Caring for Your Compost So it Benefits Your Lawn:

Keeping your lawn its greenest and continuously growing at its peak potential doesn't happen overnight. Diligent waterings from your hose reel are excellent, but your lawn may demand more, depending on the quality and type of soil that's underneath the surface. Composting is an excellent and environmentally friendly option, but you must remember, your compost need its own attention as well, so that it can generate all the growth-giving properties that you desire.

The location of your compost pile or bin is something that should be considered. It should be placed appropriately in your lawn so that any runoff that may occur can be beneficial in and of itself. If your lawn is sloping, make sure to place your compost pile or bin at or near the top of the slope so its runoff can be utilized advantageously. A bin to store your compost is not necessary, but is helpful in keeping it contained, though a simple pile will do the job as well.

The materials you place in your compost pile should be organic, that is, plant-based materials. Meat waste can be dangerous as it can attract local wildlife. It is best to use lawn clippings, leaves, vines, and other plant refuse, as well as kitchen waste such as vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, and the like. The more finely crushed all of these items are, the more quickly they can be broken down within your compost pile, and their advantageous nutrients applied to your lawn.

After your pile location is established and beginning organic materials assembled, heap them together with a little soil and manure to get the nitrogen and microorganisms necessary to start the process. Rather than a mountainous pile with the middle protruding upwards, attempt to let the outer parts of your pile be highest, allowing for water seepage from the outside in. Water from your hose reel should now be applied, making the pile moist, but not overly wet. Within only a few days, the microorganisms will begin doing their job and, combined with the nitrogen and plant material, the pile will begin to heat up. If heat is not being generated, fresh lawn clippings and water should be applied to add more nitrogen and hydration. If an ammonia smell is detected, use your pitchfork to aerate the pile somewhat to allow for equal oxygen distribution. The pile should be turned at least once a month to continue the process of decomposition, and if the materials involved are finely crushed, application of viable compost to your lawn can happen in as little as two months.

Composting is an easy way to add valuable nutrients to your lawn while doing your part as well to help keep the size of your city or county's landfills from unnecessarily growing.