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All About Compost

At Ripple Creek Homes, we are picky about where we create communities. Nestling beautifully crafted homes in the middle of soothing, green landscapes is important to us, because being close to nature greatly enhances your day to day life. A part of this green equation is having a personal yard that you can cultivate and enjoy.

One thing that can improve your gardening is using a quality compost. Creating your own compost is not as difficult as you may think, and it is both rewarding and environmentally friendly to make. If you want to give your green (or black) thumb a hand, we want to show you how you can make your own compost and how you can use it.

Give Your Compost Attention

Many people use compost to reduce waste as their main goal. This, of course, is a good thing. But if you are wanting a finished product that you can use in the garden, then you will need to do more than just passively use the compost bin to discard of food scraps. Streamlining the compost making process will require a few conditions. Such as, aerating the pile, maintaining the right moisture levels, temperature, and nitrogen to carbon ratio. If you choose the passive route, you will eventually get compost. It may just be in a year versus a few weeks.

Know When It is Finished

Microbes work to break down organic matter over a period. The result being, of course, usable compost. Throughout this process, the microbes will give off heat. You will be able to feel your compost pile for heat and even see steam to know that the work is getting done. When the process is finished, the pile will no longer give off heat. Additional signs that your compost is ready to use will be a significant decrease in the mass of your pile, as well as a dark, crumbly, earthy smelling material.

Screen Your Compost

Once you know that your compost is ready, it is important to screen it before storing it. This is because it is likely that not all matter was properly converted. Any large pieces that are leftover should be removed because these will not be suitable as soil amendments.

Store it Properly

You can make compost any time of year! Even if you do not garden all year long. The key to storing compost is to not suffocate the microbes. Choose a container, something like a woven bag or a plastic bucket with holes in the top. Choosing a storage container that allows for airflow will keep you compost healthy and ready to use whenever you garden.

As for the uses of compost, you can use it as a soil amendment (not a soil replacement) to any gardening projects. This nutrient rich material is sure to give any of your plants a lovely boost.

By Ripple Creek Homes 7-30-2020