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As the autumn season rapidly approaches, thoughts of raking leaves and other yard work may come to mind. But before you bag those leaves, consider composting them.
Composting is a great way to recycle all types of yardwaste and save disposal costs. Compost, sometimes called humus, is an ideal mulch, potting soil, or top dressing for a flower bed or vegetable garden. A compost pile naturally breaks down yardwaste into compost right in your backyard, saving you the time and energy of bagging yardwaste, storing it, and then hauling it to the curb or drop-off center.
The basics you need to start composting include a 3-ft. x 3-ft. x 3-ft. space, a bin, and the materials to compost. A bin is recommended but not essential. It provides a more attractive, controlled environment to contain the materials. You can make your own bin of wire, bricks, or wood, or you can purchase a bin at select lawn and garden stores.
Items you can compost include leaves, plants, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass, manure from animals that do not eat meat, flowers, pine needles, wood chips, shredded newspaper, bread and more! Do not compost oils, fats, grease, bone, meat, salad dressing, diseased plants or weeds, butter or dairy products or cat or dog manure. These items can attract rodents and raccoons and cause odors in your compost pile.
There are a variety of uses for your finished compost. Annual use of compost will eventually reduce the need for fertilizer. Compost produced through the organic processes of a compost pile is ideal for gardens, flower beds, household plants, and trees. Gardeners recommend using compost as a mulch or mixing it into top soil as a soil amendment.
For more information on composting, please call (513) 946-7755 to request your free copy of our Yardwaste at Home Handbook, or visit www.hcdoes.org. |
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