Building and Maintaining a Compost Bin

We modern citizens cherish the land, and want to give back as much as we have taken. In order to do that, we need to pay attention to what we're putting into the soil and what we're taking out of the soil. Those two processes will tell us everything the Earth is trying to impart. Does the vegetable garden look as great today as it did the first time you planted? Are you rotating crops? Do you use chemical fertilizers and crop boosters? Are you adding natural fertilizers to your garden? Do you compost garden and lawn waste? Do you compost kitchen waste? Are you depleting the soil or enriching it?

Depleted and Spent Soil

Depleted and spent soil is soil that has been taken advantage of but not taken care of. Crop rotation is important as some crops add nutrients, and some crops remove nutrients. When chemical fertilizers are incorporated into your lawn, sprayed on household items or on soil and foliage, it creates one of the worst health scenarios for you and for your soil. Chemicals used in the garden means chemicals ingested by you and your family, and compost used in the garden means taking care of Mother Earth and also giving your family the most nutritious vegetables possible.

How to Build a Compost Bin

A compost bin can be nothing more than a pile, if you have the room. If you don't have the room, some cities furnish compost bins for a small price. If you're building your own compost bin, remember air needs to get to your compost or it won't decompose. Think in terms of a large wooden crate where every other slat is missing. A small plastic kiddie pool with holes poked into the bottom can be used as a compost bin, also. The ones with tops are especially good because they keep critters out. The goal is to have a compost bin that is large enough for your purpose and small enough to be inconspicuous. Some people use a large tub. Others dig a hole into the ground, add a makeshift cover, and dump their goodies into it. A compost bin should be large enough that you can get a shovel into it for mixing. If a compost pile is not mixed periodically, it may not decay correctly. A good way to get around the shoveling portion is to create a rotating compost bin. A rotating compost bin is made out of a metal garbage pail. Punch holes into the sides of the garbage pail for aeration and duct-tape on the lid. To mix, roll the garbage can across the yard and back every other day. How to fill a compost bin:

• start with a 4-inch layer of twigs or bark (this will allow air to circulate and help to eliminate odors)
• toss in green waste or kitchen waste, such as potato peelings and chopped up watermelon rind (do not use cooked waste such as meat or you may attract rodents)
• add a couple shovelfuls of soil

From here on out the process should be:

1. one layer green (rinds, peelings, etc.)
2. one layer brown (dried leaves or grass clippings)
3. a couple shovelfuls of soil
4. a splash of water
5. mix the compost with a pitchfork or roll the compost bin
6. repeat the process

Before you know it, your compost heap will start heating up. And that's a good thing. The materials decompose as the heat rises, virtually eliminating odors. Remember that the heat is generally not high enough to kill micro-organisms such as those found in human and animal feces. Do not take chances with your health.

What to Put into Compost Bins

A compost bin should contain about 50 percent green and 50 percent brown material. Green Material:

• peelings
• fresh weeds (before they have seeded out)
• discarded fruit and vegetables
• pasta and bread (devoid of sauces and spreads)

Brown Material:

• leaves
• grass
• hay
• eggshells

Items to avoid:

• corn cobs and husks (they take a long time to decompose)
• meats and cooked vegetables (they attract rodents)
• grass or wood chips that have been chemically treated
• diseased plants or weeds and herbs that have seeded out
• houseplants that have been chemically treated
• human or pet waste (NEVER use feces in home compost)

Sources: http://www.plowhearth.com/magazine/compost_how_to.asp

http://www.compost-info-guide.com/beginner_guide.htm

http://gardening.wsu.edu/stewardship/compost/manure/manure1.htm

Comment on HelloLife

What's YOUR take on this? Does it bring up any questions? Can you offer more information on this? Did you just enjoy reading it? Leave your comment here!

First Name:

Last Name:

Your Email:

Security Code:

Confirm Code:

You are at least 13 years of age and agree to our terms of service.

(All fields Reqiuired)