eReplacementParts.com Offers 5 DIY Tips for Composting on National ‘Learn About Composting’ Day

SALT LAKE CITY - May 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Today is National “Learn About Composting” Day. To celebrate, eReplacementParts.com, a company specializing in providing original equipment manufacturer parts and repair tutorials for power tools, has compiled five DIY tips for building and maintaining a compost bin.

“Composting is a great way to nourish your garden while recycling your lawn and kitchen waste,” said David Fairbanks, CEO of eReplacementParts.com. “Not only is it good for your garden, but it’s good for your wallet as well, as it cuts down on the need to purchase fertilizer.”

Mark Sodja, outdoor equipment specialist for eReplacementParts.com, said the following materials are needed for building a compost bin.

·         Wood

·         Circular saw

·         Drill

·         Screws

·         Chicken wire

As always, before starting any woodworking project, Sodja recommends inspecting power tools for maintenance or repairs.

“Inspect your tools for any obvious signs of damage or wear such as cracked insulation on the power cord or excessive arcing from the motor brushes,” said Sodja.

Tip #1: Use weatherproof, rot-resistant wood.

“Your compost bin is going to be outside in the elements,” said Sodja. “Not only that, but it will be used to house decomposing material. You want to make sure the box holds up and doesn’t become part of the compost. I recommend building your compost bin out of a high-quality cedar.”

Tip #2: Make sure the bin has airflow.

Compost bins need airflow to give the compost organisms oxygen and speed up the decomposition process.

“If your compost bin design doesn’t incorporate wooden slats for air flow, you’re going to want to drill holes in the sides and on the bottom of it,” Sodja said.

Sodja also recommends building the floor of the compost bin raised to increase airflow, and wrapping the bin in chicken wire to keep pests, like raccoons and dogs, out of compost material.

Tip #3: Build compost bins with a lid and place in shady area.

“Compost can dry out and stop the decomposition process if it gets too much sunlight,” Sodja said. “A sturdy lid and shady area should prevent this from happening.”

If compost gets too dry, water can be occasionally added to reintroduce moisture.

Tip #4: Regularly add garden soil to compost material.

Adding small amounts of garden soil to compost material will introduce new organisms to the environment and speed up the decomposition process. It’s also great for odor control.

Tip #5: Turn compost every few weeks (or when it starts to smell).

“Every few weeks, take a shovel or pitchfork and give your compost a quick turn to aerate the pile and add oxygen,” said Sodja. “This will also help reduce any odors that may be coming from the bin.”

eReplacementParts.com recommends composting the following materials:

·         Fruit and vegetable scraps

·         Lawn clippings

·         Leaves

·         Newspaper

·         Coffee grounds and filters

·         Egg shells

·         Cardboard

·         Sawdust

“Building and maintaining a compost bin can be an educational, enjoyable experience for the whole family,” said Fairbanks. “I can’t think of a better time to start than on National ‘Learn About Composting’ Day.”

About eReplacementParts.com

Since 2003, eReplacementParts.com has provided the DIY community with quality service and replacement parts for power tools, lawn and garden equipment, appliances and more. Based in Salt Lake City, eReplacementParts.com has saved its customers time and money through its extensive repair tutorials and is one of the most visited replacement part websites in the United States. For more information visit www.ereplacementparts.com.