🌍 Easy and Quick, Brown and Green: Composting Your Way to a More Bountiful Garden
Today, I’m going to talk about composting your way to a more bountiful garden. Watch out for mentions of the Browns and the Greens—read on...
Wire Mesh: The Unsung Hero of Composting
In the realm of sustainable gardening and waste management, finding practical solutions that balance durability and affordability is key. Enter wire mesh—(Tada!!)—a versatile material that’s perfect for creating composting enclosures. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to enhance soil health or a homeowner interested in reducing organic waste, wire mesh offers a solution worth considering.
Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth: Which is Right for You?
Two popular options stand out for constructing compost bins:
🐔 Chicken Wire
Classic hexagonal woven pattern with 1” openings.
Cost-effective and lightweight, making it easy to shape and manipulate.
Best for: Temporary or low-impact composting setups.
Consideration: May lack durability in harsh weather or high-traffic areas.
🔨 Hardware Cloth
Tight welded wire with ¼”–½” openings for enhanced strength.
More durable and long-lasting, ideal for sturdy compost bins.
Best for: Outdoor environments where durability is a priority.
Consideration: Slightly higher cost, but the investment pays off in longevity.
Building Your Compost Bin: Simple Steps
Once you’ve chosen your wire mesh, constructing the enclosure is a breeze:
Measure and cut the mesh to your desired dimensions.
Shape it into a cylindrical or rectangular design.
Secure the panels with zip ties or fasten the ends for a circular bin.
Fill it up with kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other organic materials.
Turn the contents periodically to promote aeration and speed up decomposition.
What Can You Compost?
Composting transforms organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments. Here’s a list of compostable materials to get you started:
Fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, cores, rinds, seeds)
Coffee grounds and filters (great nitrogen source!)
Tea leaves and compostable tea bags
Eggshells (adds calcium)
Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, weeds without seeds)
Plant trimmings (flowers, foliage)
Shredded paper (newspaper, cardboard, paper towels—avoid glossy or colored paper)
Wood chips and sawdust (untreated wood only)
Straw and hay
Nutshells (peanut, walnut, etc.)
Seaweed and kelp (mineral-rich!)
Old potting soil
Hair and fur (human or pet)
Share Your Composting Adventures!
I’d love to hear your clever ideas for composting organic waste. Share your tips, tricks, and pictures—let’s inspire each other to grow greener gardens!
My warmest regards,
Debbie Page
CEO, Louis E. Page Inc.
Woman-owned business and family-owned since 1893.
(Umm, that’d be just over thirteen decades owned and run by our family!)
