Simple Compost
Composting is meant to be simple. Take some organic matter, add a little bit of oxygen and moisture and wait for it all to decompose into some of the finest homemade amendments that you can add to your garden. Composting helps reduce waste going to the landfill. Approximately 25 to 30 % of our trash could be composted. If it is so easy and so beneficial for our gardens and the earth why aren’t more people doing it? Perhaps because people assume that it is a lot of work or they simply don’t know where to start.
Even with benign neglect a compost pile will eventually produce useable organic matter. This is encouraging news for individuals concerned with managing a compost pile or bin. Even if you do nothing after creating a pile of organic matter, you will eventually get compost. However, if you put some effort into managing your pile you will create compost more efficiently.
To function properly, a compost container, whether built or bought, should be at least 9 cubic feet. It should allow for air to pass easily through and for moisture to be added to the mix. The smaller the pieces of matter that are placed in the compost heap or container, the more rapidly decomposition will occur. A mix of green matter and dry matter should be added to maintain the health of the pile. Green materials are a source of nitrogen for compost and can consist of grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Brown materials include: dried leaves, straw and wood chips- which are all carbon-rich.
Many local stores sell plastic compost bins with various features and design capabilities. You can also build your own structure out of wire or wood or cinder blocks. It all depends on your land and how much compost you desire to create. For example, if you have a small garden in the city you may prefer to buy a plastic barrel that will rotate your compost and keep small critters out. If you live on multiple acres in the country, you may choose to build a three- compartment compost pile with cinder block dividing walls to separate early compost matter from partially decomposed matter and finished product.
Plan the placement of your bin carefully. Never place a compost pile on concrete. Instead try to find a spot on your property that has access to water, will allow for adequate air circulation around the bin, is out of full sun, is placed on bare ground that is both away from pesky trees and bare vines as well as away from wooden structures.
No matter what type of structure or bin you choose, as matter decomposes the center of the pile will increase in temperature. This is a result of the bacteria working to break down the organic matter. The pile may even reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That is hot! The advantage of this heat is that it will kill weed seeds and sterilize your compost. You can help your compost pile speed up decomposition by moving material around in the bin giving materials that were on the edges of the heap a chance to decompose quickly in the center of the pile. But rest assured that even if you never turn your pile it will eventually turn to compost.
Even with benign neglect a compost pile will eventually produce useable organic matter. This is encouraging news for individuals concerned with managing a compost pile or bin. Even if you do nothing after creating a pile of organic matter, you will eventually get compost. However, if you put some effort into managing your pile you will create compost more efficiently.
To function properly, a compost container, whether built or bought, should be at least 9 cubic feet. It should allow for air to pass easily through and for moisture to be added to the mix. The smaller the pieces of matter that are placed in the compost heap or container, the more rapidly decomposition will occur. A mix of green matter and dry matter should be added to maintain the health of the pile. Green materials are a source of nitrogen for compost and can consist of grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Brown materials include: dried leaves, straw and wood chips- which are all carbon-rich.
Many local stores sell plastic compost bins with various features and design capabilities. You can also build your own structure out of wire or wood or cinder blocks. It all depends on your land and how much compost you desire to create. For example, if you have a small garden in the city you may prefer to buy a plastic barrel that will rotate your compost and keep small critters out. If you live on multiple acres in the country, you may choose to build a three- compartment compost pile with cinder block dividing walls to separate early compost matter from partially decomposed matter and finished product.
Plan the placement of your bin carefully. Never place a compost pile on concrete. Instead try to find a spot on your property that has access to water, will allow for adequate air circulation around the bin, is out of full sun, is placed on bare ground that is both away from pesky trees and bare vines as well as away from wooden structures.
No matter what type of structure or bin you choose, as matter decomposes the center of the pile will increase in temperature. This is a result of the bacteria working to break down the organic matter. The pile may even reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That is hot! The advantage of this heat is that it will kill weed seeds and sterilize your compost. You can help your compost pile speed up decomposition by moving material around in the bin giving materials that were on the edges of the heap a chance to decompose quickly in the center of the pile. But rest assured that even if you never turn your pile it will eventually turn to compost.
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Information from this simple compost summary was obtained from Let It Rot! The Gardener's Guide to Composting by Stu Campbell
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8 Steps to Easy Composting
1. Gather Brown Biodegradables
The “brown” material in your compost will form the basis and should be made up of carbon-producing twigs, sawdust, dead leaves, wood chips, branches, shredded paper (i.e., newsprint and cardboard), coffee filters, shredded wool and cotton, and even nut shells.
