Making Your Own Compost Heap
Making a compost heap involves recycling and reusing your kitchen waste to make feed for your garden and plants. Compost heaps are very easy to make and go a long way to helping your garden become your very own sanctuary.
Why make a compost heap:
- A compost heap consists of organic matter that feeds your soil.
- It is easy to make.
- Composting is great for the environment.
What you need for your compost heap:
- Chicken wire or wood
- Nails
- Hammer
- Side cutters
- Garden fork
- Grass clippings
- Dry leaves
- Soil
- Kitchen waste
Kitchen waste to include in your compost heap:
- Bread
- Cereal
- Potato skins
- Egg shells
- Tea bags
- Carrot tops
- Fruit
- Coffee grounds
- Earthworms
Steps:
- Start your compost heap with leaves and grass clippings.
- Enclose the compost heap using the wire to make a ring.
- Use side cutters to cut off the excess wire and secure the ring to itself.
- Build a compost bin from wood. Leave it open on one side for access to turn and dig out compost from the bottom.
- There are two basic elements that make compost: green (grass) and brown (dry leaves and soil). Add one part green and two parts brown to the mix.
- Moisten the green and brown components, being careful to not make the mixture too wet.
- Layer leaves at the bottom of your heap, then add garden soil. Add grass clippings or old plant scraps.
- After a week, turn the mixture. Begin adding coffee grounds, eggshells, potato skins and any other scraps. Turn your compost weekly.
- Begin using the compost from the bottom of the heap when you can’t recognise the individual components anymore.
Now that you have your very own compost heap, you can use it to feed your garden. Here are a few ideas of what you can grow in your garden:
Indoor Garden
Indoor gardens are a great option for those who have small or no gardens or for those who don't enjoy the outdoors. They are also generally cheaper to create than an outdoor garden but can take a lot of effort to start. For your indoor garden, you can simply dedicate a section of your house to pot plants and a water feature. Or, you can get more creative and create a flower wall or grow a selection of fresh herbs to use in cooking.
A few things to consider:
- Plants require a specific amount of water. Be careful to not water them too much or too little.
- Plants need sunlight, so you need to place your plants in areas that receive a lot of light.
Spekboom Garden
The #Spekboom Challenge went viral earlier this year and it is no surprise. This plant has many benefits, so it is a great investment.
Some of the benefits include:
- It’s easy to grow.
- It’s water savvy.
- It's edible.
- It can live for up to 200 years.
- It filters air.
Vegetable Garden
Vegetable gardens are a win-win because you'll have a beautiful garden as well as fresh and organic produce.
Easy vegetables to grow include:
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
Flower Garden
Flowers are simply beautiful, so why not plant a few in your garden? Remember that flowers require specific care so it's best to read up on the plants you choose. If you're worried about the costs involved with watering all these plants, consider choosing water-wise plants.
Are you an avid gardener? Share some of your top tips and tricks with us in the comments section below!