris decided to form Green Driving Solutions to share ways drivers can improve fuel mileage, reduce emissions, save money on vehicle maintenance costs and make their vehicles’ last.

“Fewer people are buying new cars these days. Most drivers want to make their vehicles’ more fuel-efficient and last longer,” Gibson says. “In most other countries,

drivers own their vehicles longer than in the U.S. Sometimes a keeper is cheaper. Now, there are so many devices on the market that say they can improve fuel mileage. Some work and some don’t. We created Green Driving Solutions to share with drivers proven and cost-effective ways to increase fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity.” Chris Gibson has been a mechanic for over 20 years. He also has a lot of experience in increasing fuel efficiency.

Vicki says. “Both Chris and I enjoy road trips throughout Tennessee and to Florida’s Gulf Coast, but we were concerned about our van’s emissions and how much money we were spending on gas. I also understand that Tennessee is looking for ways to reduce air pollution. I know that there are little things that we can all do to make a difference.”

Vicki and Chris believe most any car can be more efficient. They even made a 90 minute DVD called “Fuel Saving Tips and Strategies.” They also teach green driving workshops to educate drivers and mechanics about increasing fuel efficiency and vehicle life to save money while reducing emissions to improve the air quality for all.

To learn more about Green Driving Solutions, visit www.greendrivingsolutions.com

Murfreesboro is full of unique businesses and business partners. Neighbors become friends and friends become entrepreneurs. That’s exactly how Jeff Proctor and David Bates met and eventually established American Solar.

Originally started as a roofing company, American Solar has developed into a one stop shop for alternative energy. They are the only 5 star certified distributor and installer of Velux products in Middle Tennessee.

“We have spent the last couple of years learning what the best of the best is,” explained David.

Jeff is the CEO of American Solar. He moved to Murfreesboro in 1986 and graduated from Riverdale High School. He then furthered his education in Rutherford County and went on to graduate from MTSU. “I have always loved the hometown feel of Murfreesboro,” said Jeff.

Jeff is an avid sports fan with season Predators tickets. He is also a golf enthusiast, hitting the course whenever he gets the chance.

“I love that Murfreesboro is such a field of opportunity. An individual that is honest and does what he says can really make it in this town,” commented Jeff.

David joined the team in 2003, and is now Vice President of Operations with American Solar. Also a graduate from MTSU, Murfreesboro is the first place David ever really called home.

“My father was in the military, and I had lived in 18 different places by the age of 18. I love staying in one place for a change,” David explained.

Quite the talented musician, David learned to play the piano by age 5, the guitar at age 7 and both the bass and drums by age 12. Taught only by his mother and himself, David now has a home studio where in his spare time he records music for video games.

“Murfreesboro really has any amenity that you might need with the convenience of Nashville being right next door,” David mentioned.

If you know someone you feel should be our featured local of the week, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

(ARA) - The beginning of a new year - and a new decade - is the time many people pledge to live differently. For many, that change means living a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability, once only a buzz word, is now fast becoming the way to live consciously.

From reducing your water usage to buying organic, here are 10 simple ways to make 2010 the year of sustainable living:

1. Use water more efficiently: Water is a limited resource and limiting it within your household is a cornerstone of sustainability. Rain barrels, largely unheard of even a decade ago, are becoming a popular way to collect and reuse rainwater for purposes like gardening.  Meanwhile, conserving water in the home by taking shorter showers or even fixing a leaky faucet also can make a difference at a time when many communities are experiencing water shortages or are expressing concerns about water overuse.

2. Compost: Turning over leaves by way of a new compost garden is one way to live a more sustainable lifestyle. A compost heap is a simple, effective way to collect yard waste, like leaves and grass clippings, and kitchen scraps such as raw vegetable peelings and coffee grounds, and return them to the ground as organic matter.

3. Seek earth-friendly packaging: To better fill that compost heap, alter shopping habits to look for products with compostable packaging. Snyder's of Hanover, for instance, recently introduced a new Pretzel Variety Sack of 100-Calorie Pretzels and Pretzel Sandwiches in the market's first 100 percent compostable outer package made from 100 percent renewable cornstarch-based plastic.  The new Variety Sack includes a special logo indicating that the bag can be composted and is made with sustainable materials. In addition to that example, more manufacturers are switching to cardboard packaging materials, which are made from renewable materials and can be recycled or composted.

