Humus, or decayed organic matter, will benefit all types of soil. The cheapest source is from your own compost pile which is an excellent way to recycle waste. Results from composting are seen by the increased plant health or crop yields in your gardens and the decrease in unneccessary waste in our landfills. Even apartment dwellers can compost on a small scale to enrich & replace the soil in potted house or balcony plants.
What can you put in a compost? Almost anything that will rot such as bones, peelings from vegetables & fruit, grass clippings,& even weeds. Weeds absorb a lot of nutrients from the soil and when composted, they actually put back those nutrients. What you don't want to put in the compost is meat and dairy products as that may attract rats and other undesirable creatures.
Where to put your compost pile? Since compost piles are not attractive, you can hide them behind the garage or shed, or screen around it and have vines grow on the screen. Check with your local garden center or even City Hall for preformed plastic compost bins for sale. The compost pile should be located in a partially shady spot as full sun will kill the bacteria which enriches the soil.
To begin your compost pile first sprinkle a little limestone on the ground. Composting works best by alternating layers of organic waste and regular soil. Soil on the top layer will help reduce unpleasant odors. With each alternate layer, you can supplement with a 5-10-5 fertalizer, or limestone.
Once a month, grab a pitch fork type tool and turn the compost to mix the layers. A little superphosphate can help if the odors get really ripe. Cover open compost piles with sheets of black plastic to protect it from wind and rain but keep it moist with a garden hose during long dry spells.
When is the compost ready to use?Composts started during the summer should be ready in about 3 months, while fall or winter composts need to wait until spring before it is ready. Compost is rather concentrated so planting in undiluted compost is too strong for most plants to survive. Mix portions of the compost with 3 or 4 parts regular garden soil, and top dress this mixture into the bedding you wish to fertalize, and work it in to a depth of about 6 inches.
If you have any composting tips, please share them with us on the Community Forum.
