A HEAP
ABOUT COMPOST
Composting
is a super way to enrich your soil. It's also an easy, inexpensive, and
neat way to earn your "Hero Medal" in ecology.
There is no
exact recipe for making good compost and anytime is the right time to start
your own heap. Many different things can go into the heap as long as it
was a living thing at one time. Grass clippings, leaves, sawdust, wood ashes,
weeds, twigs, hay, vegetable peelings, egg shells and even coffee grounds
can all go into your compost heap. Don't put in fat or meat scraps. (Check
with your local restrictions to make sure they allow all of the things you
plan to use.)
The first step
is to decide where to put it. Pick a spot out of the way so it won't be
disturbed. A bin that keeps your composting materials all  together is
also a good idea. It should allow plenty of air circulation through it.
The picture to the right is just a suggestion but you can make your own.
A garbage can with holes poked in the sides is one option. Garbage bags
can also be used or you can buy ready-made composters. Some folks just make
a pile right on the ground.
The next step
is to decide on the size. Your needs for humus plus the amount of material
to be composted enter into this decision. You may choose one large pile
or several smaller ones. Different compost heaps may be ready at different
times for year-round usage. Your bin should be tall enough to accommodate
4 layers of about 6" of materials each.
The first layer
should be made up of course material such as leaves, weeds, stalks or hay
to allow ventilation at he bottom. Next, add a thin layer of natural fertilizer
(manure) or a small amount of a balanced commercial fertilizer. About 2
cups is enough for a bind that's 4 X 5 feet. These act as activators for
the compost heap. Add 6 " layers on top of this using any of the other
materials listed earlier. The more layers, the better…with at least
4. Keep the heap moist but avoid too much water. Ventilation is important
so turn the pile with a pitchfork once a week. You can also poke a pipe
or stick into it and remove it leaving a tunnel for the air to get through.
The time required
for the processing depends on the amount of heat generated within the pile,
the level of moisture, and the materials used. The heat will also be responsible
for killing off weed seeds and some plant diseases. It's ready when it has
decayed to the consistency of peat moss. This could take anywhere from a
couple of months to a year.
When done,
put the rich compost on top of the soil around your plants or mix it slightly
into the top few inches of soil. You can add mulch to it to make it go farther.
Compost plus
your other regular care will make your plants thrive…and you'll have
done something nice for MOTHER NATURE!
Kelly |