Why You Should Have a Compost Heap and How to Maintain It

You are likely to have a large amount of organic waste when you have landscaped property. Organic waste includes: grass clippings, dead plants, and dead leaves. If you're like most property owners, you spend a lot of time bagging and disposing of your organic waste. However, a savvy landscaper will view the organic waste as treasure, not trash. Use your organic waste as compost instead of throwing it away.

Believe it or not, the fertilizers or chemicals you can buy can actually pale in comparison to the organic waste you already have. The key to getting the benefit from your organic waste is decomposition. The decomposition takes place in a compost heap. Even your uneaten food can be converted to nutrient rich food for your plants. Once all your organic waste is fully decomposed it becomes top of the line nutrition for your garden, lawn, or trees to use for food.

The backyard is probably the best place for a compost heap. The first thing which comes to mind for most people when discussing compost heaps, is rotting garbage, and foul odors. However, so long as your compost heap is maintained correctly, there will be no bad odors. Compost heaps need plenty of oxygen. Compost heaps also need water applied to them.

The more space you have to devote to a compost heap, the better. Compost heaps work best when the organic waste can be spread out. If the compost heap pile is too high, it will not decompose properly. One idea is to convert the roof of your shed or tool shack into a compost heap. Of course, edges would have to be added to the sides, so the organic waste would not fall off. If you apply this method, you are able to get the compost heap out of the way, and you are utilizing space which otherwise would not be used for anything.

Once you collect all the organic waste, it is time to begin the decomposition process. You should moisten the entire pile with some water. The water helps the decomposition process. If at all possible, you should also try to cut the organic waste into smaller pieces. Decomposition will begin when the organic material meshes and compresses. Frequent aeration of the compost pile is advised. Aeration can be accomplished by using a shovel or an aeration tool to puncture holes into the decomposing organic material. This allows oxygen to permeate through the heap and accelerate the decomposition process

The most difficult decision about a compost pile is deciding where to put it. Admittedly, a compost heap is not a pretty site. Be sure to keep it out of view of your garden and/or lawn. As long as you moisten and aerate the compost heap you will not have odor problems. The benefits outweigh the disadvantages. You are able to recycle organic waste which normally would have been thrown away. It can also save you money. It saves you money on the costs associated with disposing of your organic waste, as well as saves you money on fertilizer costs. Your plants and your budget will thank you when you have compost to use.