| Compost is what is left over when organic matter | | | | many composting bins to choose from in all sorts |
| decomposes. Organic matter can be things like | | | | of shapes and sizes, the easiest ones are simple. |
| vegetable scraps, leaves, mown grass and any | | | | Don't spend more than you need. |
| other garden waste. This material will decompose | | | | Layer It |
| without any assistance at all, though you can help | | | | A good way to begin a compost pile is with |
| it along and enjoy the benefits of compost faster | | | | layers. Start with fallen leaves or grass clippings, |
| if you wish. | | | | and then put some soil on it, then put in some |
| Because it doesn't contain a high level of essential | | | | kitchen waste. Eggshells, scraps of fruits and |
| nutrients, compost is not considered an actual | | | | vegetables and coffee grounds all make good |
| fertilizer. Instead, it is treated as a soil conditioner | | | | additions to a compost pile. Do not ever add |
| or amendment. Compost does supply many good | | | | meat or pet waste to your compost. Once you |
| things to the soil. It attracts beneficial creatures | | | | have more layers, add another layer of soil and |
| like earthworms and it improves the soil | | | | manure. |
| composition. | | | | Moisture |
| Cold composting is basically just making a pile and | | | | Keep your compost pile moist, but not wet. Add |
| letting it sit in the bin. This takes longer than hot | | | | a little water if it seems to be getting dry. You |
| composting. Hot composting is when you take a | | | | may want to consider adding a little beer to your |
| shovel and turn your pile every few days to | | | | pile. The yeast in the beer will keep the bacteria in |
| supply more oxygen to the microorganisms in | | | | your compost pile and make sure they'll be happy. |
| your compost pile. | | | | It doesn't really matter if you add beer or water, |
| Location | | | | just keep it moist. |
| First, decide where you will put your compost pile. | | | | Maintenance |
| Check for city ordinances that may regulate | | | | A compost pile doesn't need a lot of maintenance. |
| where you can put a compost pile, or if you can | | | | Just continue adding your garden trimmings and |
| even have one. A compost pile can get messy, | | | | kitchen waste to the pile. Occasionally mix in a |
| so put it somewhere that you can reach with a | | | | little soil and manure to encourage decomposition. |
| hose so you can do clean up if necessary. Bugs | | | | Keep the pile moist and if you remember, turn |
| will be attracted to your compost pile, so keep | | | | the pile about once a week to improve air |
| this in mind. If you have a free corner in your | | | | circulation and aid the decomposition process. |
| garden that is far enough away from the house | | | | The compost is ready to put in your garden |
| and the neighbors could be the perfect spot for | | | | when it looks like dark soil and smells like earth. |
| that new compost pile. | | | | Just add to your garden and mix it in. If you want |
| Containers | | | | to add compost to your indoor plants, you need |
| There are many composting products for sale | | | | to sterilize it first. Layer it on some foil on an old |
| today. They even have gadgets that will rotate | | | | baking sheet and put it in a 200 degree F oven |
| your compost for you, but really, the only thing | | | | for about half an hour. |
| you need is a compost container. Some people | | | | There isn't one best way to make compost. No |
| simply fence off the compost pile, while others | | | | matter what you do, organic matter will |
| use a bin or container of some kind to put their | | | | decompose. Find the style that works best for |
| organic matter in. This can be recycled, home | | | | you and your garden and get composting! |
| made or purchased at a store. While there are | | | | |