Feeding Your Garden the Natural Way With Garbage

Growing your own garden can be very rewarding when all is going well and your plants are producing like they should.  Sometimes, though, your garden may need a little boost and an easy and inexpensive way to do this is to make a compost bin.

Composting involves using what would normally end up your garbage can into a nice fertilizer for your soil.  It is regularly used in organic gardening because it is a healthier option than using chemicals that affect the quality of your food.

There are many options for composting.  If you have a yard, you can build your composting pile in a small corner, away from where you like to sit outside.  Start by placing digging up soil so the worms can get in, then top with twigs or straw so that air can flow through and water can drain.  If you will be using a container, be sure there are holes on the bottom for water drainage and then place your twigs or straw inside the container.  You should add worms to your container, which would be a fun family activity!

You will want to layer your composting materials, alternating wet and dry ingredients.  This will help the garbage break down more completely.  Once a week, you will need to turn these materials with a shovel or gardening tool and sprinkle with water.  If you add soil to the top of your compost, it will help to keep the garbage smell to a minimum.

Cover your compose pile or bin to keep in moisture and heat.

OK, so what exactly goes into the compost pile?  Here is a list of common kitchen scraps and yard waste that can be used:

YES

Fruit and vegetable scraps

Corn cobs

Crushed egg shells

Shredded newspapers

Leaves

Grass clippings

Wood chips

Toilet paper rolls

Coffee grounds

Tea bags

Chicken manure

Here is a list of items that should not go in your compost:

NO

Plastic

Meat

Diseased plants

Bleached or glossy paper

Pet waste

Cat litter

Fish

Dairy products

After 4-6 months, your compost should be ready to use.  It will have a nice crumbly texture, much like soil and can be added straight into your garden.  You will see how your garden will benefit from the nutrients and your children will learn how to use garbage in a creative and useful way!