Using Compost Piles to Make Organic Fertilizer in a Simple Garbage Can

Compost - or decomposed plant material – is a simple concoction so you don't need a fancy bin to make your own compost. You can create several compost piles in a heap on the ground in order to create organic fertilizers. Most gardeners think that containing your compost bin makes it look tidier for growing organic fertilizer, since it is contained in one area. If this is your preference, then go for it, but remember there is no need to be fancy.

Transform Compost into Organic Fertilizer in a Recycled Garbage Can

Find a good size garbage can and punch holes in the sides for aeration. Punching holes help the microbes that actually do the composting to do their work.

Ideally, you should add 50 percent green material and 50 percent dry material (such as cardboard) to your compost pile, but you can use shredded newspaper for the dry material if necessary.

Remember to chop plant debris into small pieces and place them inside the garbage can. Smaller pieces will decompose faster, so if you want to help the process along take the time to chop up the pieces. You don't need to fill the can all at one time - just put in the organic plant material you have on hand.

Whenever you add more organic ingredients to the compost pile, spray water over the chopped plant material inside the can, until the material is damp but not soggy.

Now place the lid on the compost can.

Place the filled composting garbage can on bricks or raised pavers to keep the can off the ground and prevent it from rusting.

Turn over the contents of the compost can as often as daily, or at least once a week. Lay the can on its side and roll it around to mix the plant material inside.

Harvest your compost after about 4-6 weeks. Use a wire compost screen or a piece of chicken wire to strain out the unfinished compost and place this component back into the can.

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