I try to keep my trash to a minimum, but I know there’s a lot more I could do to reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste from my home and garden. I feel like I’m pretty eco-aware, yet my “green thumb” is still closer to a shade of brown. Could some “black gold” make a difference? I wanted to see how easy it was to make my own compost, and found this helpful information:
First, what are some of the benefits of compost?
- Providing bacteria, fungi, other microorganisms, and worms with nutrients, energy, and a habitat that will stimulate them to breakdown organic residue and out compete or release chemicals that can control certain plant diseases.
- Providing humus, organic material that has been decomposed completely, that helps soil retain nutrients.
- Improving aeration in clay soils which helps plant roots penetrate soil and allows excess water to drain.
- Improving water holding capacity of sandy soils which helps roots absorb the water they need.
Okay, so what’s good to put in my pile?
Fresh leaves, plant cuttings and weeds
Grass clippings. Though they will compost, they will also benefit your lawn if left to decompose on your yard.
Fruit and vegetable peels and other fruit wastes
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Dead weeds and dry leaves
You should avoid adding:
Cheese, salad dressing, oils and other fats; they can cause odors and attract animals
Plant material with visible signs of disease or insect infestation
Weeds that can easily grow from root or stem cuttings
Check with local and county codes as some materials such as raw animal manure may be prohibited in a compost pile
Human and pet wastes
Composting tips courtesy of the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University.
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