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Backyard Composting
Composting is a easy way to improve your soil structure and fertilize
your plants.
Compost systems can be as simple as a box of clippings and shredded
newspaper or as elaborate as a self turning drum. Both systems
will work equally well.
The most important ingredients in a compost pile:
Organic waste; leaves, grass clippings, banana
peels, broccoli stems,
coffee grounds, etc. In general, anything of a plant based nature.
Yes, easter egg shells are OK as long as the dye is vegetable based and
there's no egg included. Egg shells will keep snails away too!
Moisture; water is an important component in
helping the bacteria grow
so it can break down the material in the pile.
Air; air can be introduced by leaving holes in
the sides of the
container and by turning the pile.
Time; it takes time for your pile of clippings to
turn into deep rich
glorious compost. It is also important to keep an eye on your
pile, add water or to turn it when needed.
Common Composting Questions
Do I need to add chemicals / hormones / bacteria / other
expensive crap to my compost pile?
No. There is already plenty of what you need to make compost
already in your pile.
Notes on Adding Grass Clippings to Your Compost
Grass clippings add nitrogen to your compost. Clippings also need to be
broken up in your pile. If you toss in a layer and don't break it up
the grass will stick together and form a solid mat.
It needs to be
broken up with a pitchfork, or a stick. I know from experience it is
easier to mix in the grass when it is fresh, than it is to break it up
later.
If you see white on the mat of clippings that is just
part of the decomposition process. You may also notice the grass is
HOT. This means it is decomposing and creating heat. This is GOOD.
Grass
clippings can sometime decompose so quickly and generate enough heat
that it makes sounds.
A few years ago a neighborhood was evacuated
because someone's green recycling bin was hot and ticking.
It turned out that the homeowner had dumped in a ton of grass clippings
(it was spring).
All the grass in the covered barrel generated gas and
heat over a few days - in the sun. After it started making noise I
guess he was afraid to just open the lid and see what was in there!
Don't let this happen to you - start your compost pile today!
View this listing on
my Gardening blog and let me know about your composting experience!
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