Some people fear composting because they think it’s too complicated, messy, and smells funny. These may happen to you if you compost the wrong way. But if you do it rightly, you’ll get amazing results.
Fortunately, it’s easy to make compost the right way. This process will not only minimize trash in landfills but also improves the smell and appearance of your home’s backyard. The Environmental Protection Agency defines compost as an organic material added to the soil to boost plants’ growth. Having your own compost means you’ll have a healthier garden, more produce, and prettier flowers at no extra costs.
This article gives you some tips on how to make your own compost.
- Buy A Compost Bin
You can purchase a stainless steel or plastic bin to make compost. Ensure that the container you select has a lid to keep the smell from spreading throughout your home. Some plastic containers may also absorb the odor.
The size of the container you buy should depend on your garden size. If you have a smaller yard or garden, it’s advisable to buy a smaller container. Once you purchase it, place it in the shady and grassy part of the garden. The compost heap shouldn’t directly touch the ground. So ensure that the container has a solid bottom.
The container’s size may also be determined by the things you intend to dispose of in it. Ensure that it can comfortably carry all your waste without overflowing. It’s advisable to place some twigs and branches at the container’s bottom before filling it to aerate the compost heap.
- Place The Right Stuff In The Bin
Not everything can be placed in a compost bin because some aren’t biodegradable. However, most foodstuffs can be great for composting. Some things that you can place in your compost bin include fruit waste, vegetable peelings, grass cuttings, plant prunings, and tea bags. These will break down first and produce moisture and nitrogen.
You can also place things that rot slowly, like cardboard egg boxes, fallen leaves, and crunched-up paper. They’re vital for carbon production and creating air pockets within the mixture. Moreover, they also supply the necessary fiber. Don’t forget to add crushed eggshells to the mixture because they’ll add some useful minerals.
Some things that you should never place in the bin include dairy products and meat. That’s because they don’t break down faster and may require a digester. Also, don’t throw in babies’ nappies, diseased plants, cat litter, and dog poo. Including these things in the compost may invite unwanted smells and pests.
- Ensure You Get The Right Balance
The key to making good compost depends on mixing the components well. You need the “browns” and “greens” are properly balanced. If you notice that the compost is very wet, include more browns. On the other hand, if it’s scorched, add more greens.
Apart from adding browns and greens, you need to make sure the mixture is well aerated. You can do this by simply adding tiny bits of cardboard. Alternatively, you can add air to it by mixing the components.
To ensure that your compost comes out as you desire, you need to turn it regularly. This can be a tricky job if you lack the right tools. Turning mixes the cuttings and wastes and aerates the compost, making it to degrade faster.
The Bottom Line
Making compost isn’t a difficult task. With the right tips and tools, it can be simple. These tips can help you make compost successfully.