Easy Ways on How to Start and Maintain a Compost Pile

Due to global warming problems encounteredis to hold the fully decayed compost.
today, various measures on how to improve the4. Having a freestanding pile or pit - This option is
Earth's condition are a must to be implemented.for homeowners who have a wide vacant lot at
The idea of recycling today is not simply a choiceleast a few hundred meters away from the
to be made but rather a necessity. One way youhouse structure. This is important because this
can help the environment is to learn how to makesystem is the one most likely to attract pests
your own compost pile.and rodents. However, if it is maintained properly,
Through this system, you can benefit from manyit can be the most inexpensive and most
things. One of which is that you can minimize theconvenient method to create compost.
waste in your home. The pile can also be a meansAlternatively, before finalizing your decision on
to have rich soil and great source of naturalwhich system to implement in your home, you
fertilizer for your plants. Thus, you get tomust inquire from appropriate local agencies
accumulate monetary savings through manywhether there are sponsorship programs
ways. On the other hand, such benefits can onlyregarding building a compost pile. There are some
be enjoyed if you have the correct type oflocations wherein certain outfits provide residents
composting system. For starters, below are somewith bins or give minimal financial aid.
pointers on how you can be a success in startingOther things you have to keep in mind include
and maintaining a compost pile.proper layering and selection of materials to be
There are so many composting systems available,put in the pile. Some items you should not include
which can range from do-it-yourself measures toin your pile are meat, bones, fish craps, perennial
ready-made solutions. Below are some of theweeds, diseased plants, fruit peelings and rinds and
most commonly used systems:black walnut leaves. These materials will attract
1. Using a store bought tumbler with built-in crankpests or contain pesticide residue. Thus, the
- You can purchase containers from a garden andcompost itself would become too unhealthy to be
lawn store. These are relatively more expensiveused as fertilizer. Some preferable biodegradable
than other bins. But if you lack the time yet needmaterials to be used are chopped leaves,
an immediate solution for composting, havingeggshells, lettuce leaves, coffee grounds, wood
these to contain your compost would beash and sawdust. Alternate the layers basically
preferable as these are very easy to handle.this way - waste, soil and manure. Repeat layering
2. Making your own cylinder - The most commonuntil you have created at least a 3-feet tall pile.
material used for this container is chicken wire.Main maintenance tips for your compost to be at
This is relatively cheaper but the process ofits excellent condition would comprise of turning
making the bin would take up so much of yourthe pile with rake or pitchfork once a week,
time. But if you can dedicate as much attention toensuring the pile has sufficient shade, and sprinkling
this project, then this would be a favorable meanslittle amount of water on the top layer. These
to create compost containers.simple care tips would make your pile bountiful of
3. Utilizing three wooden bins - This system isbeneficial organisms, thus hastening the process
mainly comprised of placing three wooden binsof having nourishing fertilizer and rich soil.
adjacent one another. Each of the bins hasThese mechanisms are great ways to have a
specific purpose. The first one is for holding thenatural source of keeping your garden healthy. At
new materials. The second one is to hold thethe same time, you are improving the condition of
partially decomposed materials. And the third onethe environment in your little way.