Hello, Happy Monday, and now, a show of hands: How many of you have ever tried Composting? Come on, don’t be shy? Wow, really, one of you? That, my friends, has got to change. In this world of rising fuel costs, overburdened landfills and dumps and more waste than we know what to do with, isn’t it time we do something here, at our homes, to give back to Mother Earth?
Yes, it is. The good news is, doing so has never been easier. Composting is a simple, effective way of getting rid of organic waste in and around your house, and creating fertilizers and materials that will help make your yard and plant life more beautiful and healthier than ever. The first step, always the trickiest, is to actually jump in, and build yourself a compost pile! I just found an article with complete steps on how to build yourself your very own compost pile, and do it in no time at all, with materials that are extremely simple to come by. Head over and check it out, but, for now, here you go:
1. Find a suitable location. - “Choose a level area with good drainage. Standing water will slow down the pile. If possible avoid direct sunlight and areas exposed to strong winds, which can dry and cool the pile. A half day sun situation is ideal. A shaded area is fine but pay attention to limited rainfall through a canopy of leaves, and slow drying out of a saturated pile. Some trees may send roots up into the pile in search of water and nutrients. When the pile is turned, these roots may be damaged. If your only location is near trees, you may want to consider setting a brick or stone foundation.”
2. Pick an appropriate size. - “The recommended size for a home compost pile is no smaller than 3 feet X 3 feet X 3 feet, and no larger than 5 feet X 5 feet X 5 feet. A smaller pile may not heat up high enough for efficient breakdown, or it may loose heat and quickly slow down the process. A larger pile may hold too much water not allowing air into the center. This would create an anaerobic environment. Air naturally penetrates 18 to 24 inches into a pile from all directions. The biggest problem with a large pile is physically turning the pile. It can be too much for some people to manage. “
3. Layer Properly. - Thin, uniform layers are the key to a productive compost pile. Always start your pile on bare ground, and after that, layer like this:
“Layer 1- The organic materials layer can be vegetable wastes, sod, grass clippings, leaves, hay, straw, chopped corncobs, corn stalks, untreated sawdust, twigs less than ½ inch in diameter, or garden debris. Remember the proper C:N ratio and mix accordingly. Your bulkier organic materials do best in the first ground level layer. As your pile settles, these items tend to allow for more air spaces. Shred or chop up materials for greater surface area. The organic layers should be between 6-8 inches thick. Materials that tend to mat such as grass clippings should be either mixed in or placed in 2-3 inch layers within this 6-8 inch layer.
Layer 2 - Animal manures, fertilizers or starters serve as activators that accelerate the ignition or initial heating of your pile. They all provide a nitrogen source for the microbial community. Some provide proteins and enzymes. If manure from a grain eating animal is available, add 1-2 inch layer. If this is not available, add one cup of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 commercial fertilizer per 25 square feet. If using a commercial starter, follow label directions.
Layer 3 - Top soil or active compost introduce microorganisms. Plain garden soil is fine. Avoid soil that has been treated with insecticides recently and sterile potting soils which lack these necessary microbes. A one to two inch layer is enough.”
There you have it! The start to a great compost pile. As layers increase, simply repeat the 3 layer process over and over and you should be decomposing your organic waste in no time. This will cut down on the amount of waste in your local landfill, help your yard, and give Mother Earth something to smile about all at once!
Let’s face it, eating organic, while better in nearly every way, is not always cheaper in nearly every way. Very often, it is more expensive to buy an organic brand than your everyday, generic branded version. It’s not always cheaper, and it’s not always easier. It IS always better. That said, how do you strike a balance between saving some money, and helping save the Earth? Simple, you eat organic, but on a budget.
