Compost is decomposed plant material that is used to fertilize gardens. It is not uncommon for people to create a compost bin or heap where they can use this material rather than throwing it in the garbage and filling up unnecessary space inside of the landfill. Making your own compost bin is easy to do.
You want the bin to be large enough to handle a lot of waste and to allow it room to decompose for a period of time. Not only does it have to be large – but it needs to have a lid that will contain the smells coming from it. The best thing you can use is an old trash can.
Punch holes in the can using a hammer and nail. Oxygen is what sustains the microbes that creates the compost.
Cut up the plant debris that was left behind from cooking into small pieces. Place them in the trash can. For the best fertilizer it is best to have fifty percent green waste and fifty percent dry waste. Shredded newspaper is a good form of dry waste to use. Remember though that it is not necessary to fill it up right away. Simply put it in as you get it.
Spray water over the plant waste sitting in the can till it is damp. You don’t want to put so much water on it that it becomes soggy.
Put the lid on and store it a few feet from the home to keep any bugs from getting inside. Try to stabilize it by placing it on lumber or bricks. This prevents the bottom of the can from rusting.
It is important that you turn the can once a week. Lay it down on its side and roll it around to mix everything inside of it.
Keep adding waste and water as needed until the can is full. Try to harvest the compost once a month. At this time you will use chicken wire or a wire screen to strain out the compost that did not finish decomposing.