Nothing is better than adding your own healthy, nutrient rich compost to you gardens and flower beds. With a few simple steps put into place you can have your own compost ready for planting within a few months.
Choose an inconspicuous area where you will place your compost container. You will want to create the right container or method to hold the mixture as it is turning to beneficial compost.
The lazy man’s way of composting is simply starting a heap or pile in a corner of the yard. Turning it frequently and keeping it moist. This is not a favored method. Another way is to simply dig a hole for composting underground. This keeps it out of sight but slightly harder to aerate when needed. Sheet composting is best done in Fall. Start with a thin layer of raw materials (such as leaves) and incorporate it into the soil of an already existent garden. This allows the material to compost over the winter months and you will not need to move the compost, it will already be in the area it is needed for. Try using a black plastic bin, such as a large lidded trash can.
A widely used and sturdy bin can be made from wooden pallets. Lie one solid pallet one the ground add support stakes into the ground by driving metal stakes into each side. Slide additional pallets over each support and you have a bin ready for use.
There are many different containers that can be purchased at stores. Tumblers, boxes, even worm towers. You decide what is easiest and most affordable for you.
General ideas and tips for composting : Grass clippings add necessary nitrogen to a compost pile, but mix with “brown” material that will add carbon. Together they make for quick decomposition and richer soil. Add shredded newspaper to your pile to increase decomposition speed. If adding ashes be sparing they affect the pH of the pile.
Do not use grass only. Do not compost fats, oils, pet droppings, or animal products. You will only attract wild animals and possibly spread disease.
The general process of proper decomposition is based on equal parts of Nitrogen and Carbon. Nitrogen comes from the green materials added to the pile such as food scraps, grass, and manure. The Carbon comes from dead leaves, hay, wood chips, and newspaper. Equal parts fo both create a healthy compost blend.
Make sure your bin is in the direct sunlight to promote decomposition and is aerated regularly. Add red worms you find while digging or purchase from a bait shop. Keep the pile moist like a wrung out sponge. Keep these simple steps in mind and you will soon have your own healthy, naturally beneficial compost. Use it in the garden, for the flowers, for the houseplants, but add it to already existing soil add a healthful additive. Once added, wait, let your plants grow, and enjoy the lush benefits of your handmade fertilizer.