Easy Composting

Compost is one of those magic ingredients that can make your garden absolutely thrive. But how many of us don't even bother composting, because it seems to require much more time, effort, and space than we can devote to it? I have good news. If you're patient, you can compost, with little time, effort, or space. In fact, you don't have to have a yard at all, and you can do it in as little as seconds per week. And the payoff you get will be the black gold that every gardener cherishes.

Compost Method #1:

You have a yard, and you'd like to produce good amounts of compost.

This is the method I use. It isn't fast, but it does work. Give this about a year, and you will have a good amount of fluffy, nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Get yourself some hardware cloth. This is kind of like chicken wire, but stronger stuff. You can find it in any home improvement center. Cut yourself a three foot wide diameter circle out of the hardware cloth using wire cutters. Form the piece into a cylinder, wrapping the loose ends around each other to secure it. Place this cylinder in an area of your yard that is accessible, but not necessarily a focal point. Behind a garage or shed is a good place, as long as you have room to get in there with a shovel and wheelbarrow. Now, just fill it up. Don't worry about layering, or turning, or compost accelerators and things like that. If it is exceptionally dry, you can sprinkle your pile with a hose once in a while, but don't soak it. After a year or so, dig into the pile. The stuff in the center and at that bottom will be nicely decomposed, and you'll have compost!

Compost Method #2:

You'd like some compost, but you don't have much debris, and you have a pest problem which means you can't have food scraps sitting around.

These are both common problems, but you can still compost. Get yourself a plastic garbage can (the cheapest one you can find. Just make sure it has a tight fitting lid.). Drill holes with a 1/2" drill bit all over the sides, bottom, and lid of the can. This will allow for air circulation, which is very important for composting. Now, just fill it up. Turn it on its side every once in a while and give it a roll to "tumble" your compost. To get even better airflow, put the can up on a couple bricks so the bottom can breathe. And, you don't have to worry about pests. You will have compost in very little time.

Compost Method #3:

You have very little debris, and possibly no yard at all, but you'd like some compost for container gardens.

Yes, it's true. You don't even need a yard to compost. If you have a patio, balcony, or garage, you have enough space to make small amounts of compost. Just get yourself a black plastic garbage bag. Put your scraps or plant trimmings in, and close the bag up tight. Every few days, flip the bag over. Once the bag feels basically empty, you will have compost! You can sprinkle it on the surface of your potted plants or container gardens, and you will be rewarded with happy, healthy plants.

I hope I've convinced you that composting can be easy, and that no matter what your situation, you really can compost of you want to. Here's to compost! ITGO