Gardening is a past time for some who enjoy getting into the out of doors, for others it is a way to feed the family. Regardless of the reason, there are lots of ways to adjust the soil and enhance the growing process. One way is to create your own compost by using a tumbler similar to the Envirocycle compost system. This is a cheaper and easier way to create a nice rich additive to the soil to grow better crops and save money instead of buying expensive fertilizers.
The tumbler is best stored in a dry space. If you have a garage or dry shed, those are the best places. A covered porch will work also if you can keep the rain from blowing onto the container. If none of these exist, use a tarp to keep it covered. It is crucial to keep moisture out of it to prevent the mixture from becoming unbalanced and ending up with just a soup when it is done composting.
Everything should be put in at the same time. If you're going to close the tumbler and start the process, you need to be sure that you're done adding to it. Once the material begins to break down you need to keep the lid closed and locked. Some people will keep a second one or use a large plastic bin to store the organic food in until the working tumbler can be emptied.
The material that can be added is organic. The first type is called green waste and is composed of food scraps, grass clippings, and includes tea bags and coffee grounds. The other type is called brown waste. It is composed of newspaper scraps, paper towels, and other wood-based products. It is imperative that you do not use plastic waste of any sort in the mix.
The waste ratio needs to be maintained for it to work properly. It should be maintained as a single green part to three parts of the brown type of waste. The green waste is more easily broken down and needs the tougher, rougher material to absorb and slow the process so it all mixes together well. If the mix ratio is not correct you will notice some strong, unusual odors emitting from the tumbler.
Most devices come with a hand crank. If there is not, you will need to turn the device manually. Most manufacturers recommend turning the crank one full turn. This does not flip the device completely over but instead turns it enough to mix the material and help with the process.
A strong odor means something is going bad. The ammonia smell will be related to having more organic material than brown waste. This means it is producing too much nitrogen. There may be a rotten egg smell which means there is too much moisture in the mix. In both cases, add more brown waste to help balance and absorb the moisture.
For most mixes, it takes about two to ten weeks to complete the process. Remember to keep a second can or place to store food scraps if you only have one device. Once the first mix is complete, dump most of it out, keeping part as a starter for the next batch. Add in all the scraps at once and begin the process again. Though it may seem like a lot of work, you really have to pay attention to it once a day and it is much easier than turning a yard compost with a pitchfork.
The tumbler is best stored in a dry space. If you have a garage or dry shed, those are the best places. A covered porch will work also if you can keep the rain from blowing onto the container. If none of these exist, use a tarp to keep it covered. It is crucial to keep moisture out of it to prevent the mixture from becoming unbalanced and ending up with just a soup when it is done composting.
Everything should be put in at the same time. If you're going to close the tumbler and start the process, you need to be sure that you're done adding to it. Once the material begins to break down you need to keep the lid closed and locked. Some people will keep a second one or use a large plastic bin to store the organic food in until the working tumbler can be emptied.
The material that can be added is organic. The first type is called green waste and is composed of food scraps, grass clippings, and includes tea bags and coffee grounds. The other type is called brown waste. It is composed of newspaper scraps, paper towels, and other wood-based products. It is imperative that you do not use plastic waste of any sort in the mix.
The waste ratio needs to be maintained for it to work properly. It should be maintained as a single green part to three parts of the brown type of waste. The green waste is more easily broken down and needs the tougher, rougher material to absorb and slow the process so it all mixes together well. If the mix ratio is not correct you will notice some strong, unusual odors emitting from the tumbler.
Most devices come with a hand crank. If there is not, you will need to turn the device manually. Most manufacturers recommend turning the crank one full turn. This does not flip the device completely over but instead turns it enough to mix the material and help with the process.
A strong odor means something is going bad. The ammonia smell will be related to having more organic material than brown waste. This means it is producing too much nitrogen. There may be a rotten egg smell which means there is too much moisture in the mix. In both cases, add more brown waste to help balance and absorb the moisture.
For most mixes, it takes about two to ten weeks to complete the process. Remember to keep a second can or place to store food scraps if you only have one device. Once the first mix is complete, dump most of it out, keeping part as a starter for the next batch. Add in all the scraps at once and begin the process again. Though it may seem like a lot of work, you really have to pay attention to it once a day and it is much easier than turning a yard compost with a pitchfork.
About the Author:
Go green by using the envirocycle compost for your garden. To order this product now visit the following website at http://www.greenenergyapproved.com/thinking-of-going-green-check-out-these-9-great-habits.
0 add comment::
Post a Comment