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Composting is a great way to turn kitchen and lawn waste into rich, organic fertilizer. You can buy a compost bin or even build your own. Compost bins can be as simple or complex as you want, ranging from something as basic as a pile of leaves to an intricate three bin systems.
To build a compost bin, stagger pressure treated 2" x 4" three feet high. The spacing between the 2 x 4’s allows the compost to breathe but keeps the pile under control. If mobility is important wire fence is easy to move and can be expanded or retracted based on how much compost material you have on hand.
If you have a small yard but still want to compost for gardening purposes, a modified garbage can makes a great mini compost bin. Simply drill a few holes in the bottom of the can for air and elevate the can on blocks. Fill it up with multiple layers of compost and in a few months you’ll have a great supply of gardening gold.
Compost can be made with whatever you have on hand. Fallen leaves, grass clippings, weeds, gardening waste, crushed eggshells, even table scraps can go into the compost pile. You do not want to add any meats, eggs or dairy products to your pile though. To really get the compost cooking, cover the pile with a few inches of soil. It's also important to keep the pile slightly moist and exposed to a few hours of sunlight. However, too much direct sunlight can dry out the compost and slow down the decomposition.
To speed up decomposition, use a charging compound. When the compost is done, usually within 60-90 days, spread it over garden soil, over a new lawn, or mulch a bulb garden. The finished compost replenishes soil with all the nutrients needed for a memorable growing season.
