Landscaping and Gardening Info

There are tons of articles and information about composting and compost and I do not want to bore you with another one that explains all the tecnical aspects of this process and the scientific research behind composting.

Although, I’m not denying the fact that technical explanations such as those are necessary as well, but it would be nice to hear or read something more of layman’s approach on the subject. Well that’s something that this article would like to do, anyhow.

Basically, compost plays more that one role than just being a fertilizer to soil. Compost is mulch, a soil conditioner and also something that helps give the soil the best nutrients and minerals plants require. Besides adding nutritional value to soil, compost is also able to contain more water, which is key to all plants. .

There are several composting methods which you employ. The so called “no-turn” composting method is the easiest. Like what the title of the method indicates, you don’t need to turn the pile of compost at least once every week to quicken the process of decomposition. In this “no-turn” technique, all you need to do is add loads of coarse materials to your compost.

You will do just fine by adding a large quantity of straw. The role of straw is to create air pockets and also to aerate the pile. The compost will develop at the same rate as when you use the traditional “turn-over” composting technique. When using this technique, make sure you get your compost from the bottom pile. Do not forget to add some coarse materials together with your organic materials.

If the only available composting materials in your yard are piles and piles of leaves, then don’t worry. Creating composts from leaves alone can be done. You just need a couple of things, and some very simple techniques. Select a place where you will make your compost pile. For the leaves, the place ideal would be a well shaded area which will help keep the pile damp or moist. Also keep in mind that the pile should not be packed tightly. Keep it loose to allow the air to circulate.

After four to six months, the compost from leaves wil lbe ready and can be applied to the soil. Please bear in mind that the compost created from leaves do not contain enough minerals and nutrients to function as a fertilizer. It’s main function is to act as a soil conditioner not a soil fertilizer.

When composting, you will need materials rich in carbon and nitrogen namely fruits and vegetable scraps and other table scraps except left over bones because they attract a number of pests and animals. Other products include eggshells, grass or shrub clippings, pine needles, seaweed and kelp, coffee grounds, wood ash, tea leaves, cardboard and shredded paper, corn stalks, wood chips, and sawdust.

To discourage fruit flies and other pests from grouping together on your pile, it would be best to cover the pile or add lime or calcium over the top or whenever you add new materials to your compost. The lime and calcium also help neutralize the odors from your pile.

I hope you were able to have a simplified view of the composting and got some useful and simple tips from the article. Just remember that composting is difficult only if you want it to be.

Tags: gardening, landscaping