Organic Composting: The Easy Way

Organic gardens should naturally contain organic compost. Compost delivers Ideal water retention, optimal plant growth and is conducive to beneficial properties such as “good” bacteria. It’s also a great way to make use of yard waste in a sustainable manner. Making your own compost is easier than you think and much cheaper than buying the store bought version.

Before attempting your own compost pile, you must know what waste can be added. Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and water are all essential ingredients in a good compost. Grass clipping provide excellent carbon while fall leaves deliver the important nitrogen. Water is an important part of the compost process also, however, make sure not to overwater. Find a good spot where it can be exposed to rain and plenty of sunshine.

Once all ingredients have been added, you simply need to provide it with oxygen by mixing the pile.

If you don’t have enough carbon or nitrogen elements in your compost pile, just add a little organic fertilizer. You have two options of which type of pile to create. The first is a cool pile and the second is a hot pile.

Creating a cool compost pile can be done by simply adding your grass clipping and leaves as you collect it and giving it a stir now and then. If you don’t mind waiting, then a cool pile is the way to go, however, it can take up to a year before you can add your new compost to your garden. Avoid weeds whenever possible and never add diseased plants to your pile.

A hot pile is for those who don’t wish to wait a year. Unlike a cool compost pile which requires the constant addition of small amounts of waste, a hot pile needs a huge amount to get started. Also a hot pile needs to be turned over much more often than a cold pile. You can mix it anywhere from once every two weeks to once every couple of days. The more you mix, the faster you get compost. Hot piles also reach much higher temperatures than a cold pile killing weeds and diseased plants in the process, however, it may also kill beneficial bacteria.

Once your compost pile has matured and no longer resembles that of which you put into it, it is ready to incorporate into your garden to churn out delicious organic produce.