1. Layer materials high in carbon, such as lawn clippings and green plants, with materials high in nitrogen, such as manure, alfalfa meal and hay. Almost any organic material can be added, including food scraps, egg shells, tea leaves and coffee grounds. Never add chemically treated wood, diseased plants, human or pet waste, meat bones, fatty foods or weeds. Add water regularly during this compost-building process and let it trickle into a pile to help get rid of air pockets.
2. Turn it, speed the process by turning the pile with a pitchfork once a week and adding fresh manure. Mixing it allows oxygen into the center of the pile, encouraging the growth of bacteria and fungi, which break down organic material. Regularly turned organic matter will become finished compost in 4-8 months.
3. Break it down, compost is ready when it is dark and crumbly with an earthly smell. Sift to separate material that hasn't finished composting. Those pieces will continue to decompose in your garden; the smaller the pieces, the faster they will break down.
4. Spread it, once it's ready, work the compost into soil to give it an organic boost before planting. Spread it on the soil's surface as mulch, on flower beds and around base of landscape plants. Compost may also be used as a top dressing for lawns or as an ingredient in potting mixes.
For more information about helpful growing tips check this site: homedepotgardenclub.com
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