Composting is a natural decomposition process that turns organic materials into a rich soil amendment. Leaves, grass clippings, weed, and other yard and vegetable trimmings can be composted. Depending on how much attention you devote to your compost pile, it can take as little as two weeks to as much as a year to generate compost. Most households can have finished compost in about three months.
Almost all organic food scraps and yard waste scraps can be added to a compost pile with good results. The smaller the pieces are when they are added to your compost pile, the quicker they will decompose.
- leaves, grass clippings, plant stalks, vines, twigs and branches
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fruit and vegetable scraps
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coffee grounds
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eggshells and nutshells
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hair clippings, feathers, straw
- drier lint, moisten first
Materials should NOT be composted if they promote disease, cause odors, attract pests, or create other nuisances. Some examples are as follows:
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meat, fish, poultry, dairy products
- foods containing animal fats
- human/pet (dog, cat)/bird feces
- weeds with developed seed heads
- plants infected with or highly susceptible to disease, such as roses and peonies
- charcoal ash, contains sulfur dioxide which can harm plants
Compost piles can be left in the open air. Chicken wire or plastic sheeting can be used to prevent the wind from blowing items away. An enclosed bin with a lid will be much neater in appearance and will discourage any animals from scavenging in the pile.
One of the simplest composting enclosures is to use an old garbage can with a secure lid. Drill holes in the sides and bottom of the container to allow for air circulation and water drainage. A tight-fitting lid will allow you to place the container on its side and simply roll it to mix the compost. After rolling, leave the lid off for a few hours to allow more air to penetrate. Make sure you put the lid tightly back on before nightfall to prevent anything from getting in the bin.
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