| There are many instances when homeowners | | | | Dead and decaying leaves, lawn clippings, manure, |
| choose not to get started with backyard | | | | and kitchen waste such as rinds, peelings, coffee |
| composting because of the perception that it is | | | | grounds and even eggshells can be added to it. |
| hard to do correctly. In reality, you just need to | | | | Older, thicker and tougher plant materials are |
| collect the basic organic materials, find a place for | | | | slower to decompose but they benefit the |
| the compost heap and then allow nature to take | | | | compost by providing more substance, or body, |
| over the task. But, there are some basic | | | | to the finished product. These heavier materials |
| guidelines to keep in mind that can help make the | | | | usually comprise most of a compost pile. |
| whole process move forward without a hitch. | | | | Wood items take a long time to decompose. |
| There are a number of different types of | | | | Whenever possible it is best to shred, chip or |
| compost bins on the market that you can use to | | | | chop wood materials to help accelerate the rotting |
| help manage and contain your compost. But, a | | | | process. However, as long as they are mixed in |
| special bin is not a requirement that is needed to | | | | with other materials that decompose faster they |
| accomplish successful composting, but more of a | | | | will still provide some benefit to the process |
| convenience. It is easy enough to build your own | | | | overall. |
| bin for your pile and simply cover it over with a | | | | In general it is best to have fairly equal amounts |
| sheet of polythene or chunk of cardboard. | | | | of what is called brown material and green |
| Some people, however, prefer to have their | | | | material in it. Brown materials are the manures, |
| compost heap more contained and neat in | | | | dead leaves, small twigs and cardboard and |
| appearance and to have it easier to manage as | | | | newspapers. Green materials include hedge and |
| well. If that is the case, then compost bins can be | | | | grass clippings, coffee grounds, fruit rinds and |
| a good solution. | | | | uncooked vegetables. |
| These special bins are easy enough to find online | | | | You only need to have about one foot of organic |
| or at local stores that sell organic gardening tools | | | | material to get your compost heap started. In |
| and supplies. Some local municipalities also have | | | | most instances, just mowing the yard and |
| compost bins available at a reduced cost to | | | | weeding your flowerbeds and vegetable garden |
| encourage people to recycle their organic waste. | | | | will give you enough to begin. If needed, then you |
| Making a compost is as simple as adding your | | | | can also add organic kitchen waste and |
| organic items that are compostable on a regular | | | | newspaper, and even a little straw if you are |
| basis. Any waste product that was at one time a | | | | coming up short of the one foot level. |
| living thing will compost, or decompose, but some | | | | Once things get piled up, nature will take over and |
| items are not recommended to be thrown into | | | | the decomposition process will start. It is good to |
| your pile. Meats, dairy foods and cooked foods will | | | | turn the heap about every two weeks and within |
| end up attracting pests and vermin so these | | | | four to six months you will have a nice compost |
| should not be used in your home composting | | | | of waste materials that will give a boost to your |
| efforts. | | | | soil. |