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Organic Composting
by Steve Enlow
Description: Tips for organic composting.
What is Compost?
Composting is the transformation of organic material
through decomposition into a soil-like material called
compost. Insects, earthworms, and bacteria help in
transforming the material into humus.
Composting is a natural form of recycling, which
continually occurs in nature.
A compost pile is actually a fast-track method of
changing crude organic materials into something
resembling soil,called humus.
Compost making is a simple process.
Done properly it becomes a natural part of your
gardening or yard maintenance activities, as much so
as mowing the lawn.
Making compost does not have to take any more effort
than bagging up yard waste.
Composting is not a mysterious or complicated process.
Natural recycling (composting) occurs on a continuous
basis in our environment.
Organic matter is broken down by microorganisms and
consumed by invertebrates. The resulting nutrients are
returned to the soil to support plant growth.
Composting Basics
Keys to successful home composting:
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.
Temperature: Compost should feel warm to the touch except
in the cold winter months.
Air: To prevent unpleasant odors that can occur when
materials decompose without oxygen, compost should be
turned regularly to ensure that air is reaching the center
of the pile.
What Do You Need to Home Compost?
All you need to compost is enthusiasm, yard or food waste
(except meat or dairy products), and some space. Compost
piles don't need to be enclosed, although many people use
a bin or similar enclosure.
Compost bins can be purchased, or you can easily
construct one with common materials such as chicken wire,
snow fencing,lumber or used pallets. Other tools that come
in handy for composting are a garden hose, wheelbarrow and
common garden tools.
A very simple and easy compost bin can be built from
shipping pallets,(available free at most warehouse stores).
Use four pallets and hinge one side to open and you have a
very inexpensive compost bin.
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.
Organic materials should be mixed, adding water as needed
so that the materials feel like a moist, wrung-out sponge.
The compost pile should be turned after a few weeks so that
the outside layers are mixed with thecenter of the pile.
Turn compost piles about once a month, except in cold
winter conditions. Water can be added during turning,
if necessary.
Be patient. Different materials will decompose at different
rates but they will all break down eventually. If you want
to speed things up, use smaller pieces.
Another trick to speed up the process. Add some horse or
cow manure. Be sparing in this ingredient, too much will
kill the good bacteria doing their work for mother nature.
Generally, a well managed compost pile with shredded
material under warm conditions will be ready in about
2-4 months. A pile left unattended and material not
shredded may take over a year to decompose. Piles prepared
in the late fall will not be ready for use the following
spring. When the compost is finished, the pile will be
about half its original size and have an earthy smell to it.
Reprinted with permission.
