What is Compost?
{{wiktionary}} [[Image:Compost bin.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Compost bin]] [[Image:Compost_pile.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Raw materials for composting.]] '''Compost''' is a type of [[fertilizer]] that is made from [[wikt:rot|rotting]] [[plant]]s. It is easy and cheap to make, as all it really requires is [[vegetable]] [[waste]]. The vegetable waste is broken down by [[bacteria]] (germs), and made into compost. == Making a compost heap == To make a compost heap, you need some space fairly far from anyone who might have a problem with the smell. The bottom corner of a garden, or some other place a distance from the house is a good place. Compost heaps should also be placed on [[soil]], or [[grass]]: a paved yard or [[concrete]] are bad places. The compost heap should not be in a dark or closed corner. The best base for a compost heap is a layer of sand, bricks or gravel about 1m long by 1m wide. This is not needed, but it can be a good idea. If using bricks, leave spaces to allow the air to move through. It also allows for the water to run away. The best compost heaps have lots of little spaces inside, to allow air to move around. Once the first layer is down, one can begin adding the waste. Some good types of waste are: *Vegetable/fruit peels and scraps *Spoiled, rotten or moldy fruit *Cut grass *Leaves *Straw *Sawdust *Eggshells Adding meat scraps is a bad idea, as they rot slowly, smell bad and attract [[rat]]s and other [[vermin]]. Human or pet [[feces]] is also a very bad idea, as this can transmit [[disease]]. Waste from plants that have died of disease is also bad. The disease can spread to the plants that the compost is used with. When making a compost heap, different types of waste should be layered. A layer of cut grass can be followed by a layer of vegetable waste and table scraps. Watering the compost heap is a good idea, especially in dry areas. The water helps encourage the waste to rot and turn into compost. In anywhere from 3 to 6 months, the compost will be ready. The compost is ready when it s