Introduction

Composting is not difficult and is probably the best way to provide nutrients to your plants. You can start composting even in a small compost bin if you’re a container gardener. A great source of organic fertilizer for your edibles.

Preparing garden compost is also simple as it only needs a few ingredients. These include nitrogen, carbon, air, and water. To get these ingredients, collect kitchen and yard waste, but remember that full decomposition is a lengthy period that may take months. Needless to say, it is a process that requires a number of steps. Eventually, the overall product is a proven and useful tool for farming. Now let us look at the steps!

Look at our 4 Step Composting Guide if you’re new to Composting.

Steps to Preparing Suitable Garden Compost

  • Purchase or get a compost bin
  • Come up with a bottom layer
  • Fill your compost bin
  • Inspect the compost pile in three day time
  • Mix the contents of the garden compost
  • Check if the compost is ready

1. Purchase Or Get A Compost Bin

Do not be afraid if you’re unable to get a compost bin. We are here to help you! You only need to buy a pre-made container from any agricultural store or supplier. Then, go on and build a box of your own by using wood. Ensure that you put the box on moisture free, bare soil.

2. Establish A Bottom Layer

Make sure the bottom layer has sufficient air flow. At the bottom of the compost bin, create small holes using a gardening fork. This is to assist in drainage and proper aeration. The next procedure is to place twigs, feeble sticks and other straw-like substances at the bottom. They should be 4-6 inches, translating to about 10 centimeters deep.

3. Fill Your Compost Bin

Add nitrogenous compounds, these are mostly greens. They include plants such as cut grass, raw peelings from vegetables, coffee grounds, diluted urine, manure, and weeds. Proceed also in adding carbon compounds, which are the mostly ‘the browns’. They include cardboards, dead leaves, cereal boxes, hedge clippings, and brown pruning.

Also Read: 13 Things You Should Not Put in a Compost Pile

In this stage, you will also be required to mix the fast-rotting green materials with the slow-rotting brown materials. Let us take the example of freshly cut grass. This may be combined with feeble sticks or other wood compounds. Why is this so? The main reason behind this is to prevent odors.

To hasten the process of decomposition, consider adding bacteria’ such as pseudomonas. You may also use a variety of macro and micro nutrients as alternatives. Besides, chopping off large materials also increases the process of decomposition. For example, branches should be cut to small pieces, cardboards shredded and eggshells crushed. Last but not least, continue adding water as you fill in your compost heap.

Also Read: Ways to Use Worm Casting

4. Inspect The Compost Heap After Three Days

In three days’ time, place your hand over the top of the heap to feel if it’s hot. If so, this shows the start to the decomposition process. Visit the compost heap after one week, and repeat the same procedure. If it has a cool feel, start mixing it. However, if it still feels hot, wait an extra week.

5. Mix The Contents Of The Garden Compost

Use a garden fork or a shovel to thoroughly and effectively mix up the matter inside the container. Stir and move the contents from top to bottom in a continuous manner. You may be wondering why this step involves mixing up the contents. This helps in the rate of decomposition by adding oxygen which is the final ingredient. Lastly, if the contents appear dry, it is advisable to add water before you start mixing. Repeat this process for the next four to six weeks.

Also Read: 11 Best Composting Tips You Must Read Now

6. Check If The Compost Is Ready

To determine if your compost heap is ready, look for a dark brown color, which often has the smell of earth.

Conclusion

Garden compost is an effective and cheap way of providing organic fertilizer to your vegetables and other garden plants. The article shows you some easy steps of preparing a simple compost heap and it is our hope that it’s well to your liking. If so, share this information with other interested parties and let’s keep the conversation going! What are those challenges that you’ve faced in trying to make garden compost? Where do you go wrong?

Also Read: Composting in an Apartment Balcony

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Author Bio:

Hi there! I’m Lucy– founder of GardenAmbition.com and I’m a self-confessed garden fanatic. Gardening has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Now that I am married and has one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other garden enthusiasts like me.

  • Margarethe
  • April 1, 2021 At 1:33 am
  • Once you have worms and a bin, follow these six easy steps to set up a worm bin. Soon worms will be recycling food scraps into a healthy, nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost.
  • Reply
  • James Pallett
  • November 1, 2021 At 5:47 pm
  • Hi Lucy,
  • I’m James from the Northern Territory in Australia.
  • How do I draw worms into my compost?
  • Or how do I collect worms from my garden to put in my compost?
  • I look forward to your reply.
  • Regards,
  • James Pallett.
  • Reply

Once you have worms and a bin, follow these six easy steps to set up a worm bin. Soon worms will be recycling food scraps into a healthy, nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost.

Hi Lucy, I’m James from the Northern Territory in Australia. How do I draw worms into my compost? Or how do I collect worms from my garden to put in my compost? I look forward to your reply. Regards, James Pallett.

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