One Hundred Dollars a Month

I’m pretty seriously diving into my job as a dirt farmer this year.  I have always composted, but I’m really turning it up a notch.  After watching The Greenhorns, I really identified with the farmer who said he wanted to leave his patch of earth better than he found it.  Yessirree Bob, I do.  If you plan on taking your dirt to the next level {cue the loud music and cheers}, here’s a couple of tips:

Compost is like the i-ching of healthy soil.  It’s totally worth the little tiny bit of effort–plus is reduces your overall footprint.  Seriously, you will be amazed at how little garbage you actually have after composting {especially if you recycle in your area too}.

There are literally a ton of different methods of composting.  You can start simple and just compost your kitchen scraps indoors.  This works great if you live in an apartment or in the city, where outdoor space is at a premium.

 What to Make Compost In?

If you really want to turn it up a notch, then having a composting bin outside is the way to go.  You can cook larger batches this way.  If you don’t mind the unsightly aspect of composting, then your can just start yourself a compost pile just about anywhere.

Some people just keep a coffee can in the freezer, fill it, and then take it out to the garden, dig a hole, dump it in and let nature do the rest.  I prefer to keep mine somewhat contained at least.  This simple DIY pallet compost bin works great, and cost me only a few dollars to make.

There are tons of enclosed compost systems, that are nice because they keep the critters out.  My pal Lola has one that is a big barrel that she can spin each time she adds to it, so it is super low effort.  Whatever you choose to cook your compost in, make sure it is easy to get to, so you won’t be tempted to just throw stuff away.

Where Do I Put the Composter?

You can put your composter just about anywhere that has, either dirt already, or is in a sunny {or semi-sunny} location that is away from being over watered.

What Should I Compost?

• Kitchen Scraps
• Grass Clippings
• Cardboard
• Prunings {though wood should be cut down into 1″ pieces and be aware, they will take A LONG time to bread down}
• Sawdust
• Chicken, cow, horse, pig manure
• Young weeds {don’t use the ones that have gone to seed!}

A good rule of thumb is to make sure that you get a more or less equal combo of “greens” and “browns” in  your compost.  Make sure to turn your compost frequently with a pitch fork or shovel to encourage faster cooking times.

How Do I Know When My Compost Is Ready?

Compost is ready when the ingredients all have turned a deep, dark brown color.  The mixture will have an earthy smell, as opposed to its previous rotting garbage smell.  It may not be perfectly dirt-like–bits of sticks or eggshell may not break down completely, and that’s okay, it’s still usable.  Remember, though, that compost can be EXTREMELY fertile {also referred to as “hot”}, so it’s best to spread it out in the beds 2-3 months prior to planting, or allow it to sit for several months before using.

Do you have any composting tips?

~Mavis