How to Compost (made available
by "Planet Natural"-see below)
Composting involves mixing yard and household organic waste in a pile or bin
and providing conditions that encourage decomposition. The decomposition process
is fueled by millions of microscopic organisms (bacteria, fungi) that take up
residence inside your compost pile, continuously devouring and recycling it
to produce a rich organic fertilizer and valuable soil amendment.
Sound complicated? It's really not. All you need to know about composting is
a basic understanding of a few simple principles, and a little bit of elbow
grease. Nature does the rest.
Note: Decomposition occurs constantly and gradually around us everyday. The
dark, rich soil covering the forest floor is an excellent example of this. When
we compost, all we're really doing is speeding up Mother Nature.
Location & Appearance
First you'll need to select your location for composting. Where you put it depends
on function and aesthetics.
In terms of appearances and good relations with your neighbors, you probably
don't want to place your bin on your front lawn next to the mail box. (Your
neighbors, and not to mention your mail man, will also appreciate a more behind-the-scenes
location.)
Instead, opt for the backyard, or, if you don't have one, then a compost bin
located in your basement can do the trick.
Ensure composting success with a home
compost bin available at Planet Natural.
Want to build your own? Here's one simple solution: convert old shipping pallets
(which you can usually pick up for free) into a compost "repository." Use one
for the bottom. Pound in metal support poles and then add pallets by slipping
them over the support poles to make your bin's walls and you're all set. The
University of Missouri Extension offers several other examples for building
a bin.
You can also skip the bin (a structure isn't essential) and just have a compost
pile or heap. In terms of appearances -- and if your homeowners association
is fussy -- you may want to screen the pile from view by planting shrubs or
a fence. You'll also probably not want it by your picnic table or other areas
outdoors where you entertain.
From a functional standpoint, you'll need a place with good air circulation.
Don't place it next to your home or other wooden buildings as the decomposing
scraps and resulting compost may cause the wood to rot. Partial shade is a good
idea so the compost doesn't get overheated. Also make sure the spot of land
where you place your heap gets good drainage.
Close to the garden and to a water source are both good places for building
your compost pile since it will be easier to move the materials to and from
the garden and easier to water it. Another idea may be to place it near your
kitchen to make it convenient to place table scraps on the pile or in the bin.
Size
Make your pile no smaller than 3' x 3' x 3'. In fact, this is probably the perfect
size. It's sufficient enough to "cook" your waste and transform it into compost,
but not so large that it will become unmanageable and hard to turn.
Moisture
The microbes that do your dirty work in the compost pile require water for survival,
but it can be hard to judge how much water to add and when. Too much water means
your organic waste won't decompose and you'll get a slimy and smelly pile that
could well answer to the name "swamp thing." Too little water and you'll kill
the bacteria and you won't get your compost (see Monitoring
Moisture).
One rule of thumb: the more green material (cut grass, weeds, leaves) you put
in, the less water you'll need to add. In fact, if you need to add dry ingredients
such as straw or hay, soak the material first in water so it won't dry out your
compost pile. In general your compost should be moist, but not sopping wet.
If you are backyard composting
and you get a lot of rain, build a roof over the pile. This can be as simple
as a tarp. The reason you want to give your compost pile more shelter is because
nutrients, or leachates, leak out when it rains. That's not such a problem in
a place where rainfall isn't heavy, but if you get a lot of rain where you live,
it can make a big difference. Too much water in the pile will slow down the
process and can also make it slimy and icky.
Aeration
Oxygen is also required by many of the microorganisms responsible for successful
composting. Give them adequate ventilation and they will take care of the rest
(see Aerobic
Decomposition). You can make sure that the bacteria in your compost gets
sufficient air by turning the pile often and well. Use a pitch fork, spade or
compost aerator to mix your pile. If you've got a compost tumbler, you've got
it easy. Just crank that lever. Don't aerate your compost and it will break
down slowly, resulting in a slimy, dense, stinky pile. It's also a good idea
to turn the contents since it rearranges the decaying material. With a little
care, you can move the less decomposed material on the edges to the middle of
the pile to heat up.
Temperature
As they eat, the organisms responsible for composting generate large amounts
of heat, which raise the temperature of the pile or compost bin and speeds up
decomposition. A compost pile that is working well will produce temperatures
of 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit (see Hot
Pile Techniques). At these temperatures almost all weed seeds and plant
diseases are killed. A "very hot" compost pile will generate temperatures of
up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for up to a week or more. Use a compost thermometer
to measure the exact temperature at different locations inside the pile.
Note: As organic material in a compost pile heats up it breaks down and takes
up less space. A compost pile can shrink up to 70% as it "cooks."
Adding Materials
When adding organic waste to your compost, don't squash the materials down to
make more space. Squashing the contents will squeeze out the air that the aerobic
microbes need to turn your garbage into gold. (Instead you'll be promoting the
anaerobic microbes, which also do a good job converting carrot peels and other
organic matter into compost but tend to be a lot smellier.)
Also be strategic about filling your bin. Include a mixture of brown fibrous
ingredients and greens. A well-balanced "diet" will ensure that composting doesn't
take too long and that you don't end up with a slimy, smelly heap. Also shred,
dice or otherwise make scraps smaller, which will help the resident bacteria
do a good job in converting the garbage into compost.
Finally, after you've added kitchen vegetable waste, throw some leaves or grass
clippings on top of it. This will help keep things balanced, reduce smells and
make your compost bin less attractive to critters who are trying to sniff out
a free meal.
This information was made available by "Planet Natural"