Compost Basics

Happy spring! After a long, cold winter, it's finally here...or will be officially on Sunday evening. The spring bulbs and perennials are poking through the soil, and it won't be long before the daffodils are blooming.

Now that snow has melted, we're itching to get outdoors and do some spring cleanup.  Planting a vegetable garden has also been in our thoughts this week. Although we won't be able to do this until around the middle of May, we need to make sure the soil is ready. Of course, the best way to do this is with compost.

Amending your soil with rich compost is a wonderful, inexpensive way to ensure a robust gardening season. Composting is easy, and anyone can do it. Here are some basics to get started:

What You'll Need

• compost container
• dried leaves
• composted manure
• grass clippings
• landscape waste
• kitchen waste
• gardening rake
• pitchfork

You don't need to buy a fancy compost bin. An affordable alternative is to make one out of a plastic, 32-gallon, covered trash can. You can purchase one like this for about $20.00 at any discount department or home store. Be sure to drill some holes along all the sides and lid with an electric drill. This will assist with aeration.

If possible, place your compost container at the edge of the yard, in an area that receives partial sun during the day. Once your compost container is in place, begin adding the compost ingredients. First, add a layer of dry leaves about 4 inches in depth. Spread the leaves evenly with a rake to form a level layer. For the next layer, add a bag of composted manure, which can be purchased at a home and garden center. Spread this layer evenly, as well.. Next, add a thick layer of grass clippings, spreading it evenly. Leave the compost undisturbed for about a week, then turn the ingredients using a pitchfork.

Next, begin adding the additional ingredients, such as kitchen waste, garden and yard cuttings. Kitchen waste should consist of fruit and vegetable peels, crumbled eggshells, and coffee grounds. Avoid adding meat, dairy products, animal waste or diseased plants to your compost pile. These will only attract unwanted pests and may contaminate the desirable organic ingredients . Turn the compost materials with a pitchfork every two to three days.

If you follow the above guidelines, you should have rich, dark compost in about six to eight weeks.

I compost year 'round. A few weeks before planting season, I mix some compost in with the soil in our vegetable garden.

Adding aged compost as mulch in flower beds or around shrubs will add rich nutrients to the soil, helping to promote happy, vibrant plants.

Thanks for stopping by!