Make Easy Compost
Chances are, if you live in the city and have limited space, you probably don't have a lot of room for compost in your yard.
It can be stinky, attract pests and rodents, and just be an eye sore.
It needn't be, though, as composting can be a fulfilling and easy activity for people with even a little bit of space in their yard.
The benefits are great - you'll be processing some of your own waste, turning a liability (in the landfill) into an asset (in the garden).
Your soil will benefit and reward you with bigger, tastier fruits an vegetables as you continue to recycle waste through the method of composting.
Even if you don't garden yourself, you can always make compost and give it to a neighbor who might need it - once they see your compost, they're sure to want it! First, you'll need to find a suitable area for your compost pile.
Usually a corner in the yard is a good spot for it - out of the way, with a little protection from the surrounding fence or bushes.
If you're in an especially hot climate, you might want to consider a location with a little shade, so that the pile does not dry out as easily.
In the end, though, any spot will do.
Much of it will come down to aesthetics - what will look alright and be the most out of the way? Next, consider what type of container you want to use.
The most simple way is to use no container - just pile it up on the ground.
There is also the option of building a three-walled structure out of wood, cinder blocks, or hay bales.
Hay bales work very well, as they can eventually be incorporated into the pile itself and be replaced.
Build two or three sections with the walled system, so that you can turn your compost pile every now and then.
Another common way is to take a piece of chain link fence and make a circle with it.
Secure the circle with a couple pieces of wire, and use this as your bin.
These have the benefit of building taller piles that are more uniform in height.
Finally, consider your ingredients.
The most common ingredient you'll be adding will likely be food scraps (this should not include any fats, meats, or dairy products).
Go to your local feed and seed shop and buy a cheap bale of straw.
Plop the bale of straw down next to your compost pile.
Put a couple inches of straw at the base of your pile to act as bedding.
Add about 6 inches of food scraps on top of this straw, and add about 2 inches worth of straw.
Repeat this until your pile is 4' - 6' high.
If you feel like it, turn it after a couple months (or when it's sunk down a good 2 feet or so).
If you don't turn it - no big deal.
You'll still make some compost, albeit lower quality and more slowly.
The most important thing is that you go out there and do it! Composting is a satisfying, fun experience.
If you have even a small yard, now is the time to start!
It can be stinky, attract pests and rodents, and just be an eye sore.
It needn't be, though, as composting can be a fulfilling and easy activity for people with even a little bit of space in their yard.
The benefits are great - you'll be processing some of your own waste, turning a liability (in the landfill) into an asset (in the garden).
Your soil will benefit and reward you with bigger, tastier fruits an vegetables as you continue to recycle waste through the method of composting.
Even if you don't garden yourself, you can always make compost and give it to a neighbor who might need it - once they see your compost, they're sure to want it! First, you'll need to find a suitable area for your compost pile.
Usually a corner in the yard is a good spot for it - out of the way, with a little protection from the surrounding fence or bushes.
If you're in an especially hot climate, you might want to consider a location with a little shade, so that the pile does not dry out as easily.
In the end, though, any spot will do.
Much of it will come down to aesthetics - what will look alright and be the most out of the way? Next, consider what type of container you want to use.
The most simple way is to use no container - just pile it up on the ground.
There is also the option of building a three-walled structure out of wood, cinder blocks, or hay bales.
Hay bales work very well, as they can eventually be incorporated into the pile itself and be replaced.
Build two or three sections with the walled system, so that you can turn your compost pile every now and then.
Another common way is to take a piece of chain link fence and make a circle with it.
Secure the circle with a couple pieces of wire, and use this as your bin.
These have the benefit of building taller piles that are more uniform in height.
Finally, consider your ingredients.
The most common ingredient you'll be adding will likely be food scraps (this should not include any fats, meats, or dairy products).
Go to your local feed and seed shop and buy a cheap bale of straw.
Plop the bale of straw down next to your compost pile.
Put a couple inches of straw at the base of your pile to act as bedding.
Add about 6 inches of food scraps on top of this straw, and add about 2 inches worth of straw.
Repeat this until your pile is 4' - 6' high.
If you feel like it, turn it after a couple months (or when it's sunk down a good 2 feet or so).
If you don't turn it - no big deal.
You'll still make some compost, albeit lower quality and more slowly.
The most important thing is that you go out there and do it! Composting is a satisfying, fun experience.
If you have even a small yard, now is the time to start!