Fall leaves are a perfect addition to your compost pile.
Decomposing biomaterials, such as dead leaves or lawn clippings, yields natural compost, a key ingredient in gardening. Compost in your garden helps clay soil drain better and sandy soil retain water. Also, by composting your home and garden wastes, you reduce the amount of material disposed of in landfills. It's important that the proper mix of materials is used when creating compost to allow for quick and efficient decomposition. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. A wooden pallet allows your compost pile to drain.
Place a 3- to 5-inch layer of dry, course material, such as twigs or bark, in your compost bin. If you aren't using a bin, lay down a wooden pallet to use as a base for your compost pile.
2. Dead leaves are commonly used as organic material for compost.
Add a 6- to 8-inch layer of organic material, such as dried leaves and grass clippings. Grass clippings should be mixed with coarser material to stop it from compacting and preventing air flow. Larger material, such as wood pieces, should be chipped to encourage quicker decomposition.
3. Run water over the organic matter to moisten it throughout, but do not soak it.
4. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of manure or sprinkle with 12-12-12 fertilizer to add nitrogen to the mix. This will aid the decomposition.
5. Spread a layer of soil on top of the nitrogen layer.
6. Continue adding organic material to the bin as needed until it is full to 3 inches from the top. If you have an open compost pile, it should be no larger than 5 by 5 feet.
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