EP // 19 Create your own compost for organic gardening

The Rose’s Homestead| Homesteading, Gardening, cooking from scratch, sustainable living, food preservation

Hey friends! Do you want to create your very own compost for organic gardening? This black gold will help your plants and flowers grow big and strong!
There are many ways to create a compost bin, you can make one with wood and hardware mesh, order one from Amazon, or do what I did and buy a big metal trash can. I kept it simple 😉 I bought a 32-gallon metal trash can with a lid, I wanted to keep the smells inside the trashcan and the critters out. The next step is to drill some holes in the bottom of the trash can, this is for drainage and to promote aeration. I used a large bit of drill and created several holes. Place a layer of twigs or small branches at the bottom of the trash can to promote air circulation and drainage. Add a layer of brown materials. Such as dried leaves, shredded newspaper or cardboard to the trash can. This will help create a balanced compost mix.
Add a layer of green material on top of the brown material, things such as fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, eggshells and coffee grounds. Never use meat or dairy in your compost. The green material will provide the nitrogen needed for the composting process. Continue layering the brown and green materials in the trash can, be sure to keep the compost moist but not soggy. So, after your first two layers of green and brown material, you will want to add some water.
Turn the compost with a pitchfork or shovel every few weeks to aerate and mix the materials. Place the lid on your compost container to keep the compost contained and protected from rain and pests. Allow the compost to decompose for several weeks to several months, it depends on the material used and the environmental conditions on how fast your compost will take to break down.
When this process is complete you will have black gold to add to your plants that will improve soil quality and help plants grow healthy and strong! I got a big container with a lid, and I keep it handy in my kitchen, when I have fruit and veggie scraps, eggshells and coffee grounds I toss it in the container and put the lid on. Then I have a simple way to make sure that I have some "green" materials ready for my compost bin.
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