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7 Composting Tips There are many reasons for composting: it improves soil texture, structure and aeration; it increases the soil's capacity to hold water; it loosens clay soils and helps sandy soils hold more water; and it stimulates healthy root development; but best of all-it's cheap! You can make it without spending a dime. Here are some helpful tips for making your own compost. - Be sure to select a good site, as this will help speed up the process. Look for a well-drained, level area. If you're in a cooler climate, keep the pile in a sunny spot. You'll also want to the pile close enough to your house that you won't neglect to use it.
- Use those kitchen scraps! They are generally high in nitrogen, which will help speed up the process by heating the pile. Excellent kitchen scraps include coffee grounds, egg shells, tea bags, melon rinds and banana peels just to name a few. It's a good idea to stay away from using meat or meat products, dairy products and high-fat foods like peanut butter. Instead of constantly running to your pile, you can collect your kitchen scraps in a container and dump it every other day or so. Use a tight-fitting lid to detract flies and ants. When you add your kitchen waste to the pile, be sure to cover it will about six inches of composting matter as this will help deter insects.
- In the case of composting: bigger is better. A big pile heats up much faster, but try to stay within three feet by three feet.
- Make use of the following items in your pile as well: manure, spoiled hay or straw, leaves, garden plants, most weeds-however, avoid using weeds that have strong or persistent root systems or those that are going to seed, dryer lint, hair, newspaper, cardboard, sawdust or wood shavings, and pine needles.
- Turn, turn, turn! Aerating your compost is extremely important because most of the organisms that help decompose your compost are aerobic. An optimum temperature for your compost is between 104 degrees Fahrenheit and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to turn your compost when the center of your pile is below 104 degrees. Compost thermometers are available at most garden centers and nurseries.
- Water your compost. That's right! You'll want to be sure your compost pile stays somewhat moist. This will ensure that the process stays active. However, don't keep it so wet that it starts to stink, as this is equally as bad as your pile being too dry.
- Excessive use of one material will also slow the process. Try to keep a balanced mix of green, nitrogen-rich materials (grass clippings and kitchen waste) and brown, carbon-rich materials (dried leaves and straw).
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