Tag: self-sufficient

  • How to Start and Maintain a Compost Pile: A Beginner’s Guide

    How to Start and Maintain a Compost Pile: A Beginner’s Guide

    Composting is an environmentally friendly way to recycle organic waste, reduce landfill waste, and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Whether you have a small backyard garden or a larger homestead, composting is a simple and effective way to enrich the soil, minimize waste, and support sustainability. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start a compost pile, maintain it, what to add and what not to add, and the many benefits of keeping a compost pile.

    What is Composting?

    Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials like food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials into rich, dark, crumbly humus. This happens through the activity of microorganisms, fungi, and insects that decompose the organic matter. The result is a nutrient-dense material that can be used to improve soil quality, promote plant health, and reduce waste.

    How to Start a Compost Pile

    Starting a compost pile is easy and requires just a few basic steps.

    Choose the Right Location

    Pick a spot in your yard that is well-drained and has good air circulation. Compost piles work best when they are located in a shady area, especially in hot climates, to prevent them from drying out too quickly. Ideally, place your compost pile close to your garden or a water source, so it’s easy to access when needed. You can compost directly on the ground or use a compost bin or tumbler for a more contained, organized approach.

    Create Layers

    A well-balanced compost pile requires a mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Think of composting as layering the ingredients for a cake. Each layer should be around 3-6 inches deep, and you should alternate between the two types of materials.

    • Green materials include fresh, moist items like vegetable scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and manure.
    • Brown materials are dry and fibrous, such as leaves, straw, shredded cardboard, and small branches.

    Start by placing a layer of coarse brown materials (like small twigs or straw) at the bottom of the pile to promote airflow. Then, alternate layers of green and brown materials, aiming for a ratio of about 3 parts brown to 1 part green. This balance ensures the right conditions for decomposition.

    Moisture and Aeration

    Your compost pile needs to stay moist, but not too wet. Think of a damp sponge—when you squeeze it, water should drip out, but it shouldn’t be soaking wet. If your compost is too dry, the decomposition process will slow down. If it’s too wet, it can become smelly and anaerobic, meaning it will rot rather than compost.

    Turn your pile regularly to allow oxygen to reach the materials and speed up decomposition. Every 2-3 weeks, use a pitchfork, shovel, or compost aerator to turn the pile, making sure to mix the materials and expose the inner layers to oxygen.

    What to Add to Your Compost Pile

    To keep your compost pile balanced and healthy, it’s essential to know what to add.

    Green Materials (Nitrogen-rich)

    These materials are fresh and moist and provide nitrogen, which helps to jumpstart decomposition:

    • Fruit and vegetable scraps
    • Grass clippings (if not too chemically treated)
    • Coffee grounds and tea bags
    • Eggshells (crushed)
    • Fresh leaves and weeds
    • Manure from herbivores (chickens, rabbits, cows, etc.)

    Brown Materials (Carbon-rich)

    Brown materials are dry and fibrous and help to provide carbon, which is essential for the composting process:

    • Dry leaves and straw
    • Wood chips, sawdust, or shavings
    • Shredded paper or cardboard
    • Cornstalks, small twigs, and small branches
    • Dead plants (without diseases)

    What Not to Add to Your Compost Pile

    While composting is a great way to recycle organic waste, not all materials are suitable for the compost pile. Adding the wrong items can disrupt the composting process and attract pests.

    Meat, Dairy, and Oils

    Meat, dairy products, and oils can attract rodents, raccoons, and other pests. These materials don’t break down well and can also produce unpleasant odors. Avoid adding:

    • Meat scraps or bones
    • Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)
    • Fats, oils, or greasy foods

    Diseased Plants

    Composting diseased plants can spread diseases throughout your garden. If you have plants that are infected with pests or disease, it’s best to dispose of them in the trash or burn them (if allowed in your area). Avoid adding:

    • Diseased or pest-infested plants (such as plants with powdery mildew or blight)
    • Weeds that have gone to seed (they can sprout in your compost)

    Non-biodegradable Materials

    Avoid adding non-organic materials that will not break down over time, such as:

    • Plastic or synthetic materials (plastic bags, wrappers, etc.)
    • Glass or metal objects
    • Pet waste from carnivorous animals (dogs or cats)

    Chemically Treated Materials

    Materials treated with chemicals or pesticides can harm the composting process and contaminate the resulting compost. Avoid adding:

    • Grass clippings from chemically treated lawns
    • Plants treated with pesticides or herbicides

    How to Maintain Your Compost Pile

    Maintaining your compost pile is crucial to ensure it decomposes efficiently.

