Captain Compost and her family are relatively new composters. They’ve been recycling and reusing as much as possible for years but were overwhelmed by the choices of compost bins. The price range is vast and there are so many things to consider ~ worms or no worms? A compost pile or an actual bin? How large of a bin does one family of four need? It was overwhelming and gave Captain Compost a lot to consider (as well as an excuse to procrastinate!).
When Captain Compost heard about the stimulus checks that George W. was sending out, she and Mr. CC decided that now was the time to make the decision! They had one narrowed down at the local eco~friendly store and were about to purchase it when… she was given one more choice.
No bins at all.
See, Captain Compost has a cient that is of Native American heritage and was raised on a reservation. When she heard about CC’s plans to purchase a bin, she had to fill CC in with the secrets of the Native Americans.
As it turns out, all you need for some good compost is a black garbage bag. And perhaps a container for the kitchen scraps (which Captain Compost DID purchase). Here is what CC learned:
1. Place compostable materials in the black garbage bag. Captain Compost throws bread, vegetable and fruit scraps, grass clippings, leaves, shredded paper and dried weeds in.
2. Spray enough water in the bag to get the contents moist.
3. Loosely tie the top so some air can come in.
4. Place the bag in a sunny spot ~ the heat will help activate the process.
5. Once a week, flip the bag over and re~moisten the contents as needed ~ it should be as wet as a squeezed out sponge.
6. Six to eight weeks later, you have a perfect bag of compost to add to your garden. (the smaller the pieces of vegetables and fruit rinds, the faster the process works!)
Captain Compost was pleasantly suprised at how easy (and inexpensive!) it really is to cut down on her family’s waste. The Compost family now contributes about one small kitchen trash bag to the landfill every two to three weeks. And the benefits to the garden are sure to be fantastic, also!
Wow, this is awesome. Possibly the best gardening/green tip I have ever read.
I am going to try this. And I *have* a composter!
Wow! I have to try this.
My family is talking about getting a worm composter after we move — purely because the girls want some sort of pet and the worms are the only creature I’ll allow in the house.
This is a great idea to use a garbage bag to compost. But if it starts getting a little stinky be sure to add some more “browns” like fallen leaves or shredded newspapers. Good luck with your compost!
There have been some relatively expensive composters for sale by the city recently. I think this has given the average householder the impression that one needs a specific container to start composting. Thanks for the simple, low cost approach that anyone can adopt. the point about adding the leaves is a good one, and here we have lots of leaves to add!
Cara
Green Tallahassee