Happy Earth Day!

Great curb appeal begins with good landscaping. Spring is the time to get your flower beds ready and one way to do that is to enhance your soil with good compost. What better way to celebrate Earth Day and increase the value of your home than by making your own composter? It’s simple, easy and cheap.

This is what you’ll need:

·         1 plastic trash can with lid

·         Drill

·         2 bungee cords

Drill several small holes spaced 2-4 inches apart all over the garbage can, including the bottom and lid. Next start layering grass clippings, leaves, even a little shredded newspaper moistened with a little water. Then you can layer in kitchen waste such as coffee grounds, banana peels, egg shells, vegetable trimmings, etc. (Click on this link for a list of over 100 things you can throw in your composter: http://www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm)

Put the lid on the can and set it in a sunny location. Every couple of days secure the lid with the bungee cords and roll the can around the yard to mix up the compost. It may take a few weeks for the ingredients to decompose but once they have ‘cooked’ enough you can till the compost into the soil of your flowerbeds or vegetable garden. You’ll be amazed at how much it improves the quality of all of your plants.

The best way to celebrate Earth Day is to reduce, reuse, recycle. You’ll be doing all three if you decide to do this easy project at home. Composting is a great way to take care of our planet and increase the value of your home with great landscaping.