If you’re looking for a way to reduce your household waste and help the environment, composting is the perfect solution. Composting is a simple process of taking biodegradable material like food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings and transforming them into nutrients. These nutrients can be used as fertilizer in gardens or other vegetation, also known as gold. Whether you’re new to composting or just need a refresher, here are some tips on how to start your own compost pile.
Location
The first step in creating your own compost pile is selecting a location for it. The ideal spot should be away from water sources and direct sunlight. But still accessible enough that you can easily add and remove material from the pile. An outdoor shed or an area of your garden are both great options for compost piles.
Materials
Once you’ve picked out the perfect spot, it’s time to start adding materials to your pile. Biodegradable materials like food scraps (fruit/vegetables, skins, coffee grounds), leaves and grass clippings are all excellent options for your compost pile. You should avoid adding meat or dairy items as they may attract pests or cause odors due to decomposition. Also avoid adding scraps that have oils added (leftover vegetables cooked in oil). Keep in mind that you should not add items like plastic bags and glass bottles as they will not break down.
Indoor Composting
Since you may not want to bring compostable materials out to the pile every day, there are many different containers available that you can place on the counter. These containers are ideal for collecting food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and other compostable materials. Materials may include plastic, stainless steel, ceramic, and glass. Some have airtight lids that help keep odors inside the container. Others feature charcoal filters or baking soda pockets to absorb strong smells.
Outdoor Compost Bin
There are many different compost bins for outdoors. Some people use plastic containers with holes. Other people build elaborate compartmentalized bins. And others, like me, just use a bare spot in the back of the yard. Whatever your choice, make it easy for yourself so you can keep up with composting long-term.
Mixing Materials & Maintaining Moisture Levels
Once you add all of your materials to the pile, it’s important to make sure everything is mixed together properly. You can mix materials with a shovel or pitchfork until they are evenly distributed throughout the pile – this helps ensure that everything breaks down at the same rate. Additionally, make sure moisture levels remain consistent throughout the entire process; too much moisture can lead to odor problems while too little will slow down decomposition significantly.
A Healthy Compost Pile
The best way to know the health of your compost pile is the amount of worms that are in there. If you have a healthy yard, the worms will automatically be drawn to your compost pile and they will do the work of breaking down the waste. If you are not sure about your soil, or if you want additional worms, you can order them on Amazon. You can also pick up worms in the fishing department of Walmart. If they are happy, they will multiply quickly. When they start to migrate away, it is time to turn the pile. Make sure you have a good balance of green and brown materials in your compost as well as plenty of oxygen. The healthier the material you put in, the better results you will get!
In addition to worms, you can also add bacteria and fungi to your compost pile. These organisms play an important role in the decomposition process. The bacteria break down simple organic molecules, and the fungi help to break down complex materials like lignin and cellulose. If you want to add additional microorganisms to your compost, there are plenty of sources online.
Conclusion:
Starting a compost pile can seem intimidating at first. With a bit of effort you will soon have nutrient-rich soil that makes plants thrive! By following these simple steps – finding an ideal location for the pile, adding biodegradable materials such as food scraps and leaves/grass clippings, mixing everything together properly, and maintaining consistent moisture levels – you will have success in no time! So why not give it a try? Not only will it save money on fertilizer costs but it also reduces our environmental footprint by reducing household waste! Win-win!
If you would like to know more about the benefits of worms read this: Earthworms: Not Just For Fishing
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