Garden Products for Compost
Composting with garden products allows gardeners to free space in local landfills while creating an effective organic fertilizer. Compost improves the soil by increasing proportions of vital nutrients and helpful bacteria. The most effective compost piles include a balance of carbon and nitrogen-rich materials. Does this Spark an idea?
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High-carbon Products
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High-carbon products from the garden include wood ashes, tree bark, leaves, pine needles, and stems or twigs. Gardeners should chop or shred large branches or bits of tree bark to speed up the composting process. Pine needles increase the acidity of the compost pile, and can be balanced through the addition of wood ashes.
High-nitrogen Products
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High-nitrogen garden products suitable for a compost pile include the discarded clippings from hedges and grass, clover, hay and recently pulled weeds. Gardeners should avoid the use of weeds with mature seeds, as these may survive the heat of the compost pile. Diseased plants may also infect future generations of plants if used in compost.
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Products to Avoid
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Plant materials sprayed with synthetic chemicals, such as insecticides or pesticides, can carry these compounds into compost piles intact. These chemicals can interrupt the natural cycle of decay and limit the organic value of compost.
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References
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