Its that time of year again, when we rake the leaves up, and dig up the flower beds and vegetable plots, to prepare them for the fast-approaching summer. Wouldn't it be great to have a free source of nutrient rich compost, which is ideal for plants and gardens?
Having been raised in Nova Scotia, where compost is picked up by the city along with recyclables & garbage, I was surprised when I moved to Calgary 3 years ago, that very few people composted. Perhaps it is the lack of space? The smell? The effort? A little bit of research has led me to believe that there is no excuse not to compost! Even if you only have a balcony, you can still compost. (Yes, Really).
A quick visit to http://www.balconycompost.com/ taught me that there are essentially 3 ways to compost: Backyard composting, Balcony Composting, and Vermicomposting (worms). (See photos in gree below for more info). You can get a backyard composter from the City of Calgary for only $25: http://calgaryonlinestore.com/category.asp?cat_id=6 .
Living in a condo? For less than $10, you can make your own composter!
Worried your bin will stink? If you maintain a proper mix of Green to Brown Material, it won't!
Keep 60% Brown material to 40% Green material, and you'll be fine!
Green Material:
Kitchen scraps, such as vegetables, melon rinds, eggshells and fruit
coffee grinds with the filter and tea bags
fresh green leaves and grass clippings
fresh weeds that haven't seeded (seeds will likely survive the composting process)
composted manure - cow, sheep, chicken, rabbit
hair - scatter the hair in the bin, not in clumps
Brown Material:
dry yellow or brown leaves and grass
the woody stalks of plants such as sunflowers and corn
paper and wood products, such as sawdust, chopped up twigs and shredded newspaper
dryer lint
straw
wood ash (not too much)
Looking for more tips on keeping your home in top shape to sell? Visit our Calgary Real Estate homepage.
-Carolyn B for Rob J
CalgaryHomePros.com
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