How to Make Natural Compost

Overview

With many cities now restricting residents from placing grass clippings and other yard waste into landfills, composting is a way to return these organic materials back to the earth adding nutrients to existing soil. Natural compost is considered black gold by many gardeners. Compost improves the soil by not only acting as a fertilizer but also breaking up heavy clay and allowing moisture retention.

Step 1

Drill a series of holes in the metal garbage can starting 3 inches from the top of the can and continuing every 3 inches down to 3 inches off the bottom. Do this all the way around the can.

Step 2

Add 2 to 3 inches of green grass clipping, leaves and other yard waste to the can. Water the organic material until water flows from the can.

Step 3

Add a 2-inch layer of manure to the can and water a second time. Use only manure from horses, cows, goats or other large animals. Dog, cat and human waste excrement should never be introduced into the compost bin.

Step 4

Place the lid on the can and secure it in place by running a bungee cord from one side handle of the can through the lid handle and clipping the cord to the opposite side handle. This will help keep animals out of the compost bin.

Step 5

Add yard waste as needed to the can, watering after each addition.

Step 6

Add kitchen waste, such as vegetable peelings, eggshells and coffee grounds, to the bin daily. Use a stick or shovel to help bury the kitchen waste in the existing compost material in the can. Once the can is filled 2 to 3 inches from the top, stop adding material and allow the compost to "cook." The cooking process is the time period during which the compost goes from fresh organic matter to fully decomposed planting material.

Step 7

Stir the contents of the bin every month and water. Within a year, you will have a bin full of natural compost.