Repurpose by composting

To the gardening environmentalist, “Black Gold” is neither oil nor coal… it is compost. The combination of kitchen scraps, autumn leaves, grass clippings, and bio-degradable materials make a dark and rich compost to add to plants and garden soils.

There are six easy steps to composting:

Step 1: Select a compost bin. It can be hand made or a purchased tumbling model. The hand made bin will require you to turn your compost with a rake or shovel.

Step 2: Select a location for your compost bin. A level, well drained site is preferred. Place it on the ground, not on pavement.

Step 3: Add good composting material. Mostly brown and green materials should be added, such as, leaves, straw, paper, vegetables, grass clippings, and plant cuttings.

Step 4: Keep out the bad compost material. Do not add vegetable fats or dairy products because their presence slows down the composting process. This is primarily due to a lack of oxygen. Items that could be harmful include feces, pressure treated wood, sawdust, animal fat and meat.

Step 5: Layering is key.Start with a 4 inch layer of brush. This helps air to circulate. Add four inches of brown material and a thin layer of planting soil. Add four inches of green matter topped with a thin layer of planting soil. Mist each layer lightly with a garden hose. Keep adding material in alternating layers until the bin is full and turn the mix every two weeks.

Step 6: Using compost_Your compost will nurture your plants and shrubs and will add nutrients back into the soil for a lifetime of gardening enjoyment and success.