    Turn the Pile Regularly: Aerating the pile helps maintain oxygen flow, which speeds up the composting process. Aim to turn your pile every 2-3 weeks. If your pile seems too wet, add more brown materials to help absorb excess moisture. If it’s too dry, add some green materials or water it lightly.

    Monitor Temperature: A healthy compost pile should heat up in the center. The heat is a sign that microbial activity is breaking down the materials. The temperature should range between 120°F to 160°F (49°C to 71°C). If the pile gets too hot, turn it to cool it down, and if it gets too cold, add more green materials to raise the temperature.

    Add Moisture: Keep your compost pile moist, but not soggy. If it’s dry, sprinkle water on it to maintain the right moisture levels.

    Harvesting Your Compost: In about 3-6 months (depending on the size of the pile and how well it’s maintained), your compost will break down into dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling material. This is your finished compost, and you can use it to enrich garden soil or as mulch.

      Benefits of Composting

      Reduces Waste: Composting reduces the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, which helps decrease landfill overflow and methane emissions.

      Improves Soil Health: Compost enriches soil by adding nutrients, improving texture, and increasing moisture retention, which makes plants healthier and more productive.

      Promotes Sustainability: Composting creates a closed-loop system, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

      Reduces Greenhouse Gases: By composting rather than sending organic waste to landfills, you reduce the amount of methane produced, a potent greenhouse gas.

      Saves Money: Making your own compost means less reliance on expensive store-bought fertilizers and soil conditioners.

        Conclusion

        Starting and maintaining a compost pile is a rewarding process that benefits both you and the environment. By adding the right materials, maintaining a balance of green and brown matter, and taking care to turn the pile regularly, you can create rich, nutritious compost to improve your garden soil while reducing waste. Not only does composting help keep your garden flourishing, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

        Composting Cheat Sheet
      1. My YouTube Journey: Growing in Silence, One Video at a Time

        My YouTube Journey: Growing in Silence, One Video at a Time

        When I first started my YouTube journey, the thought of being behind the camera felt a bit weird. To be honest, it still feels a bit wierd. I’m used to living in the background—working behind the scenes to make things happen—but being the one in front of the lens? That was a whole new world. The nerves were real, but somehow, the more I did it, the more I began to feel comfortable. The editing process? Now that was something I could really get into. It was the part of the process that felt like a creative outlet, allowing me to take raw footage and transform it into something meaningful.

        Creating content has definitely had its challenges. Some days, the ideas flow like water, and I can whip out multiple videos in one go. Other days, it feels like pulling teeth to get even a few seconds of usable footage. But that’s the thing about YouTube (or any creative endeavor, really)—it’s not always going to be easy, and some days are just harder than others. But when the mood strikes, it’s magical, and I feel like I could keep filming for hours.

        Setting Long-Term Goals & Taking it One Step at a Time

        I remind myself often that this isn’t a race. Success on YouTube doesn’t happen overnight, and building a community takes time. My goal isn’t about gaining a certain number of subscribers right away or racking up views in the short term. It’s about creating quality content that speaks to people, especially other homesteaders and those just starting their journey. Homesteading is my passion, and I want my channel to be a place where people feel encouraged, inspired, and empowered to start their own journey—whether it’s with gardening, DIY projects, or building a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

        There are times when I catch myself checking my subscriber count or wondering why things aren’t growing as fast as I’d hoped. But then I take a step back and remember why I started this in the first place: to create fun, meaningful content that resonates with others. Numbers are nice, but they aren’t the point. The real goal is to inspire someone, to make them feel like they can do it too, just like I did. And if someone reaches out to ask a question or just to say “thank you,” that’s more valuable to me than any number on the screen.

        Navigating the Doubts & Staying Motivated

        It’s easy to get lost in self-doubt when you’re putting yourself out there on the internet. There’s always that voice that asks, “Am I doing this right? Is anyone even watching?” I know that feeling all too well. I’ve been there. Hell I am there. The moments when you second guess yourself and wonder if you’re just wasting your time. But what’s helped me push through those moments is remembering that the journey is just as important as the destination and while I’m hoping to encourage and educate others. I’m educating myself in the process. I’m learning to be more patient with myself, accept my limitations, flaws and loving me more, everyday.

        I know what it’s like to feel unsure of yourself, to feel like maybe you don’t have the knowledge or the confidence to move forward. But that’s why I want to be here for others—so they don’t feel alone. If my videos can help someone feel less stupid for asking questions, for trying something new, or for just starting out, then I’ve done my job. I want to be that motivator for others, the person who says, “Hey, if I can do it, so can you.”

