WHAT CAN GO IN YOUR HOME COMPOST BIN
Composting is nature’s own recycling system. Leaves, grass and other organic matter that fall to the ground provide a home and food supply for nature’s recyclers — bacteria, worms and other microorganisms. These organisms feed on the plant material, breaking them down, and turning them into a dark, nutrient rich product called COMPOST. Compost improves plant nutrition, holds moisture in sandy soil, improves compacted soil and extends the life of our landfills.
BUILDING YOUR PILE
1. Start with a layer of bush or branches
2. Add layers of leaves, grass clippings, and soil, then repeat
3. As you build the pile, dampen layers with water. Keep the pile as damp as a wrung out sponge.
4. Turn pile once a week, or once a month.
TURNING YOUR PILE
One of the keys to a successful compost pile is to turn pile from time to time. This speeds up decomposition and can help to alleviate some odors. Turning everyday could be detrimental, causing all the heat in the center of the pile to escape. Instead, try turning once a week.
COMPOST CAN BE USED IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS
- Add to your garden in the spring or fall. Turn the garden soil and apply a 1-3 inch layer of compost.
- Compost can be mixed with either garden soil or potting soil in a 50/50 ratio to use for container gardening. The compost adds nutrients and texture to encourage plant growth.
- Compost can also be used as mulch. Spread compost around any garden plants, under bushes, and around trees. For young plants, a 2-3 inch layer of compost often works well. Mulching helps hold in moisture, reduces weeds, and gradually feeds organic matter to the soil and plant roots. Compost is especially useful as mulch in the hottest, driest periods of the summer.
