Recycling Plant Waste Into Nutritious Fertilizer By Patton Andres

Lots of people out there wish they had better looking lawns, but can't make the time and money commitment to make it happen. There is, however, a way to make your yard look great for practically free - organic garden fertilizer. There are so many different materials from your yard that can be turned into fertilizer, and it is actually easier to do than you might anticipate. The best fertilizer comes from the garden, especially your grass. When you accrue those heaping bags of grass, don't throw them out. With a little composting education, you can learn how to manage these materials and turn them into nutritious fertilizer to feed plants of all types.

Creating a heaping pile of grass will turn slimy and rot, so we must introduce additives into the grass in layers. Specifically, additives of high carbon content, which includes leaves, branches or wood pieces. These are otherwise known as "browns". Aerate the pile on a regular basis using a shovel or rake. Fresh grass contains a lot of nitrogen content and moisture, which makes the grass stick together and reduces oxygen flow. Oxygen needs to be introduced into the system to promote bacteria growth. The grass is broken down and recycled back into nutrients that plants can use.

Another tip to promote a clean compost pile is to dry out the grass in the sun before piling up. Several smaller piles are easier to manage than one huge one. Trying to oxygenate and turn over a large pile can be difficult. If you find that the decomposition process is just too smelly, or you want to speed up the process, try adding some lime to the mixture. You will notice a dramatic improvement.

If piles just aren't your thing, consider purchasing a compost bin. This isn't a free method, but a bin will provide many years of use and is a more controlled system. A compost bin can turn any garden material into plant feed. Material is put into the container and begins a controlled rot. The container can be tumbled to oxygenate the material. Offensive odors are effectively contained and moisture is kept in well. While waiting for the solid materials to degrade, you can also extract a special liquid plant feed from the container. This liquid will gather in the bottom of the compost bin over time. Many bins have a convenient tap that can extract the liquid easily.

Composting can recycle many materials that would more than likely be thrown out. You can save money on fertilizer and produce a happy, healthy lawn at the same time. This natural plant feed is better in many ways than the store bought products.

Working in the yard can be a time of peace and relaxation in the fresh air. To learn tips and tricks on yard care, visit the informative guide at Yardsurfer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patton_Andres