Here we will tell you how to make compost and provide many more ideas about home composting, such as how to make a compost bin. This is home composting for beginners!
Home composting is something that is becoming all the more frequent in today's society and it is something that is seen as not only really easy but also as green as it is a form of recycling from home!
Home composting is taking organic waste from the home and biodegrading it. The use of this waste is conditioning and fertilizing soil by the addition of humus, nutrients and beneficial soil bacteria, with a wide range of certain applications. In short and simple terms home composting is turning waste that is rotting or that will rot into fertilizer in order to feed soil!
Creating your own compost is also a good way to save money and for those of us that are keen to recycle household waste and take an interest in helping the environment it is a simple process to do just that!
In order to begin the process of home composting you will need to decide whether you are going to have a compost bin or a compost heap. To find out more on how to make a compost bin please click here. Having a compost bin is a lot easier and tidier than having a compost heap at home!
You will need to know what it is that you are going to be throwing on your heap or putting in your bin, the following list will help:
The classifications of each of the above are '(G)' for green and '(B)' for brown, your heap will need to be two thirds green and a third brown, ensure that this is managed correctly! You do not want the heap to be overly wet or dry, if the heap is too wet then add more brown ingredients to it! This is the art of home composting so make sure you give your creation your full attention.
It is important to ensure that there is a lot of heat in the compost mix so make sure the compost bin is insulated if possible and that there is a lid on it with no holes for the heat to escape from.
In moderation you should allow air to be able to get to it, this can be done by turning the compost mix with a utensil such as a fork.
When home composting you should leave your compost mix for a minimum of 8 weeks. How much more you leave it depends on the progress of your compost. Ideally it will become a dark brown and earthy when complete.
As previously mentioned when home composting you can use a compost bin or just have a compost heap. Compost bins can be purchased from a number of places such as large supermarkets, garden centres and DIY stores. Please also see our page on 'How to make a compost bin' for a simple guide on how to make your own home compost bin.
Alternatively you can have a compost heap where you just pile in the garden the ingredients on top of each other BUT ensure that the heap is covered with polythene, plastic or cardboard in order to retain the required heat. The heap will still need to be turned as the compost in a container would.
Now that you know how to make compost it's time to put your ambitions into practice.