I know starting your own composting system doesn't sound like the most appealing activity. But compost is the foundation to any healthy garden... they don't call it black gold for nothing. Mixing compost into your soil adds nutrients that will fuel growth and restore bland soil.
Composting is also a great way to cut down on household waste. More that 30% of household waste can actually be composted. When this waste is thrown into the garbage it will eventually end up in a landfill and wont get the air it needs to properly decompose. Since it's not breaking down properly it ends up producing methane gas, which is very harmful to our planet.
If you start composting, you'll be reducing the amount of methane put into our atmosphere and making your own nutrient rich soil for your garden!
There are two components needed for a healthy compost:
(1) Carbon: This will make your compost light and fully. To add carbon components, add branches, stems, dried leaves, bits of wood, coffee filters, egg shells, straw and peat moss,
(2) Nitrogen: This is where most of the nutrients come from. To add nitrogen components, add protein-rich matter like manure, food scraps, green lawn clippings and other kitchen waste.
A healthy compost pile needs more carbon components that nitrogen. For every two parts carbon, you need one part nitrogen.
There are somethings you should always avoid putting into your compost bin. Don't add:
meat,
bones,
fish scraps,
perennial weeds,
diseased plants,
pet manure,
banana peels, and
orange rinds.
Now that you understand what you should add for a healthy compost pile and what to avoid, lets talk tools. Lots of people will list off a bunch of tools but personally, I only have three garden tools for my compost and it does just fine.
The first tool I would recommend having is a scoop shovel. A scoop shovel is great to get at the bottom of the compost and eventually to transfer your compost to your garden.
The second tool is a spade shovel. Since the spade has a pointed edge its great for breaking down large and thick material like branches, you could also use it to turn your compost pile.
Lastly, a pitchfork. For a while I was only using a spade to turn my compost, ever since I got a pitchfork it's all I use. A pitchfork makes turning your pile 100 times easier, trust me.
So now you know the basics and the tools you'll need. Let's talk location! Where you choose to put your compost is the most important part. You'll need to choose a location that's a level area where you'll get good drainage. A spot where you'll get partial sun is the best. If your compost get's too much sun it will dry out too quickly, slow the process and you'll have to add water. If your compost pile doesn't get enough it will be too wet and start to produce a fowl smell. It's all about finding that happy medium.
You'll also want to put your compost pile directly on the earth, not on concrete or asphalt. Putting it on the earth will allow essential insects like worms and ants to be able to get in and help break down matter. If you aren't able to put your compost directly on the earth, you can always buy compost worms and add them into your pile.
All that's left to do now is get your compost bin and begin! Remember to turn your pile at least once a week for best results! Don't forget to subscribe to get our latest posts!
Happy composting!
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