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The Basics of Home Composting
Composting
is a natural process. Organic materials such as
leaves, grass, and vegetable scraps are broken
down by microorganisms, forming a rich soil-like
substance
Key Elements
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Organic materials -
A good mix consists of three parts "browns" (materials
such as dead leaves
that are high in carbon) and one part "greens"
 (such as fresh grass clippings and garden prunings that are
high in nitrogen).
-
Moisture - Composting materials should feel moist but not overly soggy.
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Temperature - Compost should feel warm to the touch except in the cold winter months.
-
Air - When materials decompose without oxygen,
they can create unpleasant odor.
Turn compost regularly to ensure that air
reaches the center of the pile.
Ingredients
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"BROWNS" |
"GREENS" |
MICROORGANISM
SOURCES |
|
Leaves |
Grass |
Old Compost |
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Dead Plants |
Green Weeds |
Soil |
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Straw |
Manure |
Cow Manure |
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Shredded Paper |
Alfalfa |
Chicken Manure |
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Shredded Twigs |
Clover |
Horse Manure |
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Pine Needles |
Kitchen Scraps(Non-Meat
Non-Dairy Non-Fat) |
Commercially Compost
Starters |
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Sawdust ( Untreated
Wood) |
Pond Algae and
Seaweed |
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Don't
Compost
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Diseased plants or leaves
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Plants that have gone to seed
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Persistent weeds (poison ivy, multi-flora rose, bindweed, quackgrass, etc.)
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Meat, dairy products and kitchen
vegetables cooked with animal fats
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Human or pet feces
Getting Started
 A 4 x 4 x 4-foot area out of direct sunlight is ideal for your compost pile. Choose an easily accessible spot on a grass or soil base. Composting can begin any time of the year, but many people start in the fall when leaves are abundant.
Mix the ingredients, adding water as needed.
Materials should feel like a moist, wrung-out sponge.
The pile should be turned after a few weeks so that the outside
materials are exchanged from the center of the pile. Turn compost piles about once a month, except in cold winter conditions.
If more water is necessary, it can be added during turning.
Use compost as :
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mulch or top dressing for planted areas
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a soil amendment prior to top-planting
or
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a potting soil additive
Compost Troubleshooting
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PROBLEM |
SOLUTION |
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Too wet |
Turn and add dry
material; cover compost |
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Dry, appears dusty |
Turn water; shade
compost |
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Cool to the touch |
Turn, add "greens" |
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Too warm to the touch |
Turn, add soil or
"browns"; water |
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Strong Odors |
Turn, ad soil and
"browns" |
 Using Compost
Compost is ready to be used when it looks dark and crumbly and none of the starting ingredients are visible. One way to test if your compost is finished is to seal a small sample in a plastic bag for 24 to 48 hours. If no strong odors are released when you open the bag, the compost is done.
As a
soil amendment, compost increases water
retention and adds nutrients. Work it into
the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil. Compost
also can be applied as a mulch directly around
the base of trees and shrubs.
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