Backyard composting is easy and fun! Composting breaks down your household food and garden materials into a rich type of soil. It's a great way to reduce your household waste and create a natural fertilizer, all at the same time.
You can buy a composter at any County of Brant Customer Service Office, at the Biggars Lane Landfill or Paris Transfer Station any time during the year, or you can build your own composter. Our fees and charges schedule includes current rates for composters.
Treasure Your Leaves |
Mulched or shredded leaves are an excellent source of nutrients and protection for your lawn and garden. Mulch helps retain moisture by reducing soil’s exposure to sun and slowing evaporation. It chokes out weeds, too. For best results, shred leaves when they are dry. Push your mower slowly over areas where there are lots of leaves; you may have to run over them twice. Only a sharp mower blade is necessary, but a mulching blade available from your local hardware or garden store can make the job even easier. For more information on composting see below (page 33). Boost nutrients and moisture-retaining capability and choke out weeds by:
|
Getting Started
The recipe for composting success is as easy as: 1, 2, 3, 4!
Greens + Browns + Water + Air = Compost
Browns = materials high in carbon (e.g. dried leaves, shredded paper)
Greens = materials high in nitrogen (e.g. grass clippings, vegetables)
Step 1: Find your spot
Find a suitable spot for your composter. Select a level, sunny area that has good drainage and is convenient to access year round.
Step 2: Make your base
Once your composter is in place, add a base layer of twigs and small branches in the bottom of the composter. This will let air to enter the compost and allow it to drain.
Step 3: Add in layers
Add materials in alternating layers. The ideal mix is 1 - 2 parts kitchen scraps (greens) and one part yard waste (browns). Add some finished compost or garden soil to your composter. This will introduce the necessary microorganism needed for the composting process and to help reduce odour.
Step 4: Turn and moisten
Mix up your compost regularly to increase air circulation in your compost pile, which needs oxygen in order to break down. The compost pile should be kept moist, like a damp sponge. If your pile looks too dry, add a little bit of water.
What you can put in your Composter
What you can put in |
What you can't put in |
|
|
Tips
- Use a pitchfork or shovel to aerate your compost pile. Some hardware and home improvement stores sell aerators specially designed for composters
- Save some of your leaves from the fall for use during the spring and summer
- Your compost is ready when it is dark in colour, crumbles to the touch and has an earthy smell
- Consider using a second composter - one you can add materials to while the other is finishing
- Chop materials smaller to help them break down quicker
Troubleshooter's Checklist
Symptom |
Problem |
Solution |
Compost has bad odour |
|
|
Process is slow/pile will not heat up |
|
|
Compost is too wet |
|
|
Pile attracts animal or insect pests |
|
|
More Information
The internet contains a wealth of information on backyard composting. Type "backyard composting" into your favourite search engine to find a long list of useful helpful tips, how-to guides, instructions for building your own backyard composter and the occasional blog.
Contact Us