Composting improves your soil and eliminates the need for expensive fertilizers and mulches.
Composting breaks down organic matter like food and yard waste, and as the waste breaks down, beneficial microorganisms grow and multiply. These microorganisms stimulate plant growth, improve the soils ability to hold water, increase soil nutrients and loosen heavy clay soils. Composting also lessens the dependence on landfills. Household waste makes up 20 to 30 percent of all landfill waste, according to the Ohio State University Extension, so consider saving money on fertilizers and mulch by using your own compost to improve your soil. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Drill a hole into the metal can approximately 4 inches from the can's bottom. Drill another hole, approximately 4 to 6 inches away, horizontal to the first. Continue drilling holes in this manner until you have an entire row of holes encircling the can.
2. Measure 4 inches above the bottom row of holes. Drill another horizontal row of holes around the entire garbage can. Holes should be 4 to 6 inches apart. Repeat with a final horizontal row four inches above the second row. Drill more holes on the can's lid if you desire.
3. Add a pile of grass clippings, leaves or sawdust, about 2 feet high, to the bottom of the can. Pour a layer of fertilizer on the first layer and add 1/2 cup of ground limestone. Adding the fertilizer and limestone speeds the decaying process.
4. Pour some water and topsoil into the mix to make the container's contents moist. Start adding kitchen scraps and lawn waste to the can. Follow a layer of new waste with more fertilizer, ground limestone, water and topsoil.
5. Place the compost container, outside, but near enough the kitchen to make composting convenient. Compost forms best when the temperature is a steady 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above. For colder climates, try to find a location in the garage or barn where this temperature is more likely.
6. Turn your compost pile every two weeks to provide oxygen to the microorganisms in the can. Lock the lid and tip the can on the side. Roll the can a few times forwards and backwards. Turning aerates the material. The compost is ready to use within 2 to 4 months after the material turns a dark brown.
Tags: approximately inches, breaks down, Drill another, ground limestone, inches above, water topsoil, your compost