10 Strange Things You Can Compost



When most people think of composting they think food scraps, but there is so much more that you can add. Once you read this list you'll find your self standing over the bin asking yourself, "Could I compost this?" and chances are pretty good that you can.

However, a few things to avoid composting are meat, items soiled with human fluids and diseased plants.

1. Skunked beer, ancient candy bars, expired protein bars 


2. Cat fur, dog hair, and nail clippings. Just try not to keep your nail clippings in a jar, that will probably freak people out. If it's in the vacuum, it can go in the compost.


3. Your hair – you could even bring the clippings home from your hair dresser. If you don't mind some stares while you stroll around with bags of hair of course.


4. Bills, because shoving bills in with melon rinds and egg shells is way more satisfying!


5. Old fish food and stale catnip 


6. Jell-O (gelatin) 


7. Bamboo products such as spoons, chopsticks, etc. 


8. Wood fire ashes from grill or fire-place (also from smoking fish and other meats) 


9. Crepe paper streamers. Tear it up like it's 1999 and then tear them down.


10. Small pets that have died, like goldfish (Not recommended, but possible.)

What strange things can you add to your own compost?

Build a Simple Raised Vegetable Garden Box



Raised garden beds are one of the easiest ways to start a vegetable garden. This 7ft x 5ft garden box is made from cedar which is naturally rot resistant and doesn't require staining, sealing or painting. However you can if you would like to match your homes decor.

When you plant the right foods the amount you spent on the materials can be quickly offset by savings at the grocery store, not to mention fresh fruits and vegetables from straight from the garden just taste that much better.

Difficulty       Time            Cost

Easy               20 Minutes       About $40

Shopping List

4 8ft cedar fence boards4 6ft cedar fence boards
1” screws
2” screws

Tools
Safety Glasses
Pencil
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw or Mitre Saw

Tape Measure

Cut List
4 1x6 cedar fence boards at 60” (end panels)
4 1x8 cedar fence boards at 84” (side panels)
8 12” from cut fence boards

Step 1: Prepare Your Location

Select a flat, level and sunny location where you would like to place your garden box. Most vegetables like between 6 to 8 hours of sunlight so it’s best to pick a location that receives a lot of sun. Measure out the area of your garden box and lay down weed fabric. Secure weed fabric in place.

Step 2: Cut Panels

Cut 1-foot off the end of each fence board so that you have four 7-foot boards, four 5-foot boards and eight 1-foot pieces.

Step 3: Build Side and End Panels

Make sure that you attach the 1-foot sections to the rough side of your fence boards as this will be the inside of your box.

Flip your boards over and using 1” screws attach with two 1-foot pieces at either end of your 7-foot boards, placed about 1-foot from the edge of the boards. 

Repeat this step with the remaining 6 boards, attaching in pairs.

Step 4: Lay Out Your Box

Now that your sides are built, lay each one in place for the garden box. Ensure that you have a slight over lap of weed fabric. 

Step 5: Attach Panels

Butt together the ends of each side up and attach using 2” screws. Add screws to the top, middle and bottom of each end.

Step 6: Finish the Box

Lightly sand any rough edges and corners to smooth away splinters. Fill with soil, either your own mixture or store bought garden soil depending on your preference.