4. Buy local, embrace organic: Many farmers, ranchers and, increasingly, food manufacturers, are offering foods and beverages made using sustainable practices. It could be a farmers market tomato, a local dairy's milk, an organic snack food, like new Organic Honey Whole Wheat Sticks and Organic Whole Wheat and Oat Sticks from Snyder's of Hanover, or any number of natural or organic items. The bottom line is that natural, organic and locally produced foods provide both sustenance and sustainability. To learn more about Snyder's of Hanover's sustainability initiatives visit www.snydersofhanover.com/Sustainability/.

5. Go to seed: Take the locally grown movement a step further - like in your own backyard or patio.  An afternoon spent planting seeds or small plants can yield plenty of rewards a few weeks or months later, in the form of fresh, inexpensive and convenient vegetables and fruits.  You don't need a large tract of land, in fact, to start a small  garden.

6. Ride out the trend:  Sustain your own energy level by opting to ride a bike or walk to a destination that isn't all that far away. Add a basket to a bike or take along a backpack to bring something back home.

7. Re-recycle: Recycling is nothing new and most people have been recycling in some form for years. But recycling can be taken to another level, going beyond obvious and traditionally recycled items like soda cans or newspaper to the smallest of waste materials, from plastic straws to the paper straw wrapper. Why not recycle apparel as well, by donating clothes and buying gently used clothes?

8. Plug in: Learn how to operate appliances more efficiently.  For example, use cold water in the washing machine: clothes will still be cleaned, without the use of heated water. Turn off appliances when not in use, whether it's the television, video game player or radio. Better yet, completely unplug. Many electronics and battery chargers continue to draw a small amount of power even when they are switched off. Instead, use a power strip to cut power completely when not in use.

9. Lighten up: Use energy efficient lighting and bulbs when possible and turn off lights when not in a room. That will cut energy use - and the family budget.

10. Get involved: As the sustainability movement gains traction among the public, there are more opportunities to join in. Local communities, schools and organizations often have green committees, and there is a plethora of national and grassroots organizations geared around earth-friendly living that appreciate new volunteers or members.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - From hardy hybrids to stylish, smart gardens, spring 2010 promises exciting new plants and products for garden lovers everywhere.

"People want easy plants and products that are attractive and good for the environment and perform well in their gardens," says Susan McCoy, garden writer and trend spotter. "And that's what the new plants and products this spring will deliver."

McCoy reveals a few of her favorite garden superstars for spring that will chase away those winter blahs as you get ready to get your hands back in the earth and garden.

Next big thing for small gardens  
McCoy loves the newest Drift Roses from The Conard-Pyle Co., introducer of the famous Knock Out family of roses. A cross between full-size groundcover roses and miniatures, both Sweet Drift and Apricot Drift Roses offer delicate, double flowers and continuous blooming throughout the season. With exceptional disease resistance and winter hardiness, these low-maintenance beauties are the perfect choice for small gardens or along paths and walkways.

Get a jump on spring
Looking to get a jump on spring planting? McCoy suggests FreezePruf - a revolutionary new spray from the Liquid Fence Company (www.liquidfence.com) - that may be the "holy grail" for gardeners. Developed by botanists, FreezePruf protects your lush flower baskets, veggies, herbs and favorite plants from late spring frost/freeze and ice crystal damage. This non-toxic spray can increase a plant's cold tolerance from 2.2 to 9.4 degrees (depending on the plant variety and the length of the frost/freeze event) and give gardeners about two additional weeks of growing and harvesting in spring and fall. It's almost like moving your garden 200 miles further south.

Tickled pink
Pink is the new blue. The first-ever pink blueberry (www.briggsnursery.com) - Vaccinium 'Pink Lemonade' from Briggs Nursery - is one of the most exciting new plants McCoy has seen in years and is a must-have for your garden. 'Pink Lemonade' provides delicious, sweet fruit rich in anti-oxidants, plus four seasons of color: pinkish-white flowers in spring, bright pink fruit in summer, great fall color and dusky auburn stems in winter. Growing about 5 feet around, this showy ornamental looks great as a hedge border or stand-alone shrub with the added benefit of luscious fruit in your cereal or pies - or by the handful. For more information or where to purchase visit www.briggsnursery.com.

