04 September 2008
Make your own compost bin
Making your own compost bin is super easy. Compost is a common name for humus, which is the result of the decomposition of organic matter. Decomposition is performed primarily by microbes, although larger creatures such as worms and ants contribute to the process. Decomposition occurs naturally in all but the most hostile environments, such as buried in landfills or in extremely arid deserts, which prevent the microbes and other decomposers from thriving. Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic matter. Rather than allowing nature to take its slow course, a composter provides an optimal environment in which decomposers can thrive. All it needs is 4 ingredents : carbon, water, oxygen(air) and water.
The goal in a compost pile is to provide a healthy environment--and nutrition--for the rapid decomposers, the bacteria. High-carbon sources provide the cellulose needed by the composting bacteria for conversion to sugars and heat. Some of these high carbon sources are dry, straw-type material, such as cereal straws, autumn leaves, sawdust and wood chips, and some paper and cardboard (such as corrugated cardboard or newsprint with soy-based inks) .High-nitrogen sources provide the most concentrated protein, which allow the compost bacteria to thrive. Some high-nitrogen sources are wilted green material (usually crop residues, or plants mowed for the purpose), animal manures (vegetarians, not meat-eaters) , grass clippings, and ruit and vegetable trimmings, skins, and waste.
There are 3 types of compost bins. There are wooden compost bins where you can buy a kit and put it together. The sides are slotted to allow air circulation, and the front panel will life out. There is a plastic barrel compost bin. You get a large plastic drum barrel and cut the top and bottom off and drill holes in the side to allow air to circulate. Finally there is the wire and post compost bin. You get four post in a square and wrap chicken wire around it and it works really well. You can tie burlap to the inside of the wire to hold it all in and the air can still circulate.
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About Patt M. Judd
Landscaping
If you are going to plant trees and shrubs around your home, here are some guidelines: In Tennessee, if you desire morning shade, plant trees on the Southeast exposure of the the house. If you desire afternoon shade, trees should be planted on the Southwest exposure of the structure. A good choice for summer and winter energy savings is to plant deciduous species (those that loose their leaves). These will allow for shade in the summer and heating from the sun in winter. Also, we encourage you to carefully select the type the tree being considered. Decide what you really want from this tree or shrub – shade, fall color, or just eye appeal. Do you need a deciduous tree to shade an outside air-conditioning unit in the summer, while letting sunlight through in the winter? Do you want a line of evergreens to provide a windbreak in the winter and privacy the rest of the year? Another factor to consider is maintenance. Are the trees or shrubs drought resistant, or will they require large amounts of water? Along with these considerations, you should also think about their location in relation to plumbing lines, power lines, your foundation, roof, and gutters.
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