Making your own organic gardening compost will also help reduce unnecessary garden waste going to landfills, and it's much better to create your own fertilizer instead of throwing away perfectly good organic material. Compost will significantly save you money on expensive fertilizers as well.
A well chosen site will speed up the composting process. Find a level, well drained sunny area preferably over dirt or grass. If you plan to be using kitchen scraps, keep it close to the back door and also close to the garden so that it will be used on a regular basis and not forgotten.
Home composting uses a variety of techniques, running from passive composting (throw everything into a pile in the corner and leave it alone) to active, which consists of monitoring temperature, turning the pile on a regular basis and adjusting the materials on a regular schedule.
A well managed system may produce a finished product in as little as three to four weeks, but this involves some participation, ranging from turning the pile on a regular basis to a major commitment of time and energy. A well balanced compost pile will not have an offensive smell. The end product from your compost bin it will be a wonderful pile of black, crumbly humus which makes an ideal soil conditioner.
Types of Compost Bins:
Wooden Compost Bin - These can be bought in kit form and must be assembled. They side are slotted to allow air circulation. The front panel lifts out.
Plastic Barrel - Large plastic drums with the top and bottom cut off make good compost containers. Drill holes in the sides for air flow.
Wire and Post - Four posts wrapped with chicken wire works well. Tie burlap to the inside if the wire to keep everything in.
Simply stated - compost is a mixture consisting mainly of decaying organic matter for fertilizing crops, gardens, and yards. Making compost from garden and household waste is one of the most important functions an organic gardener can do. It's easy and inexpensive and uses little effort.
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