Compost, according to Webster, is the aerobically decomposed remnants of organic matter.
It is what happens in nature continuously. So, how can you take advantage of the great benefits of composting? It simplier
than you think.
Yard waste and food waste take up about 30% of the waste stream going to the landfill. Many landfills
are diverting organic matter to a separate location, and allowing it to compost. You can then get the compost from them, and
use it in your yard. My experiences with this is there is a lot of non-organic material that accidentaly appear in the compost.
I make sure to screen the compost before actually putting it in my yard. I have found broken glass, rocks, bricks, plastic,
etc. After screened, it's great stuff.
Decomposition happens naturally. When a plant dies, it will eventually
decompose, and return to earth...It is part of the perfect circle of life. Composting can happen slowly if you let the pile
just sit...or you can actually helps the process speed up. To do this, remember air, water and brown and green.
Aeration can assist the speed of decomposition. To do this, you can either turn the pile, or you can place add in plastic
tubes that have large holes drilled down two sides. This will aid the microorganisms in their task. Water is needed to
keep the compost moist, but not soaking wet. This also helps the microorganisms in their breakdown process. Green and brown
represent the colors of the materials you will add in layers to your pile. If you have a scientific inclination, this is the
carbon to nitrogen ratio. You should have about 3-4 pounds of nitrogen (or green) material to 100 pounds of carbon (or brown)
material.
Now that you know about composting, let's get started. First you will need to choose what type you
would like to have at your house. There are several styles available for sale, or you can build your own. I chose to build
mine out of scrap 2x4's and chicken wire.
Choose a place in your yard that is preferably not on concrete, and has good drainage.
This is useful to attract the worms to your bin to help decomposition. If you have a purchased bin that has a plastic or wood
bottom, it is not as important. In warmer climates place it in a shadier location to prevent it from drying. In colder climates
you might want to place it in a sheltered location. If you are going to place your kitchen scraps in your pile, keep that
in mind when selecting a location as well.
Once you have your location selected, you can place your purchased
bin there, or build your own compost bin. Click HERE for some compost bin designs and/or suggestions.
Compost is great to use as a soil conditioner. I add a layer
to all my flower beds in early spring, as well as a thick layer in my vegetable garden bed. By doing this, it helps make
the soil in great shape for the growing season. Compost brings in good organisms and helps get rid of the bad. It also makes
the plants healthier and stronger to ward off disease and insects.
You can also use the compost on the lawn.
By adding 1/4" to 1/2" yearly, it helps maintain good soil, and also lessens your need for fertilizer. This works
good around trees too.
Compost is one of the best things you can do for your yard and plants.
