REDUCE:
Composting reduces your generation of trash
REUSE:
You can reuse the compost in your yard.
RECYCLE:
Compost recycles nutrients back into
soil and plant life.
RESTORE:
Increased plant growth helps to
restore the health and beauty of our neighborhoods.
How do you make
Compost?
Collect
grass clippings, leaves, pine cones, yard trimmings etc.
Chip
or shred tree branch clippings.
Food
scraps from the kitchen like vegetable trimmings, lettuce
leaves, carrot tops, ground
egg shells, orange peelings, banana peelings etc.
Place
all the above items in layers into a pile for composting.
Heap
Pile:
Nature's Way of Composting
Heap pile composting is a simple method
whereby materials are piled on top of each other directly on the
ground. Materials can be added at any time or stockpiled until
good enough material is collected to make a good-size pile.
A small heap tends to remain at a lower
temperature and the heating process will be hindered. So, if
possible build a pile at least 6'x6' and preferably larger. A
pile 5'-6' tall in the middle is ideal for decomposition. Once
the heap is large enough, Compost happens!
What is compost?
Compost is a mixture of decaying organic
matter used as fertilizer. It is the natural process of
decomposition and recycling of organic material into a rich soil
amendment.
We can observe the process of composting by
walking through a lush forest and scooping up a layer of fallen
leaves under a huge tree. The top layers are recognizable as
leaves, twigs and needles. But below these are last season's
leaves, which have been transformed into rich crumbly soil. We
call this process decomposition, and it has been occurring for
millions of years.
Is composting considered recycling?
Yes. Composting is nature's way of
recycling.
How does composting benefit the soil?
Compost improves soil structure, texture, and
aeration as well as increasing its water-holding capacity.
Compost loosens clay soils and helps sandy soils retain water.
Adding compost to soils aids in erosion control, promotes soil
fertility, and stimulates healthy root development in plants
What does ready-to-use compost look like?
Compost is dark brown or black, crumbly,
humus-rich topsoil, with a sweet aroma of good EARTH. It is
perfect for potting soil.
How long does it take to produce compost?
The composting process can take as little as
one month or as long as 12-24 months. Factors include techniques
used, seasonal temperatures, the balance of brown and green
materials and moisture levels.
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