Looking for a free way to enhance the nutrients in your garden? Southside Soil and Water Conservation explains how one can do that by using a compost bin and making use of certain scraps.

To begin, find the right compost bin for you and the area you live in. You can create your own bin or buy one. Then, combine materials that are rich in carbon and nitrogen such as, Carbon-rich (brown): fall leaves, straw/hay, dead flowers, egg shells, pine needles and Nitrogen- rich (Green): grass clippings, animal manures, plant-based food scraps, lawn and garden weeds.

Layer the materials in the bin in the order of carbon-rich (brown), nitrogen-rich (green), a thin layer of potting soil, carbon-rich (brown). Moisten the layers every now and then, but do not overwater.

Every few weeks turn the pile with a shovel to keep materials rotated. Continue to water to keep materials moist.

Keeping a lid on the compost bin will help to keep out unwanted pests.

What NOT to compost: meat, bones, fish scrap, oil, grease, fats and dairy products.

Benefits to using a compost bin include being able to recycle your kitchen and yard waste, reducing landfill waste, and bringing in good organisms for the soil while adding organic matter.

Southside Soil and Water Conservation District proudly serves Charlotte and Lunenburg County.