Home Composting DIY

The amount of trash that we generate is a big concern among Americans today. One solution that seems to be catching on is composting at home. Some people report reducing the amount of trash that they produce to less than half of what it was before. The biggest reduction in trash is seen when yard clippings and leaves are composted instead of disposed of in plastic yard bags.

You can easily start composting in your own yard without very much effort or cost. Most people choose to build their own composting container as opposed to spending a lot of money on a manufactured one. There are a few basic things to keep in mind when you are building your compost container.

First, there needs to be circulation. Air needs to be able to reach all levels of the compost heap in order for decomposition to take place. Some people drill holes in the sides of a bottomless trash can to create a quick and easy compost container. Wooden slats are popular as well. Space boards about an inch apart to allow air to enter. This helps control fungus and other problems. Chicken wire can also be used.

The second thing to think about is humidity and moisture. The compost needs to stay moist to decompose. Making you compost heap tall is one way to ensure that it does not completely dry out. Five or six feet tall is about right for a home compost bin. As food scraps, yard clippings and other organics decompose, they will create heat. The ventilation will help keep the heap a little cooler. If you put your compost bin in a shady location, that will help keep the temperature down as well.

You do not want your compost bin to create odors, attract insects or other pests. So, keep a few things in mind as you compost. Do not put meat or fats into your compost heap as they can attract rodents, raccoons and possums. When you put grass clippings in, mix them around with other layers or leaves because moisture is easily trapped in wet grass and it can smell. If you are adding food, like vegetables, egg shells, coffee grounds and bread, bury them under a layer of yard waste to keep insects from being attracted to the pile. Only add manure from farm animals, not dogs or cats.

Adding manure helps keep the nitrogen content of the pile high enough to encourage decomposition. Do not put in a lot of acidic waste at once, like pine needles, or the nitrogen content will be affected. Basically, you need a balance of green and brown waste to maintain a healthy compost bin. Greens include grass, vegetables, fruits, coffee and tea grounds. Browns consist of egg shells, cardboard (shredded), dry leaves, fireplace ashes and dryer lint.

The moisture balance in your compost bin is very important. If it dries out, nothing will happen. If it gets too wet, it will create odors, molds and fungi. Keep a hose reel close by for occasional watering and keep a lid on top to avoid the bin becoming too saturated by rain. Your compost will help you create a cleaner environment and give you plenty of healthy compost to use in your garden and landscaping.

About the Author: Stacy Pessoney is an award winning author and writer of web content for many different web sites. She is well versed in many different areas, including gardening, hose reel, lawn care and landscaping.