Composting

Composting

Composting is the process of turning discarded organic material into a nutrient rich, natural fertilizer. It is a really great way to recycle yard and kitchen waste, and goes a far way in reducing the garbage sent to landfills for disposal.

How to Compost

Composting is a very cheap and easy process to learn. The first step is clearing a patch of ground. Another option is to use a composting bin, which will help to keep your pile neater, and will discourage animals if you are planning on composting food. The best ground for a compost pile or bin will be slightly elevated, and have excellent drainage and air circulation. Partial shade is also a good option to avoid overheating. In order to get to optimum composing temperature, the compost heap should be at least one cubic yard, i.e. 3 feet wide, 3 feet across, and 3 feet tall.

After preparing your location, separate waste into piles of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ organic matter. Green waste is high in nitrogen and will activate the heat process in your compost – it includes things such as vegetable scraps, fruit, fresh grass clippings, and manure from herbivores. Brown waste has a high concentration of carbon, and serves as the fiber for your compost– it includes things such as leaves, dried grass, and twigs. Start heap with a layer of brown waste and leave some airspace at the bottom – this will help with drainage and airflow. Build alternating layers of brown and green waste. You can make each layer as thick or as thin as you’d like, however the best method is to use thin layers of green material (2-4 inches) and thicker layers of brown materials (5-7 inches). If you don’t have green waste available when building your pile, you can add manure from a herbivore or even soil from another part of your yard as an activator.

You can aid the process by turning the pile once per week. Throw in some water or wet, green materials if it seems too dry, or dry, brown materials if the pile seems too wet. Besides this, the only thing left to do is wait and allow nature to take its course.

Benefits to Composing

Yard and kitchen waste make up 30% of the garbage that is dumped in landfills. Composting your kitchen and yard trimmings helps to keep that waste from the landfill, water paths and water treatment facilities.

Quite possibly, the most significant benefit of composting it that it gives you a free supply of natural fertilizer for your yard and garden, this benefits both your pocket and the environment. Compost is extremely beneficial to your soil; it contains nutrients that your plants will really thrive on. Compost also helps to retain water in your soil, thereby reducing erosion. Mix compost with your soil as you prepare your garden beds for planting. You can also use compost to top-dress the soil around the bases of your plants.