Composting is nature's way of recycling and decomposition of organic/natural plant based materials into a rich soil base. This occurs naturally with leaves, plants, and grass because these become a home for bacteria, worms, and insects that turn this material into organic material used for growing food. This process releases nutrients into the soil and absorbed in the roots of plants. Doing this on your own accerlerates this natural process.
Why Compost?
The organic matter created is the best food for growing food. Good soil includes bacteria and fungi that have helped in the decomposition process. By participating in this process, your organic waste is returning nutrient back into the soil and allowing the cycle of life to continue.
How to Compost (Bins or designated area).
You can either use a 5 gallon plastic pickle container with lid or if you have a larger space designate an area for compost--you may want to use a couple 4X4 wooded frames to produce compost. Use can place any of the following items in this bin/area as compost: fruit or veggie trimmings (anything you cut off including skins), coffee grounds & filters, grass clippings (untreated with chemicals), leaves, tea bags, citrus rinds (orange, lemon, line, grapefruit, etc), hay or straw, nut shells, houseplants, cut up corn cobs & husks, shredded news paper, shredded cardboard, brown paper bags, junk mail, paper towel, and napkins.
Keep your compost in the sun and make sure you turn in.
Using compost.
You will be using your compost if you have a garden in the soil to help deliver nutrients to the crops you are growing. We used ours in the garden, but also used some from our local recycling center this summer because we are just starting. Check with your community recycling center.
