Compost Bins: Where To Start?

Compost has several benefits. It improves the soil's richness by adding organic material to your garden. Using it retains all of the nutrients needed for healthy and sustainable plant growth. A good compost helps contain carbon and decreases erosion. It also guards against the impact of harsh weather and climate change.

Building a compost bin is the first step toward preparing your landscaping for the spring. Below are some pointers on where to start one and what to add to it.

Start by gathering old scraps

A compost heap should include organic plant material and material that does not come from animals. These items include:

• Old coffee grinds

• Fruit peels and veggie scraps

• Dry leaves

• Bits of grass and leaves

• Tiny bits of wood and tree bark

• Finely shredded newspaper

• Straw

• Sawdust from organic wood

Gather any of these scraps first. Put these items into a container with a lid, and keep them in your kitchen. This gives you the added convenience of adding fruit peels and veggie scraps while preparing meals. A good suggestion would be to store them in the freezer to prevent spoiling.

Add other materials to your compost bin

Next, add fresh grass, wood shavings, or leaves. Be sure to balance greenery with wood or chopped branches for an even mixture. Once done, set your compost to the side and water it regularly. Use a sprinkler to ensure even moisture distribution. This allows the microorganisms to decompose the ingredients slowly. In some cases, adding an organic mulch may help.

Test the temperature of your compost

The idea of building a strong compost is to avoid rotting during the decomposition phase. A good temperature reading should range anywhere from 130° to 150°. This allows microorganisms to thrive as they break down your compost. Use a special compost thermometer to test the temperature. You can buy one at a local hardware store.

Mix all of the compost ingredients

A good compost is balanced and blended. Using a small shovel, mix the ingredients well. This will allow the compost to gain the balance needed to do the job. Plus, it will help to increase and stabilize the correct temperature for use in the garden.

Regular mixings will allow sufficient air and water to blend into the mix. They prevent the ingredients from settling in. It's also a good idea to blend when you add new elements. 

Is there more on building a compost bin?

Building a compost bin takes a lot of time and patience. It can take a while for the ingredients to decompose. Your compost mix should have organic ingredients, as they break down much faster than anything else. For more ideas on fixing your home and garden, be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram.