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Top 8 tips for composting

<p>Want to do something good for the earth that will save you money at the same time? Well, you should consider ditching fertilizer and make compost instead. For anyone new to composting, or for those who want to improve the composting skills, we’ve gathered a list of our top tips.</p> <p><strong>1. Get a quality bin</strong></p> <p>The alternative to building a compost heap in your garden, is to try a compost bin. They’re usually compact which makes them perfect for smaller gardens and yards.</p> <p><strong>2. Perfect placement</strong></p> <p>You’ll want to ensure you pick a spot that is level and well-drained spot so that any excess water can drain away easily. This also helps worms to get in and get on with the job of breaking down the content.</p> <p><strong>3. Put the worms to work</strong></p> <p>The humble worm is the perfect (and must-have) addition to any successful compost. They love the moist atmosphere of a compost heap, eating the waste material you put in and converting it into liquid feed and compost. The tiger worm is  great choice for any compost.</p> <p><strong>4. What to compost</strong></p> <p>Good things to compost include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings and grass cuttings. All of these things break down quickly and provide important nitrogen as well as moisture. While slower to rot, it’s also good to include things such as cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up paper and fallen leaves as they provide vital fibre and carbon and also allow important air pockets to form in the mixture.</p> <p><strong>5. Forget these things</strong></p> <p>Meat or dairy products should never but put in your compost. Also, don’t dispose of any diseased plants, dog poo or cat litter, or babies’ nappies in your compost – these belong in the everyday bin. It’s also a good idea to avoid composting perennial weeds (such as dandelions and thistle) or weeds with seed heads.</p> <p><strong>6. Let it air out</strong></p> <p>Composts requires regular turning, which can be a tricky job without the right tools. Opt for something with a long handle and turn your compost as it helps to aerate and mix up the waste and cuttings, which leads to faster composting.</p> <p><strong>7. Add a booster</strong></p> <p>It’s a great idea to encourage the correct enzymes in your compost by using a activator. It helps to turn your grass, leaves and garden waste into dark, rich, crumbly compost in less than half the time.</p> <p><strong>8. Wait for it to be perfect </strong></p> <p>When your compost is ready you’ll have a dark brown, almost black soil-like layer at the bottom of your bin. It should have a spongy texture and will be rich in nutrients. When it’s ready, spread the compost over your flowerbeds this will greatly improve the soil quality by helping it retain moisture and suppressing weeds.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Clever ways to reuse dryer lint around the house

<h2>Start a fire</h2> <p>Dryer lint is flammable, which is why we’re urged to clean out the trap after each load of laundry. Collect it in a sealed jar to use as tinder the next time you start a fire in your backyard fire pit. For a self-contained fire starter, stuff cardboard toilet paper rolls with lint.</p> <h2>Use as mulch</h2> <p>You can add dryer lint as a mulch around potted plants as long as you’re not using dryer sheets, which may leave an unwanted chemical residue.</p> <h2>Prevent erosion</h2> <p>When spread out and dampened with water, dryer lint can form a barrier to protect soil from erosion. If you don’t like the look of soggy lint, use the lint as an under-layer and cover with decorative stones.</p> <h2>Discourage weeds</h2> <p>Just like a thick layer of lint can prevent erosion, a base of dryer lint can prevent weeds as well. Use it as a substitute for landscape fabric and top with a decorative mulch.</p> <h2>Add to compost</h2> <p>Lint from natural fibres like cotton and wool is biodegradable, so you can add it to the compost pile as a source of carbon.</p> <h2>Oil down tools</h2> <p>Use a clump of dryer lint to apply linseed oil to wooden-handle tools to keep them from cracking, and to metal parts (after cleaning) to keep them from rusting. Then toss the lint in the garbage.</p> <h2>Line garden containers</h2> <p>Line the bottom of a plant pot with dryer lint to keep soil from spilling out the drainage hole. The lint layer will also act as a blotter, soaking up extra moisture and making it available for the roots later. This container gardening tip is not recommended for cacti, succulents and other plants that like soil on the dry side.</p> <h2>Soak up spills</h2> <p>Keep a jar of dryer lint in the garage to use when you need to soak up oil spills.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/diy-tips/clever-ways-to-reuse-dryer-lint-around-the-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

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A whole new can of worms for gardeners

<p>Every year, people all over the world set their resolutions for the next 12 months and beyond. While some may not see them all the way through, most dive in with only the best intentions in mind. </p> <p>And whether it’s because of a love of the outdoors, a desire to keep their hands busy on a free day, or even mounting climate anxiety, many take to gardening as a way to give their life a fresh spin. </p> <p>A crucial part of that process? Composting. No matter the crop, composting boasts the growth of healthier and stronger plants. Additionally, it can improve the likes of soil density and its available nutrients, as well as discouraging all kinds of unwanted pests. </p> <p>However, composting has not historically been everyone’s cup of tea. From the smell to the sheer effort, the fear of trying something new, space, flies, and so on, many have opted to steer clear of setting up their own station. </p> <p>But any budding - or established - gardener need not fear, with new innovations in the art of composting making the entire process easier each and every day. </p> <p>The latest trend helping gardener’s around the world find success is commercial vermiculture - better known as “worm farming”. </p> <p>It is said that worm farming - or a similar practice - dates all the way back to Cleopatra VII’s reign. But modern practices, thankfully, prove much simpler, and much easier for the average to maintain at home. </p> <p>While most organic materials leaving the home have the potential to become a nutritious dish of soil for the garden, it’s advised to avoid the likes of oil, meat, orange peels, dairy, pet waste, and plastic when first starting out. </p> <p>So, with the materials likely already at hand, all it takes is someplace to put them - and that’s where the worms come in. </p> <p>Worm farms (or worm composting systems) are the answer to a whole range of composting concerns, and are cited as being easy to maintain, taking minimal time and effort, and able to be installed in even small spaces. </p> <p>Earthworms, reportedly, are even some of the fastest - and best - composters out there. They get to work converting organic household waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser for the garden in the form of worm castings (otherwise known as poo). These castings lead to worm tea, a natural liquid fertiliser that comes from soaking said castings in water. </p> <p>To get started, a gardener needs somewhere for the worms to live and work. For those who want to dive right in, farms are readily available for purchase (like this <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/maze-worm-farm_p0137788" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian designed farm by Maze</a>, made from recycled materials, or <a href="https://mazeproducts.com.au/product/3tray-worm-farm-with-legs-and-worms-copy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a kit with an additional tray and worms included</a>). </p> <p>For gardeners after something of a larger scale, it’s possible to make a worm farm at home with an old bath or even a spare wheelie bin. These <a href="https://wormsdownunder.com.au/shop/140l-worm-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can be purchased</a> as well, but if craft is more your style, or you want to save a few dollars, then a quick Google search will provide a host of tutorials to follow. </p> <p>The amount the worms will eat varies depending on a number of factors - how many worms are living there, the size of the farm itself, and environmental conditions such as the weather, as worms will typically eat less during the winter. </p> <p>For food, the worms do require more than just the household waste - “bedding” that’s carbon-rich will go a long way for them, so make sure to keep a steady supply of the likes of shredded newspaper and cardboard on hand. For a little extra helping hand, <a href="https://tumbleweed.com.au/products/worm-blanket-rectangle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">worm blankets</a> can help to increase activity in the farm. </p> <p>The four key levels to remember when structuring such a farm - from bottom to top - are the lining, the worm bedding, the food scraps/household waste, and the worm blanket/cover.</p> <p>It’s important to note that regular garden worms will be no good for this process, as they’re surface feeders and won’t burrow deep into the soil like <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/worm-affair-live-organic-worm-starter-pack-approx-1000-worms_p3011353" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earthworms (or compost worms)</a> will. Top of their list of things to snack on are fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, grains, paper tea bags, coffee grounds, and newspapers.</p> <p>Once a farm is up and running, and the worms’ castings have been collected, a successful gardener has multiple options at their disposal with the output. From using it in the garden for the soil or with mulch to helping when planting seeds, incorporating it into potting mix, and - of course - making it into some nutritious worm tea. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

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6 things you didn't know you could compost

<p>As more people aim to lessen their carbon footprint, there’s been a quest to learn about all the things you can upcycle, recycle and compost. And you may be surprised to learn some of the things you can add to your compost bin.</p> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-compost"><strong>1. Natural-fibre clothes</strong></div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-compost"> <p>If you have natural-fibre clothing – pure wool, cotton, silk, or linen – that is too old or damaged to donate, then cut it up in chunks so it breaks down faster and add it to your compost pile! If you do compost clothes, be sure that there are no synthetic threads, plastic buttons, metal zippers, or stains from motor oil, paint, wood stain and other non-compostable substances.</p> <p><strong>2. Wine corks</strong></p> <p>The next time you’re recycling your wine bottles, throw their corks into the compost pile. Corks are a natural product, and although some wineries are now using plastic corks that look a lot like the real thing, remember that you can compost the wine stoppers if they are made of natural cork.</p> <p><strong>3. Fur, hair and nail clippings</strong></p> <p>If you have a pet pup or cat that sheds more than you like, hopefully you can find at least some solace in the fact that you can compost their fur! You can also clean out your and your family’s hair brushes and add all nail clippings to the compost heap. It may be a little gross but your compost will be happy about it.</p> <p><strong>4. Vacuum bag contents</strong></p> <div id="page9" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> <p>Typically, the stuff your vacuum picks up is composed of compostable materials: dust, hair, dirt, etc. In some cases, even the vacuum bag itself can be composted if it’s made from natural products (be sure to check the bag to see what it’s made of). If you have a bagless vacuum, the contents of the dirt collection cup can be dumped directly into your compost pile. So, unless you’re vacuuming up after a glittery birthday party, your vacuum dirt should be okay to compost.</p> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-compost"><strong>5. Used loofahs and sponges</strong></div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-compost"> <p>If you’re using a natural loofah, then remember that you can tear that thing up and compost it the next time you’re ready to replace it. If you’re currently using synthetic sponges, consider making the switch to a natural one. Man-made sponges can carry germs and add a ton of waste to the environment if you’re going through them regularly.</p> <p><strong>6. Cotton swabs and balls</strong></p> <div id="page10" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> <p>Consider adding a tiny compost rubbish bin to your bathroom so you can collect all the compostable bathroom garbage. As long as the cotton swabs you’re using are plastic-free, you can add those to the bin along with cotton balls and toilet paper rolls. Just be sure that the dental floss doesn’t get in there.</p> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-compost"> <div id="page11" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> <p><em>Source:<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/things-didnt-know-could-compost/" target="_blank">RD.com</a></em></p> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-compost"> <p><em>Written by Hannah Louise. This article first appeared in </em><a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-compost"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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10 things you didn’t know you could compost

<p><span>As more people aim to lessen their carbon footprint, there’s been a quest to learn about all the things you can upcycle, recycle and compost. And you may be surprised to learn some of the things you can add to your compost bin.</span></p> <ol> <li><strong>Natural-fibre clothes</strong></li> </ol> <p><span>If you have natural-fibre clothing – pure wool, cotton, silk, or linen – that is too old or damaged to donate, then cut it up in chunks so it breaks down faster and add it to your compost pile! If you do compost clothes, be sure that there are no synthetic threads, plastic buttons, metal zippers, or stains from motor oil, paint, wood stain and other non-compostable substances.</span></p> <ol start="2"> <li><strong><span>Latex products</span></strong></li> </ol> <p><span>The next time you’re cleaning up after a child’s birthday party, throw the popped latex balloon fragments in the compost. Latex is a natural and biodegradable material, but for some reason, most of us usually forget that! Other natural latex products? Compost them next time instead of throwing them in the bin.</span></p> <ol start="3"> <li><strong><span>White glue and masking tape</span></strong></li> </ol> <p><span>Arts and crafts enthusiasts, rejoice! Your traditional Elmer’s glue and masking tape bits and scraps can all be composted. It makes cleaning up projects just a little bit better knowing it’s not all going in the bin.</span></p> <ol start="4"> <li><strong><span>Wine corks</span></strong></li> </ol> <p><span>The next time you’re recycling your wine bottles, throw their corks into the compost pile. Corks are a natural product, and although some wineries are now using plastic corks that look a lot like the real thing, remember that you can compost the wine stoppers if they are made of natural cork.</span></p> <ol start="5"> <li><strong><span>Fur, hair and nail clippings</span></strong></li> </ol> <p><span>If you have a pet pup or cat that sheds more than you like, hopefully you can find at least some solace in the fact that you can compost their fur! You can also clean out your and your family’s hair brushes and add all nail clippings to the compost heap. It may be a little gross but your compost will be happy about it.</span></p> <ol start="6"> <li><strong><span>Small paper rolls</span></strong></li> </ol> <p><span>While you can always recycle cardboard products, consider throwing the smaller stuff in your compost bin next time. Recycling can be costly and also uses a lot of resources, so compost smaller cardboard instead.</span></p> <ol start="7"> <li><strong>Old pet food</strong></li> </ol> <p><span>If you have some stale kibble on the shelf, just throw it in the compost bin. Be sure your pup can’t smell it though, because chances are if they smell it, they’re going to try to eat it.</span></p> <ol start="8"> <li><strong>Vacuum bag contents</strong></li> </ol> <p><span>Typically, the stuff your vacuum picks up is composed of compostable materials: dust, hair, dirt, etc. In some cases, even the vacuum bag itself can be composted if it’s made from natural products (be sure to check the bag to see what it’s made of). If you have a bagless vacuum, the contents of the dirt collection cup can be dumped directly into your compost pile. So, unless you’re vacuuming up after a glittery birthday party, your vacuum dirt should be okay to compost.</span></p> <ol start="9"> <li><strong><span>Cotton swabs and balls</span></strong></li> </ol> <p><span>Consider adding a tiny compost rubbish bin to your bathroom so you can collect all the compostable bathroom garbage. As long as the cotton swabs you’re using are plastic-free, you can add those to the bin along with cotton balls and toilet paper rolls. Just be sure that the dental floss doesn’t get in there.</span></p> <ol start="10"> <li><strong>Used loofahs and sponges</strong></li> </ol> <p><span>If you’re using a natural loofah, then remember that you can tear that thing up and compost it the next time you’re ready to replace it. If you’re currently using synthetic sponges, consider making the switch to a natural one. Man-made sponges can carry germs and add a ton of waste to the environment if you’re going through them regularly.</span></p>

