Starting your own composite is one of the most efficient methods of recycling. Composting plant debris and kitchen scraps will result in a decomposed organic matter that’s good for gardening soil. The organic matter, called humus, helps soil retain water, controls erosion, promotes effective airflow around plants and protects them from disease. The household garbage, lawn clippings, and leaves will be put to better use and won’t take up space or “rot” in the garage. Developing a habit of composting instead of throwing away will quickly reward your community, your garden and your wallet.
Compost will be most effective with a mixture of carbon-rich material, nitrogen rich material and moisture. This combination enables a natural decomposition that breaks elements down to their recycled usefulness. Avoid adding materials that have been treated with poisons or pesticide, as they will contaminate the mixture. This means if a lawn service is treating your lawn and/or shrubs, do not add the clippings to your composite.
To begin, start with a compost bin, either purchased or homemade, dimensions of three feet for width, length and height allow plenty of room and growth. Place the bin away from the house to avoid the decomposing odors and moisture near the house. A shady area is best with access to a water source such as a garden hose. Try to make your compost convenient so it’s easy to develop a habit of adding to the compost by anyone in the family.
Place six inches of carbon-rich (dry) material such as leaves, sawdust, shredded newspaper, egg cartons, ash, cornstalks, straw, wood chips, small twigs or pin needles at the base of the bin. Add six inches of nitrogen rich (wet) material such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, eggshells, flowers, tea leaves and bags, grass clippings and fish remains over the dry material. Alternate layers until a three-foot pile is established. Try to finish with a dry material to avoid curious insects or other wildlife.
Dampen the pile with water and turn with a garden fork or pitchfork, mixing the material together. Though turning isn’t necessary, it will speed up the decomposition. Add dry and wet material as it accumulates and mix into the pile to promote decomposition, air circulation and to avoid odors. A moisture level of a wrung-out sponge is best and may take care of itself by regular rainfall; if not, a garden hose will accomplish the same thing. If the pile becomes too wet, simply add additional carbon-rich, dry material.
Within three months, with regular additions and turning, the compost should resemble potting soil. That soil is ready and rich in nutrients to feed gardens, shrubs, plantings or new areas for lawn seed.
To keep your homemade potting soil, plants and shrubs in top condition, and allow clippings to be added to your compost without contamination, use the following homemade, non-toxic fertilizers. Another recycling benefit to your wallet and lawn.
Though slightly cumbersome, human urine is an excellent fertilizer and very safe to use. Dilute one part with ten parts water and use on your lawn or plants immediately. Rich in nitrogen, dilution is required; this will eliminate any odors as well, at least to other humans. As an added benefit, wildlife such as deer will be offended by the scent, leaving shrubs and flowers for your enjoyment and not for dinner.
Another good liquid fertilizer can be made from comfrey leaves (check local plant and nursery stores). Fill a bucket with leaves and water and leave for two weeks to ferment. Dilute one part fermented liquid with five parts water before use.
And don’t forget some of the following household waste that can be applied directly to plants and lawns for their benefit.
Wood ash from the fireplace sprinkled around the base of trees, shrubs and plants will add potassium to the soil and stems. Add used coffee grounds for nitrogen and phosphorus.
Diluted vinegar is full of nutrients and helps plants and grass achieve a bright green.
Or steep egg shells in water for a few days to add calcium for stronger and healthy growth.
A little effort and time will result in saved money and perhaps, the best garden on the block!
