How to make a Composter

Just Another Thought..

Use your organic garbage to create a; “green” compost. If you live in an apartment with a patio, this may work very well. However, house dwellers with yard space generally improve their options.

Composting is creating a place that will allow organic material to decompose into a humus condition. This can be accomplished by crafting a compost receptacle. Living in congested areas, a receptacle for composting can be created using a garbage can. A twenty gallon garbage receptacle, with a snug fitting lip, will serve this purpose. First insure it has no holes. You want what you put inside to remain inside.

The creation of compost in a confined area using a plastic garbage receptacle or a traditional metal garbage can requires minor preparation.

Materials Required:

·         20 gallon refuse container (plastic or metal), with snug fitting lid.

·         2 twenty gallon heavy duty garbage can liners.

·         1 – 5lb. bag potting soil (not required to be organic).

·         1 cup of live fishing worms (if available).

Place container away from traffic areas, preferably a spot near your outside garden area.

First inspect the container of choice for holes or cracks.

1.      Open plastic liners to full size and place in refuse can. Be sure top of liner over hangs top of receptacle.

2.     
Open and insert second liner in same manner, inside garbage receptacle.

3.      Apply 3” to 4” potting soil evenly across bottom of receptacle inside liners; on the bottom of refuse container.

4.      Place left over organic materials; vegetables, fruit peels, and coffee grounds, in receptacle, on top of potting soil. When you have an even layer of organic material, cover with 2” of soil.

5.      Add 1 cup live fishing worms to top of soil and 4 cups water - worms promote decomposition.

6.      Tightly close lid.

Store kitchen waste in separate container or plastic freezer bag until you have a sufficient amount to add to compose can. Always cover with soil when you have a 2” even layer of material. Agitating compost receptacle contents with a small shovel once a month helps speed along the process. In 4 to 6 weeks your compost container will become a potting soil container. As you add organic material, cover with soil until bag is empty. Use soil in container afterwards for potting plants until empty, then repeat process.

References: www.vegweb.com/composting

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