Compost 101

Compost is a natural source that a home owner can use to create a type of mulch that can be added into the soil around a home. Compost is created by using household items and items around your yard. The items you use need to be an organic natural source that can decompose. Leaves and grass clippings are a main source that many home owners will use. As you create a “pile” of these materials, you will want to place them into a bin to help the materials create the compost that you will be using.

Compost starts when the materials are placed into a bin and have nature’s added elements create organisms to turn the materials into compost. Moisture, aeration and the temperature affects the materials that you place into the bin. Moisture will help the organisms form and create the materials into compost. As you mix the compost pile with a shovel or a rake, it will create oxygen flow that is needed to help the organisms breathe and become familiar with the new products that you have added. The temperature will help to “cook” the compost pile and will actually help the compost shrink. All of these factors are created by nature and are a needed so that your compost pile will need to survive.

How does compost help your soil? Compost will loosen the clay and sandy soils that retain water within your flower beds and garden. When you add the compost to your soil, the soil will increase fertility within the roots and plants that you have placed. Since compost is an organic matter, it will provide a better source of nutrients that the organisms will create. The more healthy and balanced your compost is, the better quality you will have and the more your gardens will flourish.

Purchase a compost bin or make a compost bin that you can place in your yard. As you place your bin, you will want to place your bin in an area that will not disturb your neighbors or community. The bin will need to be strategically placed to receive nature’s natural elements. Your compost bin will need to receive a source of sunlight to help the organisms grow and produce your compost. Continue to add materials throughout the year. This will help produce a large amount of compost that you can use year round.

You will know your compost has been created when you have received a dark dirt like form. The compost will smell rich and will crumble easily. If the compost appears to be stringy or lumpy, you will need to continue to let the organisms located in your compost to finish creating the compost. Creating compost will take anywhere from three months to twelve months. The process will take place depending on what materials you have used for compost. The area you live in will also take part in creating your compost. If you live in a rainy area, your compost may take longer to create. Also remember to turn and mix your compost regularly. This will ensure that the organisms will be doing their job.

When your materials have been created into compost, you will be able to use the compost in your soil at anytime. The compost will build structure throughout your gardens and will help keep your soil rich with nutrients, water and air. These elements will help protect against drought, rain storms, and diseases that are created from plants and animals. The compost you use will also help the earthworms that are in your soil. Earthworms create oxygen and moisture pockets that your soil and plants will need and use throughout the year and the seasons.