As we recycle plastics, glass, paper, and whatever else, we can also begin recycling organic materials as well. By composting, we can give nutrients back to the earth and enhance our soil. If you plan to plant a vegetable garden, grow flowers, or plant a tree, composting with help soil become richer and more hospitable to each type of planting.
Composting is not difficult to do, it’s good for the environment, and it saves you money by helping you avoid paying for top soil and fertilizer. Many people avoid it because it can be a dirty job, but it doesn’t have to be distasteful to the degree that it keeps you from doing it. If you keep organic debris in a sealed container, you won’t have to worry about attracting insects or other pests.
Simply drop coffee grounds, egg shells, potato peels, apple cores, and the like into the container and seal it. When the bin is full, dump it wherever you wish to plant later, and spread the compost material over the area evenly with a rake. If you are worried about outdoor pests, cover the compost with soil.
You can also bury compost completely, in order to keep things cleaner and neater. Dig a hole, empty your composting bin into it, and cover with dirt. The next time you empty your container, you’ll stir the previous load as you dig. After covering each layer with soil, be sure to tamp it down with your feet or use a shovel for large compost heaps.
If you prefer not to mess with food debris, you can also make compost from lawn and garden trimmings and fallen leaves. Gather these items and place them in a designated area, and continue adding to the pile. You can cover the pile with soil occasionally to enhance the effect.
If you don’t have time to dig a hole, or don’t have an inconspicuous place to store the material, you can use various outdoor composting bins and composting tumblers to contain it. When the time comes to begin planting, your compost area or container will be filled with extra rich, garden-worthy soil.