Simple composting!

Composting is something that is good for both your garden and the environment. The items that you put in compost will break down (keeping them out of the landfills) into very organically rich materials to re-introduce to your garden. Composting can be as easy or consuming as you make it. Personally my composting method is fairly simple and low maintenance. Here is how to do it.




1. Find a space to compost in. Preferably this area will be away from the home (in case of rodents or smell when you first start your pile). Try to choose a place that will get some sun exposure and exposure to the elements (moisture and sunlight will help the process).

2. Decide what type of compost pile you want. You can have a simple pile where you just continue to heap items to let them break down , you can choose to build your own containment area, or choose to purchase a pre-made composting bin. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Just remember, that a compost pile does best when somewhat enclosed and with the ability to cover it if you want (enclosing it will keep everything in one place and the heat condensed, also some moisture is good but too much is really bad for composting).

3. Once you have established where you want the pile placed and what type of composting pile/bin you are using you need to start adding organic material. Here are some ideas of things to add to your compost pile: (for a much larger listing visit my articles at: http://getready2garden.com/page8.html)

Small amounts of cardboard and newspaper, coffee grinds and filters, sawdust, scraps of vegetables and fruits, grass clippings, leaves, pruning cuttings (not from very woody plants). Some things not to place in the bin include: intrusive weeds you pulled, bones and meat (some people say this works fine for them, so it’s up to you), woody plant cuttings, branches, anything that may contain toxic chemicals, dog feces, etc.



Some last tips for you compost pile are:

Remember to watch how wet it stays. It can rain on your pile, however, you do not want the compost soaked day after day and week after week.

If you are having trouble getting your compost pile started, see this article : http://www.p2pays.org/COMPOST/Publications/CompostInTheBin.pdf or go to your local gardening center to purchase compost starter.

Your compost pile should be hot enough to limit the smell of things rotting and to keep rodents away.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5854133_start-own-simple-compost-pile.html