During warm weather, a certain type of bacterium known to flourish in compost can cause pneumonia. Gardeners can contract diseases from compost by breathing infected dust or water droplets, or by ingesting dirt on their hands in small amounts. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be viral or bacterial in nature. It is the most common fatal disease worldwide after heart disease. Compost is the combination of organic waste such as vegetable scraps, fruit cores, and manure that accelerates the decay process and creates beneficial soil for plants. Properly made compost is safe to use in gardens or on houseplants. Composting is a great way to recycle organic material and create natural fertilizer for your yard or garden. The key is to include plenty of carbon-rich materials such as wood chips, sawdust, and bread boards, and avoid adding nitrogen-rich substances such as meat, dairy products, and urine. These will make compost heat up and stink over time. If you are interested in learning more about gardening and its benefits, consider joining a community garden project or taking advantage of free resources available online. There are many nonprofit organizations that help connect people with land to grow food or provide other services related to agriculture. Some offer lessons and workshops on how to start your own farm, while others provide only land for planting.