There are many great reasons to begin composting, but a lot of people are intimidated by the idea because they think it’s complicated or time consuming. So let’s deconstruct composting to examine why it’s beneficial to the environment and your yard. Then, let’s take a look at why now is a great time to start.
First, landfills across the country are filling up with about 4.5 pounds of trash per person each day. There are items we know must go to the landfill, but we can conserve that space and utilize it more efficiently if more people choose to compost natural materials. Another way to think of composting is recycling, just recycling Mother Nature’s provisions instead of man-made materials.
Next, composting is a great way to provide a natural fertilizer to your soil! We recently covered why a healthy yard starts with a strong foundation in nutrient-rich soil. Composted material provides a mild, slow-release fertilizer for your yard and plants. Plus, it’s a great way to get the most bang for your buck at the grocery store. The benefits of food don’t stop in the kitchen! You can use remnants in your compost pile too. In fact, about half of what we throw into the garbage is food and garden vegetation.
Here are some examples of what you can place in your compost pile:
- Vegetable and food scraps
- Fallen leaves (in layers)
- Tea leaves and tea bags
- Coffee grounds
- Vacuum cleaner dust
- Soft stems
- Dead flowers
- Old potting mix
- Used vegetable cooking oil
- Egg shells
- Old newspapers (wet)
- Grass cuttings in layers
- Weeds
- Sawdust (not from treated timber)
- Wood ash
- Human and animal hair
What not to add to a Compost Heap
- Meat and dairy products
- Diseased plants
- Metals, plastic, glass
- Animal manures (especially the droppings of cats and dogs)
- Fat
- Magazines
- Large branches
- Weeds that have seeds or underground stems
- Bread or cake (may attract mice)
- Bones
- Sawdust from treated timber
How to get started
First, select the area in your yard where you want to set up your pile. Then, you’ll need a composting bin. There are lots of ready-made options or you may choose to construct your own. The key to a successful pile is the right combination of temperature and moisture levels.
Autumn is a great time to start composting because fallen leaves and other items from yard cleanup can start your pile. Then, it will have time to grow and be ready for your spring plantings.
There are a lot of myths about composting, but the truth is it’s a simple process that helps the environment, your yard, and your pocketbook.
If you have questions about composting, stop by Warren’s and let one of our expert staff help you. Or you can call 281-354-6111 for more information.
