by Spring is here and with that comes the lawn care and perhaps thoughts to plant a garden.
One of the ways to reduce household waste and to help create a nutrient -rich land for those gardens, lawns and landscape architecture for composting.
By following a few important steps, everyone can make organic leftovers a valuable source.
Here is a guide for composting based on Compost 101 by Steve Tharp Jr., assistant execution director at Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District.
1. How to start composting and how to avoid the scent
You know that compost is ready for use when it is dark such as dirt or topsoil, has a crumbly texture and none of the organic materials you used can be recognized.
Choose a location for a pile to start composting or use a container with drainage holes.
Start with a base layer of coarse materials, such as straw or small branches, to help the air flow and drainage. Build the pile from there with a mix of green and brown materials.
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Greens: These nitrogen-rich materials include fruit and vegetables, coffee grounds, grass clippings and plant shoes.
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Browns: These carbon -rich materials include dried leaves, cardboard, sawdust and wood chips.
Keep a ratio of one part of greens to three parts brown. The balance ensures good decomposition and prevents unpleasant odors.
2. The correct mix of moisture and oxygen
A compost stack must remain moist but not saturated. The ideal moisture level is similar to an exchanging sponge.
Rainwater can naturally hydrate outdoor stacks, but in dry conditions it may add periodic water.
Aeration is also crucial.
By running the stack at least once a week, oxygen can reach microorganisms that break down organic material.
Turn the pile with a pitchfork, compost tumbler or by rolling a closed container on the floor.
3. Maintain compost
Regular maintenance is simple. Keep adding kitchen remains and garden waste, always the greens at the top with three times as much brown to keep the balance.
Stiring the compost weekly helps to speed up and reduces the decomposition.
Adding a small amount of garden soil or outdated compost early in the process introduces useful microorganisms, which accelerates the decomposition.
She can break down the shredding or cutting of materials into small pieces faster.
4. Solving common problems: dry, wet, slow decomposition
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Dry compost: Add water or green materials to restore moisture.
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Wet or smelly compost: Mix extra brown such as cardboard or straw and improve the aeration by stirring more often.
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Slow decomposition: Increase the amount of greens or add an activator, such as garden soil or outdated compost, to introduce more micro -organisms.
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Rodent or insect problems: Do not add meat, dairy or fatty foods and always cover food residues with a layer of brown.
5. Use varied compost
In the northeast of Ohio, composting usually takes about six months. Finished compost will be dark brown, crumbly and have an earthly scent.
It can be used to enrich garden soil, fertilize pot plants, improve the health of the lawn and even as a mulch.
Mix a sub -compost for gardens with two parts of soil for planting.
For lawns, spread compost light over the grass and rake it to improve soil health.
Composting not only reduces waste, but also promotes sustainable garden practices.
This article originally appeared on the Daily Record: Composting for Beginners: How to Start with Soil, Garden
