Making Your Own Compost

Composting is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way of disposing of organic waste. It can be used for landscaping, gardening, and even agriculture. Making your own compost is quite easy, and it can save you thousands of dollars in fertilizers and soil amendments. Additionally, composting reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Here is a full step-by-step guide detailing how to make your own compost:

Materials Needed:

1. Composting Bin or Container   www.amazon.com

2. Yard Waste (leaves, grass clippings, twigs, branches)

3. Food Scraps (fruit, vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds)

4. Water

5. Garden Fork or Shovel   www.amazon.com

Choose A Good Location for Your Composting Bin- 

A dry and shady area is ideal. Make sure it is easy to access, but not too close to your house or neighbors.

Get Your Composting Bin or Container-

You can either buy one or make one yourself using wood, chicken wire or many other kinds of materials you may have laying around. Its best to have some sort of container rather than just leaving it on the ground so you don't lose any of the structure and nutrients. As well as preventing seeds for mixing in. 

Add the Yard Waste to Your Bin or Container-

The best ratio is 3:1- three parts brown material (e.g., dry leaves) to one-part green material (e.g., grass clippings). Shredding the yard waste will help speed up the composting process. 

Add Food Scraps to the Mix-

You can use any fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Do not add any meat, dairy products, or oily food to the mix as it will take longer to break down, attracts pests, and may contaminate your compost. 

Keep the Compost Moist but Not Too Wet-

Adding water to the mix will help microorganisms break down the waste. An easy way to check the moisture level is to squeeze the mix in your hand: if its damp but not wet or drippy you've got the right balance.

Turn The Compost-

With a garden fork or shovel make sure and turn your compost at least every 4-6 weeks. This helps to aerate the mix and speed up the composting process. 

Its Ready!!-

Once the compost has turned into rich, dark-colored material with no visible waste, it is ready to use. You can add it to your garden soil, potted plants, or landscaping. 

Tips:

• Chop up your food scraps into smaller pieces before you put them in so that they compost faster.
• Avoid using plants that have been treated with chemicals or pesticides. 
• Cover your compost bin to keep the pests and rodents away. 

Composting is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce your organic waste, saving you money on buying fertilizers and soil amendments. By following these simple instructions, you can create a nutrient-rich compost that can help improve your soil quality. Making your own compost is not only good for you garden but also good for the environment, as it reduces the amount of waste going to landfills. Start composting today and do your part in reducing your environmental impact.