COMPOSTING
INFORMATION |
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The IWMA encourages home composting.
By composting at home, you can turn ordinary yard and kitchen trimmings
into a free, homemade soil booster, save landfill space and conserve water.
Compost
and Worm Bins
Compost bins are best suited for composting organic material such as leaves,
small twigs, straw, grass clippings, flowers and houseplants. Worm
bins are best suited for food waste. You can build your own compost
bin or worm bin. Numerous web sites provide the necessary instructions.
Examples of sites are: Build A Worm Compost
Bin and King County,
Washington's How to Build Compost and Worm Bins.
If you prefer you can purchase a compost
bin. The San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
suggests you check with your local gardening center or hardware store for
information on purchasing locally.
There are also several online resources
available such as Composters.com at www.composters.com
for a wide selection of compost and worm bins.
Mulch
Mowers
An alternative to bagging grass clippings is to leave the clippings on
the lawn as a fertilizer. If you are thinking about purchasing a
new lawn mower, consider buying a self-mulching mower. These mowers
chop grass clippings finely so that they can readily decompose into your
lawn. Mulch mowers are available locally and come in a wide variety
of styles and brands. Mower conversion kits are also available for
some brands of mowers. Consult you dealer for details.
Lawn Care
Tips
- Leave your grass clippings
on the lawn for a healthier, greener lawn that's more resistant to
disease. It is a natural way to fertilize without chemicals. It is
much easier than bagging and hauling and saves you money.
- Lawns are healthiest
when mowed at 2 ½-3" high with clippings left on the lawn. Mow
about every 5 days. No more than one-third of the grass blade should
be cut.
- Mulching mowers cut
the grass into small pieces which break down easily.
- Retrofit regular mowers
with a mulching kit, or any mower can work if grass is cut frequently.
