Composting: Easy Steps

It’s easy to get started composting. All you need is an area dedicated to your compost pile, some composting materials, and enthusiasm. Here are some easy steps to help you get your compost pile on the ground.

First of all, pick the place where you want to start composting. Compost bins are nice to have, because they contain the compost and make it easier to mix, but they are far from essential. You can make your own compost bin, buy a manufactured version, or choose a place outdoors. If you are not using a compost bin, choose a spot where you have three to four square feet of open space that is not in direct sunlight.

Next, start adding materials to your compost pile. You will need a mixture of green materials, which are damp and rich in nitrogen, and brown materials, which are dry and rich in carbon. You can start with dry leaves, grass clippings, ashes, sawdust, and vegetable scraps. Place them all in the pile to compost. You will need to adjust the amount of green and brown materials you use based on the appearance of your compost as it develops. If it is dusty and dry, add more vegetables and grass. If it is wet or smells bad, add more leaves or sawdust.

At this point, you will need to manage your compost. Turn it every few weeks to distribute the heat that it naturally develops and oxygen from the air evenly. Try to gather your composting materials and “feed” your pile a big “meal” every week, rather than a small meal every day. In a few weeks, you will have compost.

When it is ready to go on the garden, your compost should be damp but not wet, like a sponge that has been wrung out. It should be dark, and you shouldn’t be able to identify pieces of the original compost material. It should have a sweet smell. At this point, it’s ready to add nutrients and moisture to your garden or landscaping.

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