If you’ve often wanted to make your own garden compost, then why not go for it? It’s easier than you think. Today the modern world throws away so much material that goes into landfill sites that then decomposes and releases methane which is disastrous for the atmosphere.
All you need to do to make your own compost that can be used in your garden or allotment is to get a compost bin. Compost bins vary greatly in size and price but all you need to get started is the largest bin that you can afford. You could try asking your local authorities as they often have subsidized bins available.
Once you have your compost bin put things like old fruit and vegetables that won’t be used in it, along with fruit and vegetable peelings and eggshells from the kitchen. Do not put cooked meats or raw meat in them.
From the garden you can add materials like grass clippings, weeds that are not in seed along with plants that are finished with. You can also add things like nettles and other vegetation. Nettles are an excellent addition as they act as an accelerator to get the composting process moving. Another excellent accelerator is comfrey.
To add even greater balance to the mix ensure that you include materials like thin twigs, straw, dead leaves or even cardboard. It might be an idea to shred these items if you have a tool like a garden shredder.
The way to ensure that excellent compost is made is to provide a wide range of material that will easily breakdown, concentration should be given to sufficient amounts of water and air, as well as the materials advised above which provide carbon and nitrogen content.
As the contents of the compost bin begin to decompose it is essential to turn the contents regularly which will get oxygen into the mixture.
It is perfectly possible to have a usable compost mix within a few short months, often between two to five depending on the time of year.
If you need lots of compost throughout the year why not get friends and relatives to save you their kitchen and garden waste, turning it into a useful product that is an excellent tonic for your soil, whilst also helping the environment at the same time. Happy Composting!
Having been a column writer for an offline magazine Lynne has now concentrated on writing for a broad range of topics and projects on the internet. You can view one of her latest sites here programmable slow cookers where she gives advice on cookers like the cuisinart programmable slow cooker
Popular Questions
How can you easily and cheaply make your own garden compost?
Choose a dry, shaded spot and use a compost bin, wooden frame, or simple wire enclosure. Add alternating layers of green materials such as vegetable scraps and grass clippings with brown materials such as dry leaves, shredded paper, and small twigs. Keep the pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge and turn it every few weeks to add air.
What inexpensive materials can you use when making your own garden compost?
Useful green materials include fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea leaves, fresh weeds, and grass clippings. Balance them with brown materials such as fallen leaves, cardboard, plain paper, straw, and small amounts of untreated sawdust. Avoid meat, dairy, oily foods, pet waste, and diseased plants, which can create odors or attract pests.
How long does it take to easily and cheaply make garden compost at home?
A small, well-balanced pile can produce usable compost in about three to six months. Chop large scraps, keep the mixture moist, and turn it regularly to speed decomposition. Compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling, and no longer recognizable as the original materials.
How do you fix common problems when making your own garden compost cheaply?
If the pile smells bad or feels slimy, add dry leaves, shredded cardboard, or straw and turn it thoroughly. If it stays dry and does not break down, add small amounts of water and moist green materials. A pile that is not heating up usually needs more nitrogen-rich scraps, better mixing, or smaller pieces of material.
