MAKE A COMPOST BIN IN YOUR BACKYARD

If you're just starting a compost pile, measure out greens and browns to
create a good mix.

CONSTRUCT A BIN 3 ft in diameter and 4 ft high. You can use concrete blocks, wire mesh or fencing material.
START WITH A LAYER of browns (4-6 inches of twigs) and alternate greens with browns. After you first turn the pile, it will mix and compost efficiently. YOUR COMPOST PILE should be moist, like a wrung-out sponge. If the pile is too wet, turn it more frequently to dry it, or add more dry brown material to soak the excess moisture.

Foul odour Rotten egg smell: Turn the pile with a shovel to let in air and mix material. Add wood chips to increase air flow. Ammonia odour indicates too much 'green'. Add more dead leaves, non-recyclable paper, or straw. Mix
the pile. What's compostable? Greens: Includes green leaves, coffee grounds, tea bags, plant trimmings, raw fruit and vegetable scraps, fresh grass clippings, hair etc. Browns: Includes dried grass, leaves, weeds, straw, wood chips, twigs and branches, sawdust, shredded newspaper etc. Not compostable Food with meat, dairy or oil, pet faeces (dog, cat or bird), diseased plants and weeds, ash from charcoal or coal. HT GRAPHIC: SWATI SPRINKLE WATER AND turn it every week. A well-managed bin produces compost in 3 to 12 months.

Publication : HT; Section : Metro; Pg : 2; Date : 9/5/07
URL :
http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=09_05_2007_002_010&typ=0&pub=264