Compost-Backyard Adventures

By: Annabelle Krieger
Submitted: 2008-09-09 11:46:10
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Many people have begun to conclude that even small steps implemented in their personal lives can make a positive impact on the environment. Composting at home is commendable way to create rich soil for gardening or even fertilizer for house plants. This process is something that anyone can do that has a small area for a compost bin and the dedication to commit to it. Compost consists of household kitchen refuse such as vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, leftover pasta, leaves, grass clippings and basically anything that can be organically broken down besides animal products (excluding eggshells). The benefit of the finished product assists soil in retaining moisture and provides valuable nutrients. The "green" benefit of composting is keeping biodegradable materials out of city dumps and "recycling" the materials to contribute to the next generation of vegetation.

For people who do not choose to purchase a ready-made compost bin, it's easy to make one from lumber. Anyone with little knowledge can build a compost bin in a brief period of time. There are many plans available online, so you have the choice of choosing a design that appeals to your aesthetic taste. You will need materials and, if raccoons or other wild animals are bothersome in your area, you may want a hinged cover to keep animals out.

Compost bins are typically inexpensive and simple to construct. One of the easiest ways involves taking sections of snow fence and making them into a square by attaching all corners to a sturdy post, and then staking it into the ground. Others have shaped compost bins from used skids or simply by creating a circle from chicken wire. If you want a stronger compost bin, consider using two by fours to construct a square compost bin with gaps for airflow.

Situate the compost bin far enough away from your house so that you won't smell any waste, yet close enough for convenience. You should also remember that that the compost bin will naturally be warm because of the biological process that are taking place. In order to keep this heat, if you live in a cooler area you will need to place it in a sunny area. If you live in a very hot, dry area, you will need to add water to it occasionally and perhaps put it in a shady area. It needs to sustain some warmth and moisture, but any severity in temperature will likely slow down the progression.

Rather than placing lawn trimmings in a plastic bag to molder in the city landfill, you can recycle this natural material in your compost bin. Don't forget vegetable and fruit scraps, even some cardboard's and newspaper material can be recycled in this way. Be sure to contact your local newspaper distributor to find out whether their ink is safe. If you have any concerns about this, simply recycle papers and cardboard's at the local recycling center instead. Manure from most farm animals is safe to use in your compost pile because most of these animals are herbivores.

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