Compost is the most inexpensive and conservative way to make fertilizer for your garden. Since you are building a raised vegetable garden you have control over what you put in your soil. As discussed in our organic fertilizer article your soil can not always provide what your plants need. Save yourself money and recycle common kitchen waste at the same time.
How Composting Works
Bacteria breaks down natural organic matter in your heap. When this breaking down occurs the organic matter releases nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. This rotting in the compost heap creates heat making the compost break down more efficient. Your compost which was garbage to start becomes essential nutrients to grow more food. Amazing really!
Compost Mix
To get a good compost mixture I like to keep it simple. Remember you need about 30 times more carbon then nitrogen. Nitrogen includes grass clippings, manure, kitchen scraps and green plants. Carbon includes leaves, wood branches, paper, saw dust.
What Are Kitchen Scraps?
These are scraps you find in the kitchen that you would normally through away. This includes vegetables, grains, fruit rinds, tea bags, egg shells, coffee grinds and filters also bread. Do not include meat, fish, cheese or butter.
Compost Bins
I prefer the wooden bin with no bottom. Make sure you have two bins so you can continue to fill another while one is full. You can purchase a plastic one too. These are often black to help with the heating process and the sides come apart so you can remove your compost later. If you are building your compost over a few weeks time you should turn the compost once it is full to start the rotting process. Use an activator like blood or manure to speed up the process.
I hope this was helpful and let me know what you use for a great compost. Happy gardening.