Go native, go local
Native plants are clearly the next big thing in gardening, and it's easy to go native with American Beauties native plants (www.ABNativePlants.com). These native shrubs, trees, vines, grasses and perennials are hand-picked for their beauty and low-maintenance, making it simple to attract bees, birds and butterflies to a backyard habitat. The wildlife will appreciate the food and shelter, and when you purchase them, a contribution is made to the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat program (www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife).

Catch daylily fever
Daylily fever is contagious and you're likely to catch the bug as you fall in love with the new fire-engine-red daylily from Centerton Nursery. McCoy digs this new, hardy, early and repeat bloomer - Jersey Earlybird 'Cardinal'- bred by world-renown daylily hybridizer, Dr. Darrel Apps. This easy-care daylily offers early-blooming great color and reblooms multiple times throughout the season. It's pest- and drought-resistant and is perfect in beds, borders and containers. Check it out at www.centertonnursery.com and earlybirddaylily.com.

Smart and simple
Want to bring the outdoors in and grow fresh herbs (www.fertileearth.com) and vegetables in the kitchen or on the balcony? McCoy loves Simple Gardens, the innovative new plant system from Fertile Earth that comes with soil, seeds and a how-to guide packed in stylish square containers. Perfect for indoor gardens or to start seeds. They come in a variety of hip colors and make wonderful gifts. Now it's a snap to grow kitchen gardens in any bright spot -- just add water.

Grow 'em right
The new Organic Mechanics Planting Mix (www.organicmechanicsoil.com) is like having all the goodness of compost in a bag. At planting time, just mix in the nutrient-rich planting mix to revitalize your garden soil. It helps retain moisture and accelerates root-zone establishment for healthier trees, shrubs, fruits, veggies and flowers. Get it this spring in Mid-Atlantic garden centers and Whole Foods stores.

Outdoor designer decor
McCoy loves the latest "designer" doormats from Imports Unlimited (www.wholesaledoormats.com). Made from 100 percent natural coco and mainly recycled rubber, these environmentally friendly eco-mats come in array of popular designs and colors. With over 180 unique patterns to choose from, adding your own personal style, whether it's formal, classical or whimsical, to your outdoor space is now easy and affordable.

All that jazz
For every rose lover, McCoy has discovered a new spray and way to keep roses healthy and strong. Jaz Rose Spray (www.jazsprays.com) naturally reduces damage from disease and common environmental stresses. This new plant-strengthening spray with jasmonate -- which occurs naturally in plants - provides increased resistance to disease, drought, and temperature extremes. Recently endorsed by the American Rose Society (ARS), Jaz Rose Spray boosts your plant's natural resistance to environmental stress and encourages vigorous roots, growth and blooms. For more information visit www.gardenmediagroup.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel typically must select the style, the quality of craftsmanship and the materials that meet their unique values and project goals. With the pressing need to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources, green remodeling continues to gain in popularity.

"Incorporating green elements into a kitchen remodel is no longer considered just a passing fad, but a way of life," says Dick Titus, executive vice president of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA). "Homeowners feel a social responsibility to choose products that are safe for the environment and their family's welfare."

Kitchen cabinets could take up as much as half of a kitchen renovation budget, so it's vital for homeowners wanting to "green" their kitchens to choose a quality cabinet manufacturer with roots in environmental sustainability. KCMA's Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) can simplify the quest. ESP enables cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and helps consumers easily identify environmentally friendly products. After meeting the certification requirements in areas such as product resource management, air quality, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations, companies earn the ESP seal to display on their products. As a criterion in the NAHB Green Building Standard, the first ANSI approved green building rating system for residential construction in the U.S., ESP sets the standard for homeowners looking to integrate affordable eco-friendly cabinets into their home.

ESP encourages the following practices by awarding points to manufacturers who qualify:

Certified by a recognized sustainable forestry program

Wood products, especially cabinets, are an environmentally friendly choice for a number of reasons. One reason is that wood is a naturally renewable resource, meaning new trees will grow in place of those that have already been harvested. ESP certification awards points to manufacturers who use wood in their cabinets that is certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program. Programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) put a label on their wood products to show consumers that the resources removed from the forest are at a level the forest is capable of renewing without damaging its future. In doing so, these practices preserve the environment and valuable forest resources.

