Make Your Own Compost!

One of the major problems in many gardens is poor soil.  This is primarily due to lack of adequate organic matter in the soil.  Improving your gardens soil by using compost is one way to combat this problem.

What is compost?  Compost is a mixture of soil and partly decayed organic matter that is used to improve gardens and potting soils. 

The compost pile has several useful functions in the garden. It is one of best and cheapest ways to increase your soils fertility. A compost pile is also a good place to dispose of garden waste, vegetable waste and peelings, grass clippings and other organic material that will rot quickly.  Adding compost to your soil will improve soil workability, provide nitrogen and other nutrients, and also increase the water holding capacity of the soil.

Where To Put Your Compost Bin?  The compost bin should be placed at an out of the way area, but  make sure it is close to a water source.  You can make your own compost bin (pictured above), or we have several styles in the store for you to choose from.  One particular style comes with its own stand that makes 'turning' a breeze!

Constructing the Pile.  When constructing your pile use the layer cake fashion.  Place about a 6" layer of 'brown stuff' in you pile such as dead, dried plants, leaves and pine needles.  Next make about a 6" layer of 'green stuff' such as grass clippings, kitchen vegetable scraps and other plants.  Next lightly sprinkle your pile with a fertilizer such as 10-20-10.  Include a few shovels of garden soil to add microorganisms which will help decompose the material.  Add water if your pile is on the dry side.  You want it to be moist, but never soggy.  Keep making additional layers until your pile is about 3-4' tall.  Add water, if necessary as you add to your pile. You can add to your pile on a daily, weekly or whatever schedule is convenient for you.  Just remember to mix it up a little every time you add to it.

Don't Use

• Meat
• Bones
• Cheese
• Pet Droppings
• Milk
• Fats
• Oils
• Diseased Plants

Moisture is Absolutely Necessary!  To get your compost 'going' keep the pile moist.  Make a depression in the top of the pile to catch rain.  During dry spells add water to the depression; this aids in the breakdown of the material.  Turn the pile every couple of weeks for more rapid decomposition.  Your compost could be ready to use in about 3-6 months, depending on the types of material used and season of the year. 

• There is also a couple of compost accelerators available.  It generally comes in a powder or liquid form. They contain beneficial organisms along with ocean kelp, fish and alfalfa meals, which help in the decomposition of organic matter.