        Growing in Silence

        Sometimes, it feels like I’m doing all this work, and no one’s watching. The subscriber count isn’t growing as quickly as I’d like, and views are slower than I expected. But I’ve learned to embrace this part of the process. I’m growing in silence, and that’s okay. Success isn’t always about being in the spotlight. Sometimes it’s about showing up day after day, even when it feels like no one notices. It’s about consistently putting out content that aligns with my passion and my purpose.

        Maybe one day, I’ll be able to monetize my channel and turn it into something bigger. But even if that day never comes, I know I’m doing something that matters. I’m creating content that helps people. I’m making videos that inspire others to take action. And, ultimately, that’s worth far more than any paycheck.

        Keep Chugging Along

        So, I keep chugging along, video by video, subscriber by subscriber, reminding myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. My goal is to stay true to the mission—to inspire, to teach, and to encourage others, just like I needed encouragement when I started. Whether one person watches, 10 people, or 100, it’s all worth it if I can make a difference. It’s a journey of growth, not just for my channel, but for me as a person too. And if I can help someone along the way, then that’s the real win.

        For anyone else thinking about starting a YouTube channel or following a passion, here’s my advice: Don’t worry about the numbers. Don’t stress about perfection. Just focus on creating content that’s true to you. The right people will find it, and they’ll appreciate it. So, keep going, even if no one’s watching. Keep growing in silence, because every step you take is a step closer to where you want to be.

        And of course, Never Give Up!

      2. Getting Garden Stuff Done Early: One Step at a Time

        Getting Garden Stuff Done Early: One Step at a Time

        As a full-time working mom of three, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done. Between work, kids’ schedules, house chores, and the usual chaos of family life, the idea of gardening can sometimes feel like an impossible dream. But here’s the truth: if you want your garden to thrive, starting early and taking it one step at a time is the way to go. 

        For me, gardening is more than growing my ownfood and being self-sufficient—it’s a way to create something beautiful and peaceful in the middle of my busy, sometimes overwhelming life. But with everything else going on, I’ve had to learn to approach it in a way that fits into my lifestyle. I don’t always have the luxury of spending hours outside every weekend, but I can make steady progress in small, manageable chunks. And you know what? It works.

        Why I Start So Early

        Some might say I start too early, but for me, every weekend counts when it comes to preparing my garden for the season. Instead of cramming everything into a couple of weekends in the spring, I break it down and chip away at tasks bit by bit. This gives me the freedom to work on what needs to be done when I have time, without feeling overwhelmed.

        Starting early also helps avoid that feeling of panic when you realize it’s already planting time and you haven’t even prepped the soil. By starting in early, I can get a head start on things like cleaning up the garden beds, pulling weeds, and organizing my tools. This way, when it’s finally time to plant, I can focus solely on that—without distractions.

        Small Steps for Big Results

        It’s all about taking small steps and making them work for my lifestyle. Some weekends, I’ll focus on one task—maybe I’ll plant a few flowers, clean up an area, or lay down mulch. Other weekends, I might just spend an hour trimming or pruning. But with each little task, I’m moving closer to my goal.

        What works for me is that I never try to do everything at once. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing too hard leads to burnout. But by spreading it out, I feel a sense of accomplishment each time I complete something, even if it’s just one small part of the bigger picture.

        The Struggle of Doing It on My Own

        I won’t lie—sometimes it’s a struggle. As a busy mom, I often find myself doing things on my own. It’s tough to find the time and energy to work on the garden with everything else going on. But this is where the power of routine and small victories comes in. I set aside time in the mornings or evenings, It doesn’t matter if it’s just 15 minutes here or there; those small moments add up.

        And on the weekends, when my husband can help out or the kids are home(and willing) enough to pitch in, it feels like a win. They might not always be into gardening, but teaching them how to plant or water the garden is a great way to get them involved and make it a family activity. Plus, it helps me feel less overwhelmed when I have a little extra support.

        Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Result

        I’ve learned that the process of gardening, like everything else in life, is about balance. The final product is important, but the journey of getting there is just as rewarding. By taking it one step at a time and starting early, I can make steady progress without feeling like I’m falling behind. 

        I’ve found that gardening, especially when you have a busy lifestyle, is about being patient with yourself. There will be weekends where things don’t go according to plan. There will be days when you’re too tired or have too many other things on your plate. But as long as you keep showing up, even in small ways, your garden will thank you.

        So, if you’re juggling a busy schedule like I am, don’t stress about having a perfect garden or finishing it all at once. Start early, work in small bursts, and most importantly—make it work for you. By taking it one step at a time, you’ll find that the garden you’ve dreamed of can come to life, even in the midst of your busy life.

        What’s your favorite garden task to tackle early in the season? I’d love to hear how you make gardening fit into your lifestyle!