I can't believe I had forgotten about this post but, I had only been here a few months and hadn't learned all I know now. Thanks for the bump BananaAddict
What a difference a year makes. For me I think Koeppels book should be required reading at least for the non scientists among us. I found it thoroughly entertaining and educational as well. The first few chapters worth the price of the book itself. No I never met him or have any agenda other than for "regular " folks here to learn a lot in as little time as possible.
Mitchel I throw every peel in the compost and haven't had any issues yet. The only thing I really don't compost is old tomato vines as all sorts of blights are pretty much endemic here. Even so this was a particulary bad year (even making the news) for late blight and I never got it. I think because I've eliminated overhead watering altogether and use a straw muclh preventing soil from splashing up on to the plants even during the heaviest rains.