Tips From The Backyard

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Once spring has sprung, that means it’s time to start thinking about getting your compost ready for summer. Here are a few tips to help make your compost piles both bountiful and efficient.

1. Nitrogen-rich materials are readily available in the spring and summer months. To give your compost a boost of nitrogen, incorporate grass clippings and other yard waste. Be sure to balance this with carbon-rich materials. If you have a reserve of dry leaves from fall, layer them in to maintain a 3:1 ratio of carbon to nitrogen.
2. Keep compost ingredients small. Composters should always remember that the smaller items are, in size, the easier they decompose.
3. Remember the “Rule of 3” with respect to your compost pile’s size (3’ x 3’ x 3’). Compost piles that follow the “Rule of 3” generally thrive as this guideline enables compost to “heat up” and decompose at a more efficient rate. GEOBIN Composters fit those dimensions well.
   1. Note: Make sure to check the middle of your compost pile every few days to make sure it’s ‘hot.’ This ensures that decomposition is taking place.
4. Air and water are also essential to creating nutrient-rich compost. By regularly turning your compost (typically with a pitchfork), you’re keeping the decomposition process efficient as all parts of the compost are getting exposed to air at some point. Moisture is also important—healthy compost piles should resemble a wet sponge. This means that (depending on what climate you’re in) you’ll need to either add water on a consistent basis or cover your compost pile from absorbing too much moisture. Healthy amounts of air/water promote microorganisms to work faster, so you can achieve the ideal rate of decomposition.

By following these few simple steps, you can turn your yard and food waste into nutrient-rich compost. Not only is compost great for your garden, but there is no cost associated—so, what are you waiting for?