Composting 101
Composting is one of the best (and least expensive) ways to fertilize your garden. --It's taking a process that nature will do anyhow and doing it quicker and and giving you more control to where it goes.
When I first discovered composting, I was overwhelmed by the variety of composting bins - ranging from $200-$3,000. Actually, I was overwhelmed by the price. I couldn't imagine paying much for something that would, in my mind, be collecting poop and grass and the food peels we wouldn't eat. Fortunately, there are many ways to compost - from fancy bins to aluminum garbage cans (with lots of holes) to chicken wire to wooden pallets and beyond! Composting doesn't have to cost much - in fact, if you are willing to ask around, you could most likely come up with the materials for free!
Although composting may seem like it could interfere with your already busy life, it really is simple! Keep a small container - a plastic tupperware container with a lid or a stoneware cookie jar (with a lid) or anything really - on your counter to catch your scraps. If you have a larger family, or tend to have a lot of scraps, you can try using a lidded trash, instead. Then, once or twice a week, just add it to the compost and VOILA! Technically, you don't even HAVE to turn your compost, although doing so will ensure a non-smelly and evenly composted pile. That's up to you, though.
For more ideas on what to put in your compost, print out and keep the list below for a handy and quick reminder!
Browns = High Carbon
Ashes, wood
Cardboard, shredded
Corn stalks
Fruit waste
Leaves
Newspaper, shredded
Peanut shells
Pine needles
Sawdust
Straw
Wood chips
Greens = High Nitrogen
Alfalfa
Clover
Coffee grounds
Food waste
Garden waste
Grass clippings
Hay
Manures
Seaweed
Vegetable scraps
Weeds
