Composting is an economical and effective way to reduce the size of your garbage bag while benefiting your garden. Here are a few easy steps you can follow to make your compost a success.
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Find the right spotInstall the compost in a sunny or partly shaded location to speed up the rise in temperatures, making sure to keep it sheltered from rain. It should be accessible in both summer and winter. Microorganisms need heat to carry out their work, destroy pathogenic bacteria and eradicate weed seeds. |
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Cut up your waste into little pieces
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Pay attention to what goes into your compostIn order for microorganisms to flourish, the quantities of carbon, nitrogen, water and oxygen need to be optimized.
Stir the mix once a week (oxygen). |
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Problems?If your compost smells bad or doesn't heat up, it's out of balance.
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Avoid plastic and harmful materialsRemove stickers from your fruits and vegetables, and avoid "biodegradable" products as well as plants that are diseased or that contain several seeds.
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Is your compost ready?Compost will be mature and stable after 3 to 12 months, depending on decomposition conditions. lt will no longer be possible to determine what the waste consists of; the compost will have an earthy look and smell, and will have stopped producing heat. If in doubt, wait a few more weeks before incorporating your compost in the garden. Autumn, before the ground freezes but after the leaves fall, is a good time: this will allow complete compost decomposition before planting begins.
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