Glade Expressions Collection
I am a lover of scent. I always have been and absolutely love trying new fragrances for my home, so I was excited to try out the new Glade® Expressions™ Collection. The four new...
Are you tired of spending a fortune on fertilizers? We've brought you a budget-friendly hack that turns kitchen waste and scraps into what gardeners call ‘black gold.' In today's eco-friendly world, creating soil compost through DIY hacks is an effective way to reduce your landfill dump and improve the health of your soil. Whether it's your lawn or home garden, it's time to get your hands dirty!
Knowing what to include in your compost pile is crucial to maintaining the proper nutrient balance. It all comes down to that everyday kitchen waste.
Creating a compost pile is a rewarding way to recycle organic waste. Trust me, you will be shocked to see how compost magically enhances the health of your garden soil. Here's a step-by-step outline to help you;
The foundation of a successful compost pile lies in its location. You can set aside a compost bin in a shaded area under the kitchen sink or spare a patch of soil in your backyard for a compost pile.
Start by creating a 6-inch-thick base layer to provide structural support. This layer can include twigs, straws, or small branches that create air pockets for better circulation.
Chop up your ‘browns' (twigs, dried leaves, wood chips) and your ‘greens' (vegetable peels, coffee grounds, grass trimmings) into smaller pieces. Start with a layer of browns, then follow it with greens until each layer is relatively 2-3 inches thin. As a general rule of thumb, stick to a 3:1 ratio of browns and greens for the right amount of carbon and nitrogen reserves.
As you build your compost pile, lightly moisten each layer with water for adequate microbial action. The pile should be damp enough but not completely drenched. Ideal composting temperatures range from 135-160°F, so during dry spells, you may need to water the pile, while rainy days may require more dry materials.
Turn the compost pit every week or twice weekly to introduce fresh oxygen. Frequent turning promotes aeration and accelerates the breakdown process.
Your compost should be ready within 3-6 months. Finished compost has a rich, dark color, earthy smell, and crumbly texture with no visible food particles. You can use it as a top dressing by layering it over the soil's surface or incorporating it directly into garden beds before planting. Googling “soil delivery near me” was a game changer for my gardening projects because I could save time and focus on preparing my compost.
To sum up, understanding the steps to build a compost pile can reduce household waste and enhance your soil's fertility and structure. Whether used as a soil amendment, mulch, or topdressing, this “black gold” supports sustainable gardening practices. It's time you rummage your waste bin and start composting for a greener garden and planet!