Let’s be honest – no one likes picking up dog poop. But what if we told you that cleaning up after your furry companion could actually benefit your garden? You might think it is too good to be true, but believe it or not, you can compost dog waste and use it as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why adding Fido’s doo-doo to the compost pile is an option and how you can use it safely in your yard. So grab those gloves and get ready!
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Is Dog Poop Good for Fertilizer?
Dog poo is a different story than cow manure. Dog poop is much more acidic due to the high-protein diets of our furry friends. Even worse, dog waste can contain dangerous parasites and bacteria like hookworms, roundworms, giardia, and parvovirus, so using it as fertilizer for edible plants can be extremely hazardous.
The only way to safely use dog poop as fertilizer is by properly composting it. By doing this, the high temperatures of the compost pile will kill off any bacteria and parasites that might be living in the feces, making it safe to use on your garden.
So if you want to use your dog’s waste as a fertilizer, make sure to compost it correctly first! Remember – even if you choose to use composted dog poop as fertilizer, you should never use it on edible plants such as vegetables, fruits, and herbs! The risk of transmitting disease-causing parasites is simply too great.
How can You Compost Dog Poop?
Composting dog poop is not as difficult as it may seem. As long as you follow the correct steps, you can easily turn your pup’s waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden. Here are the best practices for composting dog poop:
Invest in a compost bin
You can buy one that’s already made or construct you’re own using sturdy, pest-resistant material such as plastic or metal.
Fill it up with sawdust and dog poop
Get yourself some sawdust and dog poop. You may need to eyeball it, but just make sure the ratio of sawdust to poo is 1:2.
Cover the top to heat it up
After you’re done filling it up, cover the top with a dark lid or sheet – this will trap in all that heat and help kill off any pesky bacteria.
Mix the pile every now and then
Give your compost pile a good mixin’ every week to make sure everything is decomposing nicely. To be extra sure, take the temperature with a thermometer – you want it to reach a sizzlin’ 163.4 F (73°C) for at least 5 days!
You got yourself fertilizer!
Once your compost is finished, it’s ready to be used as fertilizer for non-edible plants. Now you can reap the rewards of your hard work (or lack thereof)!
Choosing a Dog Poop Compost Bin
Choosing a compost bin for your pup’s poo doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it could almost be considered fun! From bright colors to unique shapes and sizes, there are plenty of options that will let your creative side show. However, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind.
Make sure you pick a bin that has good aeration, is pest-resistant and is sturdy enough to handle the weight of all that poo! And if you want to go for extra brownie points (pun intended), look for a compost bin with a built-in rotator – now that’s what we call taking the easy way out!
So if you’re looking to make use of Fido’s doo-doo, choose your compost bin wisely – it could be the difference between a beautiful garden and one smelly disaster!
How Long Does It Take for Dog Poop to Decompose?
Have you ever wondered how long it takes for a pup’s poo to decompose? You might call it a doo-doo decade! But in all seriousness, composting dog poop can be done relatively quickly – as long as you follow the steps we outlined above.
Generally speaking, it takes around two weeks to two months for pooch poop to fully decompose and turn into fertilizer. However, without a compost pile, it can take up to a year to get decompose.
Factors that affect the decomposition time of dog poop include the climate (hotter climates may break down your pup’s waste quicker than cooler ones), the size and consistency of the feces, and how often it is mixed up in with other compost materials.
Here are some tips that fasten the process:
- Make sure the compost pile is well aerated by adding more sawdust, leaves or straw.
- Break up bigger pieces of dog waste with a shovel or fork.
- Turn your pile regularly for better heat distribution.
- Sprinkle water on it every so often to help keep it moist.
3 Other methods to get rid of dog poop
If composting doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, don’t fret – there are plenty of other ways to manage Fido’s feces!
Decomposting it (Not for fertilizer)
Instead of composting, you can also decompose your pup’s poo for the sake of disposing of it. Just bury the waste in a hole that’s at least 8 inches deep and cover it with soil and add enzymes to it. This will help break down the poop faster!
The Great Flush
If you prefer, you can even flush your pup’s droppings down the toilet. However, it is important to note that this should only be done with small pieces of poo – not one big clump! This option might work best for smaller pups and those who don’t want to take on the task of scooping and bagging.
An outdoor poop container
A seperate outdoor container dedicated to disposing of your pup’s poo can be a great way to keep the odors at bay and reduce how often you have to scoop. Just remember to empty it regularly, otherwise it’ll become one stinky mess!
Final thoughts – Is dog poop good fertilizer?
Although dog poop may seem like a nuisance, it can be used as fertilizer if composted properly. With the right bin, the correct methods and a bit of patience, you can turn your pup’s poo into something useful for your garden or lawn! Just remember to put safety first: always wear gloves when handling pet waste and never use dog poop as fertilizer for edible plants. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be glad you did!
