Easy Composting

John Conti

In my backyard setting, a composting bin seemed impractical. In addition, I needed more space to accomodate the volume of leaves, grass and plant clippings. I also cook daily-and would like to benefit from that waste, rather than adding to the weekly deposit at the local landfill. I discovered the perfect solution for my needs. I had an area where I dumped my excess soil from creating beds and paths over the years. It was destined to become an unsightly brush pile. To remedy the view, I decided to frame the area with landscaping wall blocks for a raised bed design. I'm sure my neighbors have no idea that I'm composting. I cleaned out the brush and decided to burn the twigs and small branches in my outdoor firepit. Daily, I add kitchen scraps like eggshells, vegetable waste, coffee grounds and teabags. I keep a shovel nearby and create a pocket about 12" deep. I dump the food waste and cover it with soil. You can add pulled weeds, grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, straw, plant trimmings and sawdust. Make sure the wood chips and sawdust are not chemically treated. Also, don't let the pile dry out. Add water as needed. Periodically, turn the ingredients over to encourage decomposition. Your compost pile needs air and moisture to work properly. Soon you'll have wonderful soil to use in pots and containers-as well as a nutrient-rich additive for your garden beds.

Composting is nature's way of recycling. Consider the forest floor. Ever wonder how everything became so rich, green and lush? As dead and fallen debris decompose, they are returned to the soil. The resulting material is brimming with nutrients. At home, last season's waste can become valuable fertilizer for your plants and garden environment.

This was the easiest solution for me. Depending on your needs-you may opt for a free standing compost bin with a handle for turning. If you're really serious...explore the possibility of purchasing specialized worms to do your composting.