Composting at Home

Composting at Home

Here in my back yard I have two years of composting, all in different stages of decomposition. The extra peels, egg shells and other scraps after a night of cooking adds up and what better to utilize the nutrients and grow more food. You just need a place to put the compost, sun and moisture. Compost is essential to back yard gardening (at least in my back yard garden).


                7 months old          14 months old                   
 

The compost bin are made from old pallets my husband found at work; however if there isn't enough room there are smaller units that can be bought. The smaller unit is much quicker for composting and cleaner. The model we have is shown below.

This portable composter is super easy and it just needs moisture and a couple turns a day to keep it working. I also like the fact it is right next to the back door, so it is easy and quick to fill. So what can be put into a composter? Almost anything!!

Coffee and Tea grounds
Cereal products
All veggies (skins and seeds) Make sure to chop the seeds up though because they will start to grow
Dryer lint (seriously)
Leafs
Old chips
Paper products (tissues, paper towels, napkins)
Beer and wine (if there is any left)
Wine corks
Egg shells
News papers and junk mail

This is a short list but for more visit  http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/81-things-you-can-compost
for a list over approximately 80 things that can be composted.

Things that are not compostable are:

Meat
Dairy (it will compost but will also attract bugs)
Cooked pasta and rice (same as above)
Bread (same as above)
Cooking oils
Walnuts


There is also a form of composting that uses worms to quicken the decay process, it is called Vermicomposting. I have not tried this yet, not sure I will. Either way composting is an excellent way to use the scraps that would other wise be thrown out. Reduce Reuse Recycle starting right in your own back yard.