Making your own compost - Tips on home composting
Building your own compost is one way you can change your yard waste into healthy organic matter that can be used to fertilize and condition your soil. This will save you money as well as reduce the amount of debris going to the landfill.
Most yard waste can be used to make compost, this includes leaves, plant stalks, weeds, twigs and other woody plant trimmings as well as lawn clippings. Other things that you can also compost are straw and livestock manure.
From inside the home you can also use all vegetable peals and trimmings, coffee grounds, tea bags and leftover vegetable matter.
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There are some items you should not try to compost. They will promote plant disease, attract unwanted pests such as flies, yellow jackets and ants and will also cause offensive odors.
Listed items that are not recommended : Meats, fish, poultry, dairy products any foods that contain animal fats, feces (human/pet). Plants that are infected with disease or are very prone to diseases and weeds that have mature seeds should not be added to the pile.
There are some materials that should be used sparingly these include wood ashes (high quantity of Lime), Sawdust and wood chips (bind nitrogen, if used, extra nitrogen should be added). Plants that have been treated with chemical pesticides or herbicides (these may require extensive time for the chemicals to breakdown). Newspaper- Composts slowly, ideally should be shredded and you should add no more than 10% of the total pile by weight.
Building a compost bin.
If you build an enclosure for your composting it will eliminate scattering of your materials and make a more uniform rotted compost. It should be at least 4X4X4 feet but no higher than 6 feet. If the pile is to high it will compact your materials and create a loss of oxygen, slowing the decomposition. Generally a pile that is less than 3 cubic feet will not compost well.
You compost bin may be made of building blocks, chicken wire and posts, bailed straw or hay, wood or even snow fencing. Whatever you decide to use it should be either collapsible or large enough for you to get in and easily turn your compost.
You may also compost in large barrels or garbage cans that have tight fitting lids. You will need to drill a number of holes in the side and bottom to facilitate air movement and drainage of water.
The can should be placed on blocks and filled ¾ full of yard debris to this add a small amount of nitrogenous fertilizer, (approximately ¼ cup for a 55 gal barrel, and add enough water to moisten the contents.)
Every few days tip the barrel on its side and roll to mix the material and add oxygen. Remove the lid after rolling to allow for more air diffusion into the compost.
There are several companies that are marketing compost bins that rotate easily. These are an option if you want something a little easier to work with.
There is a third method of composting which uses anaerobic composting. You utilize 30 or 40 gallon plastic garbage bags. Fill these with your yard debris, leaves, weeds and clippings. Add 1 cup lime and nitrogen fertilizer( these counteract the acidity that happens with this type of oxygen free composting. ) Add approximately 1 quart of water, shake thoroughly, and tie the bag securely.
Bags can be stored out doors in the summer and may be stored in a heated garage or basement in the winter. This method produces well-cured compost in 6 to 12 months.
