You have learned how to create compost, now learn how to maintain it. If compost is properly mixed and maintained, a final product may be obtained in one to two months under optimum summer conditions. It should be about half its original size with an earthy smell. Proper moisture and air levels are especially…
Over the last few days we have covered the topic of composting and prior to that, mulches. Now, learn how compost can be used as soil amendment and mulch. Mix soil amendments well with the soil to separate clay particles or hold water in sand. For this reason, prepare soil before planting lawns or…
What structures are best suited for composting? Learn more. Choose a composting site carefully. Partial shade avoids baking and drying in summer but provides some solar heat to start the composting action. A site protected from drying winds prevents too much moisture loss. Another consideration is convenience for moving volumes of plant materials in…
So, what can you use to make compost and what should you avoid? A variety of materials can be composted, but most Gardeners want to recycle collected yard waste. Plants lose between 50 and 75 percent of their volume in composting, so a lot of plant material can be processed effectively. Composting can be…
If you want to learn how to make compost, continue reading. To make traditional compost, alternate different types of shredded plant materials in 6- to 8-inch layers. Layering helps compost reach the correct nitrogen balance. Use equal parts by volume of dry and green plant materials in the overall mix. Use caution when you…
Over the next few posts, we will share a report on composting yard waste. This report was written back in October 1997 by C.R. Wilson is a Colorado State University Extension horticulture agent, Denver County; and J.R. Feucht was an Extension landscape plant specialist and professor (retired), horticulture. They revised this report in April 2004…
