In many cases, people don’t start backyard composting because they believe it is too much work and hassle. But the truth of the matter is that composting is rather simple and the main thing that a homeowner needs to provide are the basic organic materials for the compost heap and then to step back and allow nature to do its job. There are, however, some simple principles to keep in mind that will help you enjoy good results.

There are a number of different types of compost bins on the market that you can use to help manage and contain your compost. But, a special bin is not a requirement that is needed to accomplish successful composting, but more of a convenience. It is easy enough to build your own bin for your compost pile and simply cover it over with a sheet of polythene or chunk of cardboard.

But, if you want your compost heap to look a bit neater and want it to be somewhat easier to manage, then buying compost bins might be the right step for you. You can look at local garden centers, shop online at sites that carry organic gardening supplies or even get in touch with your local recycling department. Some communities actually have composting bins that you can purchase very inexpensively as a way of encouraging this form of recycling.

Making a compost is as simple as adding your organic items that are compostable on a regular basis. Any waste product that was at one time a living thing will compost, or decompose, but some items are not recommended to be thrown into your compost pile. Meats, dairy foods and cooked foods will end up attracting pests and vermin so these should not be used in your home composting efforts.

Dead and decaying leaves, lawn clippings, manure, and kitchen waste such as rinds, peelings, coffee grounds and even eggshells can be added to the compost. Older, thicker and tougher plant materials are slower to decompose but they benefit the compost by providing more substance, or body, to the finished compost product. These heavier materials usually comprise most of a compost pile.

Wood items take a long time to decompose. Whenever possible it is best to shred, chip or chop wood materials to help accelerate the rotting process. However, as long as they are mixed in with other materials that decompose faster they will still provide some benefit to the process overall.

In general it is best to have fairly equal amounts of what is called brown material and green material in your compost. Brown materials are the manures, dead leaves, small twigs and cardboard and newspapers. Green materials include hedge and grass clippings, coffee grounds, fruit rinds and uncooked vegetables.

You can start your compost heap with as little as a foot of compostable materials. When you are ready to get your composting project underway, simply mow the yard, weed the garden, empty out your organic kitchen waste and throw in a little newspaper or straw so that you have about a foot of material in the bottom of your compost bin. Turn the pile occasionally and let nature takes its course and soon you will have some rich compost to add to your vegetable garden.

Available for Amazon Prime