Compost is a good way to help the environment and is a cheap way to make your own fertilizer by recycling various organic materials. Compost material can be obtained from many sources, it can decompose in a variety of environments and has a variety of uses. Compost material is a natural and economical alternative to using commercial fertilizers.

Compost material can come from many sources including kitchen leftovers, manure and garden refuse. The easiest and cheapest material to use however is excess grass clippings and the abundance of tree leaves that can accumulate during the fall. Anyone doing basic yard work can save and use the grass clippings that are raked up after each yard mowing. Leaves that some of us are unfortunate to have to rake up can also be used but they should be chopped or mulched into smaller pieces first. This material can then can be used to create a compost pile.

Compost can decompose in a variety of environments which means fertilizer can be obtained anytime of the year. The best time to start a compost pile however is in late spring if grass clippings are used and in the fall if leaves are used. The most important thing to remember is to turn the compost pile every few days to evenly mix the material. If the material isn't mixed thoroughly the compost won't be very good. Those of us that live in northern states have the benefit of snow to assist in the composting. The combination of snow and winter weather naturally helps to decompose grasses and leaves.

There are many uses for compost material. It can be used in gardens, flower beds and the occasional planter box. This material can also be used as a base when planting or replanting grass seed in yards. When using compost to plant seed it is important to remember to spread the compost over the area to be planted in the fall just before winter. In colder climates this allows snow to accumulate over the winter which will add moisture and minerals to the soil. By the following spring after the snow thaws there will be a perfect bed in which to plant new seed.

Using organic or recyclable materials allows just about anyone to create their own compost. Which can then be used for various purposes as an alternative to expensive commercial fertilizer. When utilizing material such as grass clippings and tree leaves to create compost it can be easy and cheap. A quality product does however require a small degree of dedication for the desired result.

Learn more about this author, C. L. Easey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to compost?
We want to hear your view. Write now!