Composting, which to some may suggest an ugly pile of garden debris, at last has come into its proper position as more gardeners join in because of environmental pressures.
With autumn cleanup chores at hand, it has become fashionable to recycle nature`s
Composting, which to some may suggest an ugly pile of garden debris, at last has come into its proper position as more gardeners join in because of environmental pressures.
With autumn cleanup chores at hand, it has become fashionable to recycle nature`s bounty of fallen leaves and other garden wastes that are banned from overburdened landfills in Illinois and many other states.
Ironically, by recycling (composting, if you will), the home gardener gains a priceless additive that enriches the soil and helps grow better lawns, flowers and vegetables. Generations of good gardeners have relied on compost piles for these natural benefits. But even without a conventional ``pile,`` it still is possible to recycle much of the garden wastes.
Consider first the pile. Misconceptions that it is a lot of work, unsightly and perhaps even smelly often have deterred gardeners from starting one. It need not be any of these. It always has been a personal contention that well-intentioned garden books discourage novice gardeners from starting a pile by overwhelming them with stereotyped rules and instructions deemed essential to succeed with the project.
Though conceding that following the rules can hasten the end product of a pile, who is in such a hurry? One can be assured of good results without
``forking over the pile precisely once a week`` or containing it in an elaborately designed enclosure.
Where the yard is small, however, some sort of enclosure to keep refuse neatly contained may be advisable. Hide it in a corner of the yard, or screen it from view with shrubbery or a decorative fence.
A concrete-block or fence enclosure may look neater, but it will not be any more efficient than a simple mesh enclosure or even a pile without any retaining provision. If you prefer, you can buy ready-made composter bins that are as attractive as they are efficient.
To get the pile working, simply add layer upon layer of leaves, grass clippings, seed-free weeds, frost-killed flower and vegetable tops and other organic litter accumulated as you tidy the premises before winter.
There is no risk of offensive odors if the accumulations tossed on the pile are limited to those mentioned and do not include table scraps, though some of the latter are excellent composting additives. But it is wise to mix layers of leaves with other plant residues to keep the leaves from packing, thus inhibiting aeration.
Decomposition can be hastened by occasionally adding soil and fertilizer between the layers of litter, using a commercial compost activator, watering the pile during dry spells and turning it over occasionally with a spading fork. But if you let nature take its course, the results will be just as good, though it will take longer. Compost started this fall should be ready for use by spring.
When a conventional compost pile seems impractical, consider the direct method. This means working garden wastes right into the soil instead of piling them up. This may not utilize all the autumn cleanuup accumulations, but it at least will salvage a substantial amount for the good of your garden.
You can rake the leaves around ornamental shrubs, trees, hedges and betwe