Organic matter such as Kitchen scraps, wood chips, leaves and old newspaper, break down over time into the soil.  This can make good compost. That’s what composting is all about. It is a great way to repurpose the different things you normally just throw in the garbage.  In that way you will help the environment.

It Is not hard to start a compost at home. This simple step-by step guide tells you all you need to know to start composting.

What can you use to make good compost?

Not all food scrap should be put in your compost Bin. Here are things you can use to add to make your compost:

• Leaves
• Woodchips
• Paper filters
• Coffee grounds
• Food and vegetables scraps
• Grass clippings
• Flowers
• Cardboard ripped to pieces
• Eggshells
• The peels from fruits and vegetables
• Tissue paper and napkins

As you can see the list could go on and on.  The main thing is to think, – “Will it break down in the ground?”  This is one determining factor as to whether it will make good compost.

 

Some things you should not add to your compost.

These items may attract rodents and unwanted pests.  While others may have harmful compounds that is not suited for plant life.

• Dairy products (They will attract pests)
• Baked goods  (Attract pest and may increase the growth harmful bacteria)
• Pesticide treated lawn clippings  (May kill microorganisms that are needed for the process of composting)
• Meat, poultry, and bones  (these produce odor and attract pests)
• Pet waste (like cat litter, contain parasite and harmful bacteria)
• Plants that are diseased or infested with insects (These should not be put in compost. They will remain in the ground and spread to the other plants, so dispose of them properly in trash)

 

A good compost pile is an asset to any garden. It doesn’t matter how small your place is.  There’s always a need for you to make good compost to amend the soil with organic matter.

The end product if you make good compost is a pile of soil that is rich. It contains lots of organic material and nutrients. It’s great for lawns, potting soil mix, house plants. It’s also excellent for preparing flats for seeds. And it’s also used to improve the soil in flower beds and vegetable plots.

You can never overdo over this. There is always a need for it in your garden.

The facts are you can make good compost from many organic materials including yard trimming’s, paper products, food scraps. But just be mindful of the ones that contain harmful compounds. Not only will they attract rodents, but this will also affect the food you will be putting into your body!

 

How to make good compost 

First things first,– where are you going to place your compost pile? To make good compost, you’ll need to have the proper conditions.

A partially shaded location is preferable to full sun. It’s also important to have good drainage.

A good working size is about 4 to 6 feet wide and about 3 to 4 feet in height. It can be any length you desire. To make a good compost, the coarse material at the foundation such as weed stalk, twigs, leaves or sods. These will provide the air flow and drainage your compost will need.

On this foundation you’ll be placing alternating layers of organic refuse. Like the kitchen scraps, leaves, manure and soil. The manure greatly increases the fertility of the compost.

Try not to implement woody material. It will take too long to break down.  All types of animal manure are excellent for the process of composting. And don’t forget to add a bit of water to each layer until your bin is full.

Turn the pile of compost so the outer layer is transferred to the center. You need to do this regularly.  Some people say daily.  But I do it weekly, about 2 to 3 times.  Sometimes when I’m out in the garden, I may do it more. But in the beginning, you may have to do it more often.

To make good compost, the moisture content of the pile is also important.  The top of the pile should be loose in order to catch as much rain as possible. The pile should be thoroughly soaked in order to keep a moist consistency at all times.

Your compost should be ready when it is dark and crumbly, similar to soil but with an earthy smell.

You can use compost by mixing it with soil to put in your garden.

If you have indoor plants, you can make some compost tea.  You can do this by steeping a small amount of the compost in water. Let it stand for about 48 hours.  Then you can strain it and spray your plant with the mixture.  This provides natural fertilizer with lots of beneficial nutrients to help your indoor plant to grow.

When you make good compost, you fight food waste, reduce the need for artificial fertilizer in your garden, and save time and money.

So! what are you waiting for?  Go! just start! It’s very therapeutic.

Happy Planting!