Composting is the aerobic decomposition of food and plant waste into nutrient-rich black soil. Composting can be done on a large scale, like on a farm, or can be easily done in your own backyard. It also takes place naturally. One example is on the forest floor where leaves gather and decay. Compost is created by microbes that digest organic materials.
Starting a compost bin or pile is easy and has many advantages. Composting reduces the amount of garbage that is sent to landfills every year. It allows consumers to recycle food and yard waste into rich and fertile soil that improves growing conditions for plants.
As far as containing your compost, there are many options. Compost does not necessarily have to be contained, just find a place on the ground outside and go bin-less. Bins can be constructed out of recycled wood. Additionally, compost bins are made and sold at commercial locations across the country.
Mixing the ingredients of a compost pile will promote decomposition. Your compost is finished when it is a shade of dark brown and smells like soil. You shouldn’t be able to recognize the scents of any of the original ingredients.
For more information on what to use in a compost pile, click here.
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