How to Create a Successful Compost Bin
June 29, 2009 – 10:09 pm by MarinaHanes
Organic materials (food and yard waste) make up almost a quarter of the contents in Ohio landfills. Composting prevents these materials from going to a landfill and provides you with an organic fertilizer. So what can be composted?
Any food scraps such as apple cores, vegetables, etc. as well as yard refuse (leaves, twigs and grass clippings) can be composted. After these materials break down in a bin, they can be used to enhance nutrient poor soil and encourage plant growth. Because the act of composting is so easy, it can also be turned into a fun family activity.
A compost bin should be layered with the following materials (coarse materials, soil, nitrogen rich fertilizer, organic material, soil and nitrogen rich fertilizer). Once the contents are in place, it’s beneficial to monitor certain aspects of the bin.
Turning and mixing the compost bin two or more times per month provides oxygen to the materials and, in other words, aerates the bin. The increase of oxygen aids in helping the food and yard waste break down at a quicker rate.
Moisture can help or hurt a compost bin, because if it’s too soggy, it will prevent the transformation from occurring. Another way to ensure the compost process is successful is to add materials that are small in size. Larger pieces will take a longer time to decompose.
The last part of the compost you need to monitor is the temperature, because this dictates whether microbial activity is happening. For instance, if the temperature inside the bin is cool, the contents will not decompose as successfully as they would if it was warm. When measuring the temperature, it should be between 110 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should check it at the same spot every time.
Composting is as simple as throwing food into the garbage can. If you and your family can remember to throw excess scraps into the compost bin, you will have nutrient rich compost.
Tags: compost bin, Composting, how to compost