Menu
Menu
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.com
If you’re someone who throws away a large amount of kitchen scraps–potato peelings, produce scraps, coffee grounds and filters, egg shells, etc., why not compost all of those nutrient-rich kitchen scraps and use them as a natural fertilizer for your garden? The benefits of composting are endless. First, it can save you money from garbage costs…by composting, you can reduce the amount of waste that goes in the garbage. Composting also turns all those kitchen and yard scraps into great soil for the garden!
While composting can be very easy, it’s important to stick to some basic guidelines of what to compost and what not to compost. A compost pile needs a mixture of “green” (nitrogen-rich) materials, as well as “brown” (carbon-rich) materials. Think of the green materials as all of your kitchen scraps, and brown materials as yard scraps.
Every compost pile is different, and depending on different circumstances, the pile could be ready to add to the garden in a matter of months, or it could be over a year before it is ready.
The process behind composting is basically breaking down larger green and brown matter (kitchen and/or yard scraps) into soil-like matter. To do this, a compost pile must be aerated by being turned, so that it doesn’t rot, and so each layer is exposed to the right amount of sun and air. A compost pile must also “cook” and get hot from the sun so it can break down. To reduce the amount of time it takes to break down, kitchen scraps can be chopped up before being added to the pile.
Compost is ready to add to the garden when it looks dark and crumbly, and none of the starting materials are visible such as egg shells, banana peels, etc. To be sure the compost is ready, an easy test can be done by putting a small amount of the compost in a sealed bag, leave it in there for 24 to 48 hours, and then open it and notice the smell. If there is little to no odor coming from the bag, then the compost is ready to disperse in the garden.
We have created a handy list of seasonal “chores” and suggestions for important activities to accomplish season by season.
Home sales are on the rise, so if you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, now may be the time to make some changes.
A rule that everyone should live by: for every tree that is cut down, two more should be planted. Planting trees can save the environment.
Windows offer beautiful views of the outdoors, and the option of privacy indoors, and that begins with window treatments.
Removing ice and snow from your roof can prevent damage later. Here are tips on how to keep your roof clear.
Estate sales and auctions make for a great weekend event to take your family hunting for treasures and deals you won’t find anywhere else.
When it comes to your home, and everything inside that has value, it’s important to keep those it insured with homeowners insurance.
Landscape stone and rock can mold the perfect path through your garden, create a new, separate space, and add value to your property.
If you want to increase security and extend the hours of outdoor enjoyment on your property, consider landscape lights outside your home.
The West Michigan Real Estate Directory is the place to search homes, acreage, businesses for sale, and lakefront property in the area.
A rule that everyone should live by: for every tree that is cut down, two more should be planted. Planting trees can save the environment.
Landscape stone and rock can mold the perfect path through your garden, create a new, separate space, and add value to your property.
West Michigan businesses can help you find the perfect, fresh Christmas tree and recycle that tree after the holidays.
A great way to beat the winter blues is to force bulbs or branches to bloom early. It’s a simple process, and will be sure to lift your mood!
When it comes to your home, and everything inside that has value, it’s important to keep those it insured with homeowners insurance.
Estate sales and auctions make for a great weekend event to take your family hunting for treasures and deals you won’t find anywhere else.
Structured wiring provides flexibility, the ability to move phone, computer and TV locations throughout the building without costly hassles.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!