A Simple Look at Composting

There is a lot of information available on composting. Much of that information focuses on the technical aspects of composting and the importance of doing it. We will attempt to simplify things for the average reader. Compost is an organic substance that is added to your soil to act as an advanced form of fertilizer without the chemicals. It is a combination of soil conditioner and mulch. It provides your garden with valuable minerals and nutrients. The composition of the compost allows the plants to hold more water than they otherwise would.

When it comes to composting there are several methods that all work. The easiest method is the no-turn method. This method means that you do not have to turn the pile once every week to quicken its decomposition process. This method requires you to add coarse materials to the compost. By adding plenty of straw to this technique, you will create air pockets that allow the heap to aerate properly. This type of composting will develop at about the same rate as the traditional method of turning the compost.

If using this method, you will have to use the compost from the bottom of the pile and just keep adding to the top. Fruit and vegetable scraps are great for composting because they are rich in nitrogen and carbon. Other excellent products to start your compost pile are egg shells, grass clippings, pine needles, seaweed, coffee grounds, tea leaves, shredded paper or cardboard, fireplace ash, sawdust and wood chips. If you want to avoid fruit flies from gathering, then spread a layer of calcium or lime over the top of your pile to help reduce the odors emanating from the composting material.

In conclusion, we have simply provided a brief but useful look at composting. It is not difficult to compost. Many more people should be recycling their organic matter by composting.

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