Trying to save money? Every little bit helps, we all know that, but are the little things that seem to slip your mind what really add up in the end? Seasonal item that come and go can easily add up and break the bank. With a little attentive trashing you can save a couple hundred bucks in fertilizer and soils with a simple compost pile. In a year’s time you and your family can have the next years potted plant soil, and fertilizer for a savvy garden all ready to go. And the best part is the continuous process of a compost pile; year-round compost pile addition equals to money-savings all of the time.

Creating a compost pile has to be the simplest construction project, ever! You can make something as simple as a ditch-compost by digging a hole in the ground and using it to make your compost. If you want to put more effort into it, you can, but there are no major requirements for a perfectly workable pile. Using four stakes, create a vertical-position tarp wall in a three sided square pattern. Simply put, this is your compost area. Just shovel any leaves and grass clipping you may have into the sectioned area, add kitchen scraps, shredded newspaper, and then shovel and stir the mixture as you continue layering it.

It can take as little as a few short months to create perfect compost, but this depends on the moisture content of your pile. You will want to keep the pile moist but not dripping with water. Use a water hose if needed. You will be lucky to live in a damp, humid and warm climate (such as Florida). The humidity keeps the pile moist for quick disintegration. Be aware that an overly moist pile may become putrid, so take it upon yourself to watch the pile’s appearance and texture.

Using the home-shoveled compost will create luscious potted plants for the springtime, and the garden will love you after tilling in a few wheelbarrow loads of pure fertilizer perfection. This brown gold will save you a ton compared to buying bags of potting mix, fertilizer, and top soil. Plus, compost mix tends to retain and drain water at the perfect rate so indoor plants are more likely to survive an accidental over-watering or under-watering.