Use of materials with low levels of formaldehyde

To earn points in ESP's air quality category, manufacturers must prove that 80 percent of particleboard, medium density fiberboard, hardboard and plywood used in the cabinets meet the low formaldehyde emissions level of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Compwood ATCM. Such materials must be third-party certified by a CARB-approved lab to meet low formaldehyde emission standards. The CARB Compwood ATCM is the lowest formaldehyde standard in the world.  Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance that can be produced by the human body.  It is ubiquitous and a component of hundreds of consumer items.

Eco-friendly manufacturing process

When shopping for eco-friendly cabinets, it is important to not only examine the cabinets, but also the process that was used to manufacture them. Criteria for process resource management includes that the manufacturer have an active recycling program for wastes, an energy-conservation program or another form of environmental-management system. On top of conserving resources, these practices can reduce the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and aid in decreasing landfills, all of which have clear societal benefits.

Commitment to the environment and community

When purchasing ESP certified cabinets, homeowners can rest assured that the manufacturer is committed to both the environment and their community. ESP's environmental stewardship criteria require that the manufacturer have a written policy stating a firm commitment to protect the environment. The community relations category encourages the manufacturer to demonstrate community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations and observe all federal, state and local environmental requirements.

With almost  150 ESP certified cabinetry companies to choose from, homeowners have the ability to select environmentally responsible cabinetry tailored to their needs, no matter their price, style, finish and wood preference - just look for the ESP seal located on the base cabinet. For more information and tips on "greening" the home and finding environmentally friendly cabinetry visit www.greencabinetsource.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form of recycling - composting - for about as long as people have tilled the soil. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.

Start your compost pile now, before winter settles in, and come spring you'll have a jump on nutrient-rich compost to help your garden produce its best harvest. Composting happens by itself through natural decay and the breakdown of organic matter. Depending on your local climate, the composting process may not be fully completed with useable humus or compost until temperatures warm up.

"Composting is easy and can be done for as little as $10 - or even free if you build your own bin," says Bruce Augustin, senior director in research and development with Scotts. "It's a great way to provide essential nutrients to your soil, while recycling kitchen and yard waste, which helps keep refuse out of landfills."

It's easy to get started composting: find a bin, gather materials, build your pile and compost. Augustin offers the following easy-to-follow steps for getting started:

Begin with a bin

Containing your compost pile in a bin saves space, hastens decomposition and helps keep the pile neat. You can find many pre-made compost bins at home centers and garden stores. Or, you can build your own from plans found on the Internet with materials around your home.

Gather materials

There are two main sources of materials for your compost pile - your yard and your kitchen. From the yard, you can gather leaves, grass and plant clippings, and shrub or tree trimmings. From the kitchen, add fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds (including the filters), tea bags and eggshells. It's okay to toss in shredded newspaper (not colored or shiny newsprint since these don't decompose readily), but avoid meat scraps, bones, dairy products, grease or pet or human waste since these can all harbor harmful bacteria.

Build your pile

You should build your pile in layers, starting with a 4- to 6-inch layer of coarse material such as twigs or shrub clippings. Then, add on 3 to 4 inches of grass clippings. Next, add another 4- to 6-inch layer of leaves or garden debris and soak with water; moisture will help the microbes decompose the material faster. You can modify this order as needed, depending on the types of materials you have. After a few layers, be sure to add a 1-inch layer of garden soil, such as Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Flowers and Vegetables.

Maintain compost

"A high-nitrogen fertilizer like Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, spread over each layer of your compost pile, will help the composting process by creating a favorable nitrogen to carbon ratio," says Augustin. Remember to turn or aerate the pile periodically to help move material from the outside closer to the center of the pile, where it will heat up and decompose faster. During the winter - depending on the region where you live - the center of the pile is where decomposition will take place, and adding water to keep the pile moist will aid the process.

Your compost will be ready to use once it has turned dark and crumbly, and gives off an earthy odor. Add the compost to your garden soil to help nourish your plants.

"Composting is not only beneficial for your garden, but it's also an easy, satisfying way to do something good for the environment," Augustin says.

For more tips on composting and other aspects of gardening and lawn care, visit www.Scotts.com. of ARAcontent

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