Do you want to resuse and recycle? Is going green one of your 2010 resolutions? If you answered yes, then become a master composter. Composting is one of the greenest resources we can use. Here are 7 tips on how to make and use compost.
1. Materials
To prepare compost, organic material, microorganisms, air, water, and a small amount of nitrogen are needed.
Examples of items you CAN compost:
- grass clippings
- trimmings from hedges
- vegetable scraps
- fruit scraps
- leaves
- potting soil that has grown old
- twigs
- coffee filters with coffee grounds
- tea bags
- weeds that have not went to seed
- plant stalks
Examples of items you CANNOT compost:
- weeds that have went to seed
- meat
- grease
- cooking oil
- oily foods
- diseased plants
2. How to Make it Work
There are small forms of plant and animal life which break down the organic material called microorganisms. Nitrogen, air, and water will provide a favorable environment for the microorganisms to make the compost. Air circulation and water will keep the microorganisms healthy and working. The nitrogen feeds the tiny organisms. Adding earthworms can help complete the composting.
3. Bigger is not Better
The materials will break down faster if the microorganisms have more surface area to eat. Chopping your garden materials with a chipper, shredder, or lawnmower will help them decompose faster. Chopping your veggie and fruit scraps into smaller chunks will also help.
4. Size of The Pile
The activity of millions of microorganisms generates heat in the compost pile. The size of an effective pile is 3-feet by 3-feet by 3-feet. Piles that are too large hamper the air supply needed in the pile for the microorganisms.
5. Moisture and Aeration
Make sure you check the status of your pile after weather changes. Rain and heat can effect its outcome. Use a pitchfork or something like it to mix your pile every now and again to churn in new air for the microorganisms.
6. Temperature and Time
Bacteria are influenced by temperature. If you keep your pile between 110F and 160F, then they will be able to do their job most effectively.
7. Using the Compost
Compost can be used in various way. When planting your garden, mix 2-5 inches of compost into your soil for a healthier crop. Trees and shrubs will grow better if you spread 5 inches of compost around the bottom of the plant. You can also add compost to flower pots to give them added nutrients.
As you can see, composting isn’t that scary and can be done quite easily. It just takes a little bit of organization and a plan. Hopefully my plan will help you get started.
So are you going to try it? If you are already composting, what are your tips?
Miss T has written 579 articles on this blog. Hi, I am Miss T and I am the owner and head writer of PrairieEcoThrifter. Each and every day I am working to live a money savvy, healthy, and green life.While you're here, consider signing up for the RSS feed or email subscription . Both deliver the latest articles directly to you everyday. Have a Twitter , Facebook, Reddit, Stumble Upon, or Digg account? Then follow me for all of the latest posts or to send any comments or questions.
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