Composting

Posted by Dawn-Ann on July 29, 2008

There’s something kind of satisfying about putting scraps and cuttings and things into a bin, adding water and time, and pulling fresh, sweet-smelling dirt out of it. Contrary to popular belief, if done properly a compost bin is not germ-infested (except for maybe some good bacteria), nor is it smelly.

Here are some general rules of composting:

• Use vegetable scraps and weeds, garden cuttings, etc., only. No meat and oily things, as they will attract vermin. No animal waste. It’s true that horse and rabbit manure can be “aged” into a really nice compost, but they don’t belong in a city compost bin.
• Cut big things, like large plants, into small pieces to hasten the process and make it easier to mix in.
• Waste paper can be added in moderation. You don’t want to add too much of it and you will want to shred it before you add it, then mix it in well.
• Water regularly. Your compost won’t “work” properly if it dries out. The material just won’t decompose as well.
• Turn it occasionally, mixing the newer stuff into the older stuff.
• When pulling out your fresh dirt, pull it from the bottom where it is aged more. If it’s done right, the dirt will be black and sweet.

It’s really just as easy as that. If I can do it, anyone can! But if you would like more detailed information, the Composting Council of Canada has some good articles on their site.

Here is what happens if you don’t cut up your bigger junk when you throw it into the composter. I had a little volunteer potato sprout right out of the side! I’m going to water it and let it grow and see what happens, just out of curiosity.

Comments

2 Responses to “Composting”

1. holly says:

   July 30, 2008 at 6:01 pm

   this is a test!!! :)
2. Dawn-Ann says:

   August 6, 2008 at 9:34 pm

   Thanks Holly! :D