Composting at home is good for the environment. Not only does it provide a nutrient-rich amendment for the soil in the garden or flower beds, composting also reduces the amount of waste that must be hauled to a landfill. Most everyone, even folks with a tiny garden, can find a place to compost.

Composting is not difficult. Basically, a compost pile is comprised of carbon and nitrogen. The carbon component breaks down slowly and is supplied by dry materials such as fallen leaves and dead plants. The nitrogen comes from green materials that break down quickly such as grass clippings or weeds. For the best compost, a mix of the two is needed. Items that should never be added to a compost pile include meat and dairy products or human and animal waste.

There are a variety of inexpensive and easy ways to begin composting. The easiest option may be to simply heap yard waste and plant-based kitchen scraps and egg shells in a corner. Simply add to the pile as more material becomes available and turn it over once each summer. Each spring, dig the finished compost from the bottom and add to the garden.

To more efficiently create compost, use sturdy wire fencing to construct a self-standing ring about a meter or so across by attaching one end of the fence wire to the other end. Place the ring in a convenient location where it will get direct sun several hours each day. Add yard debris and plant-based kitchen scraps or egg shells. Keep the pile moist and turn the contents over periodically.

Tags: diy tips, Garden, Home

This entry was posted on Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 11:27 am and is filed under DIY, Eco, Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.