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    Want a lusher, greener garden? Prettier flowers? A way to lessen your environmental footprint? Then composting’s the way to go.

    And fortunately, it’s not that hard to get started.

    Composting is as easy as taking the trash you already produce, tucking it away for a bit, and waiting for the magic to happen.

    Wondering How to Make a Compost Bin?

    All you have to do is:

    1. Designate an area. Pick a place in your backyard to put your bin. If you’re opting for an open bin, a sunny spot is a great choice, as it helps the soil develop faster. If you’re choosing a closed bin (to keep out the smell), then anywhere will work.
    2. Start collecting. Next, start gathering and saving your kitchen waste. You want a good balance of green (fruits and vegetables) and brown (paper bags, dry leaves, newspapers, etc.) The brown waste, which is rich in carbon, feeds the organisms that break down the green waste. It’s that breakdown process that creates nitrogen and helps produce your nutrient-rich soil.
    3. Tend to it. In order to thrive, your compost pile needs water, sunlight, and fresh air. If it’s out in a sunny spot, make sure to wet it every few days to keep it damp. If the bin is covered, open the lid for a few hours a day to let the air get to it. You should also turn your compost once a week with a shovel to mix it up. Use this time to check the brown/green balance, and make additions as necessary. A smelly, wet mixture generally calls for more brown waste and more regular mixing. If the compost hasn’t started to turn to soil after a few weeks, you likely need to add more green.
    4. Use the soil. Your compost soil is ready for use as soon as it looks and smells like natural soil (dark and earthy!) Just add it to your gardens, flower beds, and lawn as you see fit. You can start a new compost pile immediately after.

    Composting at Home Should Be Fun

    New to composting? Still worried you’re not going to be able to figure out how to make a compost bin? Don’t fret. If you can pick up a shovel or throw away trash, you’re on your way to success. Just tend to it, keep it up, and bide your time, and you’ll have free, nutrient-rich soil (and better gardens because of it!) in no time.

    Looking to make other improvements at home? Contact an Embrace home loan officer to learn about ways to finance those projects.

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