Jun 19 2010
Compost
Well-made compost is equal and sometimes better than farm manure. Because it is organic there are not the environmental concerns of chemical fertilizers. And it is free! Or at least cheap.
The basic principal in making compost is that when vegetable matter, soil, water, and air are combined with nitrogen, fermentation occurs and the material is converted into humus. (You’ll need a little lime as well, to counteract acidity). The compost heap must be made so that the right bacteria can be encouraged. One cannot just throw a bunch of leaves and trash into a pile and call it compost. Well, one could call it compost, but it will not be of much use as fertilizer.
Build It Yourself
If you choose to build a compost heap yourself, start it directly on the ground and not on concrete or wood. The bottom layer should be a course material to allow for circulation. Next, add in a 6" layer of vegetable waste, combining soft and hard materials. You might use grass cuttings, leaves, weeds, leftover vegetable stems and stalks (chop these up), and kitchen leftovers such as eggshells and vegetable and fruit peels. Water lightly. you want the mixture moist but not squishy.
Over the vegetable waste you may wish to sprinkle a little bit of ammonium sulphate or nitrates to speed up fermentation. Add a thin layer of soil and sprinkle with lime. Keep building layers in this fashion until you get to a height of 3 or 4 feet. You may also add in a thin layer of manure after each vegetable waste layer. If you don’t have enough waste to create a large enough heap, consider adding straw or hay to the mix. Wet the straw down before adding it to the pile.
Cover to protect from heavy rain, but don’t let the cover rest on the heap. After a few weeks, turn the heap, making sure the middle part moves to the outside. Your heap should be ready in 5 or 6 months.
Containers
Some folks prefer composting in a container or bin. Here are some commercial options to get you started more quickly and with less back pain!
This compost bin has a 4 in x 4 in post 1.5 in x 5.5 in reinforced rails and is 3 ft W x 3 ft L x 3 ft H. The PVC will never rot.
made out of recycled polypropylene. It is easily assembled without tools and will hold up to 11 cubic feet of compost. It stands 40 inches high and is 23 inches square. It has an easy access lid, adjustable air vents and a sliding bottom door for accessing the finished compost. Length: 23 Inch Width: 23 Inch Height
Makes Compost in 4-6 Weeks A household size composter for daily amounts of kitchen and household throwouts — finished compost in 4-6 weeks! The Back Porch Compost Tumbler is great for your deck, porch, right outside your kitchen door, or next to your recycling bin. Features: Dimensions: 37"H x 31"W x 26"D Drum is 25" diameter; 25" wide Capacity: 37 gallons Two big 6" wheels Made of double-wall, high density polyethylene 3/4" insulating air cell for year-round use Exclusive aerator/drainage unit on the bottom.
Fresh compost can be made in just 14 days and you only have to turn it once a week or after addition of new material. And to make things easier, it comes completely assembled so you can start composting immediately. Made of durable 100% recycled polyethylene plastic and is resistant to fading Black color absorbs heat for fast composting Holds up to 12 cubic feet of compost Rotate once a week – That’s it! 16-inch twist-off lid for easy access and security End air vents create essential ventilation Can be rolled to any location for filling or dispensing.
Jr Compost Bin And Base-7 Cu Ft
Comes fully assembled and requires little maintenance. Just turn once a week and after addition of new material and you can see compost in as little as 14 days! Help keep organic waste out of our landfills by getting a Compost Wizard Jr. today.