Luckily, there is an alternative. A cost-effective, eco-friendly solution: compost.

Compost is all natural, made entirely of recycled waste most homeowners have already. Better yet, compost is an all-purpose fertilizer, ideal for soil enrichment and helping all plants flourish.

The first thing needed is a good location. A compost pile should not be overly exposed to sun or wind since this can disrupt the process. Also, a discrete spot is preferable, especially in deference to surrounding houses. While composting is a worthwhile process, it is not always attractive, nor is it particularly odor friendly.

After choosing an appropriate spot, start collecting materials. The easiest way to bulk up a compost pile is yard waste. Throw in grass clippings, weeds, leaves, even branches. In order to speed up the composting process, it is advisable to break these items into smaller pieces.

Consider throwing in the leftover pieces of fruits and vegetables. Coffee grounds and various shells are great composting materials as well. When possible, manure is a perfect addition. However, other types of waste, such as cooked foor or meat scraps are too prone to disease and attract too many pests to be useful.

One thing to keep in mind is to have a nice balance of green and brown items. Green items, such as grass, tend to be rich in nitrogen, while brown items, such as sticks, are heavy with carbon. Both are needed to make the process work.

Once the materials are assembled, most of the work is done by exposure to air and water. The only other maintenance required is mixing items on a weekly basis. This can be done easily with a pitchfork or shovel.

The compost is ready to use when it is dark, crumbly and smells earthy. Though the amount of time it takes to reach this point can vary, a well-kept compost pile will usually be ready by the end of four months.