Compost is AWESOME!

One of nature’s best mulches for your garden is compost (instead of commercial fertilizers). You can contribute by composting your own yard and kitchen wastes. Depending on the size of your yard, you have many options. Compost isn't just for vegetable gardens! You can spread compost on your flower beds, around trees, and even on your lawn!

Here are a few basics of composting to get you started:

1. Find a a container, with a lid, to collect your kitchen waste. (A large yogurt container works great!)

2. Find an area or container in your yard or outside for your compost pile. Bins are available through the Town Hall (978-250-5203) or you could make your own. (There are many resources available at your library in the non-fiction section 631.875.)

3. Collect your kitchen waste, such as coffee grounds, egg shells, potato peels, banana peels, paper towels, and so on. It is recommended that you NOT put meat or dairy into your compost bin.

4. You will need a layer of soil to help the natural process begin. Manure works great, too.

5. Make sure your bin or pile is exposed to rain, or you may need to water it now and then.

6. Flip the pile a few times a year, but if you aren't too crazy about doing that, you can skip this step with slower results.

7. When it is ready, you can spread it on your gardens or lawn in the Spring and Fall.

Connie Composting

This information was originally posted by Marc Grant (1958 - 2020).

Have you ever used worms to help with composting?

There is another form of composting that I should mention. For those of you who may be interested, there is also vermicomposting. What is that? In one word: worms! Ick. It seems that worms aid in the breakdown of organic material. Who knew that worms had a use beyond baiting Jack’s fish hooks?

There are special bins for vermicomposting and waste is typically broken down quickly with these bins. They are also great for producing compost tea – a liquid substance that occurs naturally when producing compost that is high in nutrients and really good for your garden.

The worms are moving in?

You can make your own worm bin out of plastic containers or wood. Of course, you can also buy one. Don’t forget, because of our New England winters, you have to consider where your worm farm is going to be set up. Worms need a well-ventilated area such as a laundry room, garage, balcony, or under the kitchen sink. The bin should be placed on top of blocks or bricks or upside down plastic containers to allow for drainage. You can use the lid of the second bin as a tray to catch any moisture that may drain from the bin.

Learn more about vermicomposting

If you are interested in vermicomposting, here are some websites that describe how to make or buy these bins:

· How to Make your own worm compost system: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Worm-Compost-System

· Cheap and Easy Worm Bin: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm

· How To Make Your Own Vermicompost Bin & Worm Farm: http://www.thegreenestdollar.com/2009/07/how-to-make-your-own-vermicompost-bin/

· All About Worm Composting: http://www.worm-compost-bins.com/?tag=worm-bin