How to Compost: A Beginners Guide
When you first begin you must plot out a space approximately 3x3 then decide if you want an enclosed bin or an open pile. Third you pick a material to build your bin or you can even buy a pre-made bin.
Some of the most common materials are:
§ Old pallets
§ Lumber
§ Cinder blocks
§ Steel posts with wire
Once you have decided this and your bin is built (remember its best not to have a floor) its time to compost. While composting you may want to keep a small container under your sink to make trips to the compost bin less frequent. When composting it is also good to remember things high in nitrogen are good green waste and things high in carbon are good brown waste. A good compost bin will have a mixture of both.
Good examples of green compost are:
§ Green leaves
§ Vegetable peels
§ Fruits
§ Rinsed seaweed and kelp
§ Thin layers of grass and lawn clippings
Good examples of brown compost are:
§ Dead leaves
§ Crushed eggshells
§ Thin layers of straw or hay
§ Non chemically treated wood chips and saw dust
§ Corn cobs/ stalks
Other things you can compost:
§ Coffee grounds
§ Tea bags
§ Garden soil
§ Chicken manure
However there are some things that are not feasible for your compost because it could carry disease or draw rodents and pests.
What not to compost:
§ Meat
§ Fatty foods
§ Milk and milk products
§ Bones
§ Diseased plants
§ Weeds
§ Human waste
§ Pet waste
When you have a compost pile you should use a garden rake or shovel to turn your pile so you can keep air throughout, however, if you want a fairly maintenance free compost bin you can add red worms and they will continually turn the compost for you. A well mixed compost will have a consistency of a just wrung sponge.
Benefits of composting:
§ Great soil conditioner
§ Adds nutrients to soil
§ Recycles kitchen and yard waste
§ Introduces beneficial organisms to soil
§ Reduces landfill waste
§ Good for the environment
By composting you can help the environment and grow a great organic garden for your family.
Published by Rebecca Gore
I enjoy writing and spending time with family and friends View profile
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2 Comments
Post a Commentthanks for the tips !
Interesting article about how to compost...thanks for sharing!