Backyard Composting

Backyard composting is an easy way to turn much of the waste from your yard and kitchen into a rich organic material that you can use to improve your soil. 
The benefits of composting:

• Reduces the amount of garbage your household produces.
• Reduces the amount of water and fertilizer required for your yard and garden by suppressing weeds and holding moisture in the soil. 
• Improves soil quality and supplies essential nutrients for plant growth.

How to compost:
1. Place your bin in a convenient location for easy access. A shady or sunny spot will work. You can purchase a bin or build your own.
2. Add the correct materials:

Do not add fats or animal products, including:
■ Butter, cheese or dairy products
■ Meat or bones
■ Gravies or sauces
■ Pet wastes

As a general rule, add three parts of dry ingredients - leaves or dry grass - to one part of wet food waste.
Mix up the pile with a shovel or pitchfork at least once a month. 

Backyard composting tips
Keep your compost pile at the right moisture level. If your compost pile has a bad odor, it lacks air circulation or it may be too wet. Try turning the pile and/or adding dry material to the pile. 
• If your compost pile is not heating up, it may need more nitrogen or "green" material. Add grass clippings or a nitrogen fertilizer to the pile.
• Bury kitchen scraps at least 8 inches deep in the compost pile to discourage critters. 
• You can keep adding to your compost pile as it is composting. However, you may want to start a second pile if you have enough materials.
• Add a layer of straw or hay to the top of your compost pile in the winter to keep it warm.
• The best pile is made up of a variety of materials.
• The smaller the pieces of compost material, the faster the pile will decompose.