The Compost Bin
In Hillsborough County, the separation of yard waste from other solid waste is mandatory. Any yard waste that can be recycled is a great saving for our environment. A compost bin can be used to help convert traditional yard waste into a nutrient rich additive to your garden soil.
Because macro organisms will assist in the composting process it is best not to build a compost bin next to a building. While it is not necessary to have a bin as you can build a compost pile on the ground, a bin does help with the appearance factor of a pile of decomposing matter. Nitrogens come from grass and manure and carbons come leaves and dried hay.
Your participation in making the
compost pile may consist mainly of throwing out garden waste items such as
trimmings and weeds. The slow decomposition process will produce results
in the form of nutrient rich compost. The richness comes from nitrogens
derived from grass and manure and carbons derived from leaves and dried hay. If you want to speed the
process, you can spend a little more time in layering the materials, alternating nitrogens with carbon, add some water and turn the pile from time to time.
This is called hot composting and it can speed the process to as little as 6
weeks. If you are not in a rush for the results, you can just let nature
do its work.
How do you know the when the compost is done?
The pile you started with will be less than half the size it started. When you look at the end product it should smell sweet, sort of woodsy and earthy. The individual materials that you put in will no longer be recognizable.
Want to learn more? Do a Google Search on Compost, Compost Bin, or Build a Compost Pile.
