Spring Flowers In Death Valley

When deciding to do composting to benefit your garden, whether you grow vegetables, flowers or shrubs, there are many ways to have a successful compost. I've written articles on composting, but this is specifically to address the type of container you might use. The choices for bins are many. There are round bins with a lid on top and a lift up gate at the bottom for gradually removing the bottom part of your compost. This is a pretty easy way to approach composting. Another type of bin is one that is on a frame with a turn handle. This makes turning the compost very easy. The bin is horizontal, with an opening on the side for loading or emptying. These bins can be found at many online outlets or at garden suppliers. They vary in price from under a hundred dollars to a lot more, depending on the size and construction.

You can also build your own compost simply by building a wooden box of any size to throw your yard waste, (grass trimmings, leaves etc.) and vegetable and fruit trimmings. See my article on composting for all the ingredients. Then to turn it, use a pitch fork and toss it about. This is a good way if you have a large property and lots of material for composting.

If you have chickens or cows, the manure is also a good amendment to add.

Of course the simplest and cheapest way to compost is simply to start a pile in an inconspicuous area of your yard. Every week or so, turn it with either a spade or pitchfork to mix it. I have a simple pile in the back part of my yard that I created with some chicken wire I had. I just мейд a circle about three feet in diameter and hooked it together. It works fine. You just have to lift it a ways to let some of the good stuff at the bottom out. I've let the compost percolate for a few months, so it should be really rich when I use it.

However you chose to approach your composting, I highly recommend it, because not only is it a wonderful organic treat for your garden, it is an ecologically responsible way to garden.

My name is Eleanor Brodnansky and I love to garden. I have been gardening for well over 40 years and I have lots of information to share with those who are just getting started gardening. My website is: It is loaded with articles on soil improvement, composting, organic gardens, drip systems, garden design, vegetable gardens, flower gardens and much more.