2. Collect Greens for BiodegradationThe “green” material in your compost bin will encourage nitrogen production—thanks to the breakdown of things like fruit peels and cores, veggie scraps, tea and coffee grounds, grass and leave clippings, and even hair and lint from your dryer. Keep items like pet waste, fatty meats, eggs (shells are fine), dairy products, and oils out of your compost materials.
3. Add WaterAdding water regularly will encourage the breakdown of green and brown organic contents in your compost bin. This is why setting up close to a water source (i.e., garden hose or outdoor tap) is important.
4. Set Up in ShadeChoose a shady spot in your backyard to set up your compost shop. The ideal dimensions should be roughly 3-feet deep, 3-feet wide, and 3-feet high. Keep water in mind so set up near a water hose or outdoor filling station.
5. Required Building MaterialsYou can purchase a plastic compost bin from your local hardware store or you can easily build one using leftover wood and chicken wire to shelter your compostable heap.
6. Layer Decomposable ContentsThe ratio of your compostable materials is vital. Aim for as much shredded as possible (especially for cardboard and paper contents) and layer in 3 parts brown materials to 1 part green materials and so on then add your water.
7. Mix it UpTurning or mixing your compost contents will encourage the breakdown of organic materials, reduce smell, and promote aeration. You will know that the organic matter is breaking down when you start to see steam coming from the compost heap.
8. Utilizing Organic MatterWhen your compost is ready to use, it will be free of any trace food waste and dark, rich brown in color. This completely broken down organic matter can be infused into lawns, product garden soil, and plant soil to add nutrients and encourage organic growth.
The “brown” material in your compost will form the basis and should be made up of carbon-producing twigs, sawdust, dead leaves, wood chips, branches, shredded paper (i.e., newsprint and cardboard), coffee filters, shredded wool and cotton, and even nut shells.
2. Collect Greens for BiodegradationThe “green” material in your compost bin will encourage nitrogen production—thanks to the breakdown of things like fruit peels and cores, veggie scraps, tea and coffee grounds, grass and leave clippings, and even hair and lint from your dryer. Keep items like pet waste, fatty meats, eggs (shells are fine), dairy products, and oils out of your compost materials.
3. Add WaterAdding water regularly will encourage the breakdown of green and brown organic contents in your compost bin. This is why setting up close to a water source (i.e., garden hose or outdoor tap) is important.
4. Set Up in ShadeChoose a shady spot in your backyard to set up your compost shop. The ideal dimensions should be roughly 3-feet deep, 3-feet wide, and 3-feet high. Keep water in mind so set up near a water hose or outdoor filling station.
5. Required Building MaterialsYou can purchase a plastic compost bin from your local hardware store or you can easily build one using leftover wood and chicken wire to shelter your compostable heap.
6. Layer Decomposable ContentsThe ratio of your compostable materials is vital. Aim for as much shredded as possible (especially for cardboard and paper contents) and layer in 3 parts brown materials to 1 part green materials and so on then add your water.
7. Mix it UpTurning or mixing your compost contents will encourage the breakdown of organic materials, reduce smell, and promote aeration. You will know that the organic matter is breaking down when you start to see steam coming from the compost heap.
8. Utilizing Organic MatterWhen your compost is ready to use, it will be free of any trace food waste and dark, rich brown in color. This completely broken down organic matter can be infused into lawns, product garden soil, and plant soil to add nutrients and encourage organic growth.
For more information about how you can get started composting your yard waste, check out the following links.
* The EPA has a great list of what to compost and what not to.
* The Rodale Institute is a great resource for getting started and troubleshooting.
* Purdue Extension has put together an informative handout on Managing Yard Waste, it even discusses managing microorganisms and nitrogen ratios.
* Purdue Extension even has an Indiana Yard & Gardens page dedicated to assisting you with all of your yard and garden needs.
* The EPA has a great list of what to compost and what not to.
* The Rodale Institute is a great resource for getting started and troubleshooting.
* Purdue Extension has put together an informative handout on Managing Yard Waste, it even discusses managing microorganisms and nitrogen ratios.
* Purdue Extension even has an Indiana Yard & Gardens page dedicated to assisting you with all of your yard and garden needs.
