Tips for Making Your Composting Experience Less of a Chore
You have decided to start a compost bin in your backyard because going green and being more organic are things that matter to you. Good decision!
What do you do now?
Finding the best location is a good place to start. When it comes to the location for your composter, the most ideal spot is on level ground where it will get plenty of exposure to the sun’s rays. The warmer it is, the faster the process of composting will take place. If you must place it in a shaded area, then that is fine, however, the process will take a little longer to complete. It also is recommended that you find a spot that allows for good water drainage as well.
It is best if it sits directly on the ground, as opposed to on top of patio stones or any type of paved surface. The composter should be placed approximately 8” to 12” away from fences, walls, bushes, or any doors leading into your home, garage or shed.
Once you have your compost bin positioned properly you should place a 4” to 6” layer of such things as dead plants, small branches and twigs in the bottom of it. Alternate your yard and kitchen waste in increments of the same 4” to 6”. The top of the composter should be made up of either finished compost or 1” of soil.
Materials that are Compost Worthy:
• Plants from the garden
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Small amounts of grass clippings
• Leaves
• Straw
• Coffee grounds and coffee filters
• Tea bags
• Eggshells
• Wood chips and sawdust
In order to compost there are certain things that you must do. First of all, whatever goes into the composter must be small in size. Chop big substances into small pieces. You then need to layer the items in the bin. Alternate the brown material (straw, dry leaves and wood chips) with the green material (grass clippings and kitchen scraps). If it is called for, add water to the compost. Your compost needs to be a little bit damp to do its work properly. During all of the months that do not include winter, take a compost turner, a pitchfork or a shovel and turn the pile.
