Creating dry organic manure from kitchen waste and garden materials like grass and leaves is an excellent way to recycle waste and enrich your garden soil. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this compost:
Materials Needed:
- Large pot (plastic or clay)
- Wood powder (sawdust)
- Wooden planks (optional, for the base)
- Green leaves
- Dry leaves
- Green grass and weeds
- Kitchen waste (vegetable peels, egg shells, banana peels, used tea leaves)
Preparation Method:
- Choose a Composting Container:
- Select a large pot for composting. Ensure it has good drainage. Plastic or clay pots work well.
- Layering the Compost:
- Bottom Layer: Cover the bottom of the pot with wood powder (sawdust). This layer helps to absorb moisture and control odor.
- Green Layer: Add a layer of green leaves on top of the wood powder.
- Dry Layer: Spread a layer of dry leaves over the green leaves.
- Green Grass and Weeds: Add a layer of green grass and weeds.
- Kitchen Waste: On the topmost layer, spread kitchen waste such as vegetable peels, egg shells, banana peels, and used tea leaves.
- Top Layer: Cover with another layer of dry leaves to help control odor and maintain the right moisture level.
- Maintaining the Compost:
- Covering: Cover the container to protect it from direct sunlight and rain while allowing air circulation. You can use a lid with holes or a breathable fabric.
- Placement: Place the container in a shaded area with good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight as it can dry out the compost too quickly.
- Aeration and Moisture Control:
- Aeration: Turn the compost mixture every 2-3 weeks to ensure proper aeration. This helps speed up the decomposition process.
- Moisture: Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. If it’s too dry, add a little water. If too wet, add more dry leaves or sawdust.
- Composting Time:
- Allow the compost to decompose for about 2 to 2.5 months. The compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell.
Tips for Successful Composting:
- Avoid Adding: Meat, dairy products, and oily foods as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.
- Chop Materials: Cutting larger items into smaller pieces speeds up decomposition.
- Balance: Maintain a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials to ensure efficient composting.
- Cover: Always cover fresh kitchen waste with a layer of dry leaves to minimize odors and discourage flies.
Benefits of Dry Organic Manure:
- Soil Fertility: Enhances soil structure and increases fertility by adding essential nutrients.
- Moisture Retention: Improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture.
- Microbial Activity: Increases beneficial microbial activity in the soil.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces kitchen and garden waste, promoting sustainable gardening practices.
By following these steps, you can create high-quality organic manure at home, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients for your garden plants while also reducing waste.