Compost

Compost is the most important part of your garden's ecosystem. Compost is somewhat time consuming but relatively easy to make. I have decided to make composters to make compost. Traditionally compost was made via a compost pile. This was simply a heap of scraps, grass clippings, leaves (though I would not advise this, but more on that later) manure, or about anything else which will decompose. This pile is then mixed and turned at least once daily, and moisture is frequently added to keep the pile damp. As the pile breaks down it will produce heat and reduce the nitrogen and ammonia levels to those which are usable and healthy to the plants. Some items, such as leaves, I tend to shy away from adding to the compost. This is because some leaves contain a very high acid level, namely oak. However, many people still compost leaves with no problem. I am just paranoid about it and considering my soil is very acidic I try to do whatever I can to reduce the problem. Composters work like a small cement mixer, which is filled with compostable materials, and given a spin a few times daily. This is much easier than using a pitch fork and turning it by hand. It also helps keep the compost contained and thus reduces the wasting of any good compost.