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Simple trick to make composting easier

<p>There’s no doubt that composting is great for the garden, not to mention the environment, but turning your compost on the other hand, can be a real pain. But it doesn’t have to be that way with this simple trick, courtesy of the blog, Desperate Gardener.</p> <p>She advises on her blog to get a PVC pipe from your local hardware store and drill some holes throughout it (or grab some perforated pipes). Place the pipes through the compost cage so it sticks out on either side so that air is able to reach the layers of compost. Voila, you’ll never have to undertake the odious and sweaty task of turning compost again!</p> <p>Source: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.desperategardener.com/2011/04/grandmas-secret-weapons_25.html" target="_blank">Desperate Gardener</a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><img width="437" height="640" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14498/composting-trick.jpg" alt="Composting Trick"/></strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img width="436" height="640" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14499/composting-trick-2.jpg" alt="Composting Trick 2"/></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Related links:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/how-to-sharpen-knife-with-mug/"><strong>Genius trick to sharpen knives without sharpener</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/natural-ways-to-get-rid-of-cockroaches/"><strong>8 natural ways to get rid of cockroaches</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/ways-to-loosen-a-stuck-jar-lid/"><strong>The best ways to open a stuck jar lid</strong></a></em></span></p>

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How to improve your soil without a compost heap

<p>It’s commonly known that a great way to save on waste and enrich your soil naturally is by use of a compost heap. Unfortunately, when you’ve already dedicated much of your yard to a garden, not everyone has enough space to have one. Not to mention the smell. These tips will show you how to naturally supplement your soil without creating a cumbersome, smelly compost pile.</p> <p><strong>Coffee grounds</strong></p> <p>Coffee grounds don’t need to be composted over time and so can be added directly to your garden’s soil. The grounds increase the nitrogen levels in your garden, which is beneficial to your plants’ growth. They also aid in soil aeration, drainage, and water retention.</p> <p><strong>Banana peels</strong></p> <p>Banana peels are another waste product that can be placed directly into your garden. Cut the skins into small pieces and place them amongst the soil. The presence of the peels will increase your earth worm population while adding much-needed nutrients to your plants’ bed.</p> <p><strong>Egg shells</strong></p> <p>Crushed eggshells add calcium to your garden and help fend off slugs and snails, the presence of which can be detrimental to the health of your plants. Wash your eggshells, leave in sun to dry, crush into small pieces and add directly to your soil. Crushing them helps them to break down more quickly in your soil.</p> <p><strong>But what if I still want a compost pile?</strong></p> <p>If you still like the idea of having an actual compost pile to help reduce your kitchen waste and add the most nutrients to your garden, you’re in luck. There are now innovative technologies that allow you to compost inside your home without the smell. Try a stainless steel or ceramic compost keeper with a replaceable air filter.</p>

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