Composting 101

Example of a three section Compost Bin.

A Compost pile that has reached the correct temperature.  

Some experts would explain composting in a way that would have you running in the other direction.
But I'm going to explain Composting in a way that is concise as possible.When you've finished reading this post,
you should be able to go right outside and start your compost pile.Composting is really easy , and takes little time to manage.Compost improves your soil,reduces the amount of water used, adds nutrients and wards off plant and vegetable diseases. For your garden add 1 to 3 inches of compost to your garden.

So what is Compost? Simply, it's Organic matter that has decomposed and is used as fertilizer and a soil amendment. What can't you put into a compost pile? Meat, grease and diary. So what can you put into a Compost pile? Fruits and Vegetables,paper clippings,brown paper bags, Coffee grinds (and the filter),grass clippings and leaves to name just a few. A simple ratio to remember is 1 part green and 2 parts brown. Greens are grass clippings,fruit and Veggie clippings,etc. Browns are paper bags,leaves,etc.

Moisture is very  important for the compost pile,it should say as wet as a sponge, and be turned once a week so that the pile gets oxygen,to help with the decomposing. You can start your compost pile right on the ground, with nothing surrounding it,or you can get 4 6ft posts and some chicken wire to make an enclosure. Or you can get a couple of pallets (7 is the preferred amount) to make a 3 section compost bin. Just connect the pallets together with some nails at each corner,one nail at the top,middle and bottom. Each section of the 3 section bin serves a purpose,and it's quite simple. The first section (going from left to right) is for newly added compost. The second section is for the compost that's half way done. And the third section is for the finished product. You can add compost when planting new plants and trees. You can also add compost as mulch around trees and plants.