Composting
Composting is nature's way of recycling!
It's a process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during the composting process. They use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials, and oxygen to breathe. The end product is a dark, crumbly,
earthy-smelling material.
Ingredients
Browns: leaves, dead plants, straw, shredded paper, shredded twigs, sawdust
Greens: grass, green weeds, manure, coffee grounds, kitchen scraps
Microorganism Sources: old compost, garden soil, farm animal manure, commercial compost starters
Water: moisture
Air: oxygen
Getting Started
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4’x4’x4’ area out of direct sunlight is ideal
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Choose an easily accessible spot on grass or soil base
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Composting can begin any time of the year, but is easier to start in the fall, when leaves are abundant
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Mix ingredients and add water so the materials feel as damp as a wrung-out sponge
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Add a shovelful of garden soil or finished compost. This adds the essential microorganisms needed to break down the waste into compost
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The pile should be turned after a few weeks so that outside ingredients are exchanged with the ingredients from the center of the pile
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Compost is ready for use when it looks dark and crumbly and none of the starting ingredients are visible!
Benefits
Add compost to flower and vegetable beds, window boxes, tree beds, potting soil, or spread on top of lawn.
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Improves structure and health of soil
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Helps soil retain moisture and nutrients
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Attracts beneficial organisms to soil and reduces need for pesticides and fertilizers
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Reduces potential for soil erosion
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Sequesters carbon in the soil
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Builds resiliency to the impacts of climate change
What to Avoid Composting
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meat, fish, bones
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cheese and dairy products
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pet waste and cat litter
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produce stickers
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fats, oils, grease
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glossy paper
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treated or painted wood
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aggressive weeds/weeds with seeds
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diseased and pest infested plants
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compostable bags
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cooked food (small amounts are fine)
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herbicide treated plants
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dryer lint
Key Elements
Organic Materials: A good mix of materials for successful composting consists of two parts “browns” (high in carbon) and one part “greens” (high in nitrogen)
Moisture: Composting materials should feel moist like a damp sponge but not overly soggy. Temperature: Compost should feel warm to the touch except in cold winter months.
Air: When materials decompose without oxygen, they can create unpleasant odors. Turn compost regularly to ensure that air reaches the center of the pile.