A Simple Guide to Composting

Check out this simple guide to composting. Imagine being able to recycle your kitchen and yard waste? Creating compost soil for your garden is a fantastic way to turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil that will help your vegetable and fruit gardens thrive.

What is Compost?

Compost is decomposed organic matter that enriches soil, improves its structure, and provides essential nutrients to plants. It is often referred to as “black gold” by gardeners due to its many benefits. It’s fascinating how the land nourishes us in return through the process of composting. Just follow this simple guide to composting.

What Can Be Composted?
A variety of organic materials can be composted, including:

• Vegetable and fruit scraps: Peels, cores, and other leftovers.
• Coffee grounds and filters: These add nitrogen to your compost.
• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells provide calcium.
• Tea bags: Make sure they are compostable.
• Green vegetable clippings: These add nitrogen.
• Leaves: Shredded leaves are a great source of carbon.
• Shredded newspaper and cardboard: Non-glossy paper materials add carbon.
• Wood chips, shavings and sawdust: These are good sources of carbon.
• Bedding: Bedding from chicken coops or small mammal pets (guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, etc.)
• Water: The pile should be kept consistently moist, which is especially important if you add lots of dry leaves or hay. Usually, rainfall is enough to keep it damp, but in a dry summer, you might have to spray it with water.
• Air: Oxygen is necessary for aerobic microorganisms to survive. They are the ones doing all the work of turning your garden waste into black gold.

I never use weeds they may seed weed seeds into my compost and gardens.

Adding Manure
If you live on a farm or have access to manure that is jackpot!

• Adding Manure: Chicken, goat, or alpaca manure to your compost can significantly enhance its nutrient content.
• Rich in Nutrients: Manure is rich in nutrients and nitrogen which help accelerate the composting process and enrich the final product. Also essential for plants growth.
• Mushy or Smells: If your compost pile appears mushy or smells due to the dung’s moisture and nitrogen don’t fret. Just add more of a carbon source, such as wood shavings.
• Avoid any Potential Pathogens: Make sure to compost manure properly to avoid any potential pathogens. If unsure visit this link for the USDA.

Building Your Compost Pile

• Choose a Location: Select a spot in your yard that’s convenient but not too close to your house. A shaded area is ideal to prevent the compost from drying out.
• Create a Bin: You can buy a compost bin or build one yourself using wood pallets or wire mesh. The bin should be about 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and 3 feet high.
• Layering: Start with a layer of coarse materials like twigs or straw to help with aeration. Then, alternate layers of green materials (nitrogen-rich) and brown materials (carbon-rich). Aim for a ratio of about 3 parts brown to 1 part green.
• Moisture: Soak the pile at its start and then water periodically. Stay consistent, keep the compost pile moist like a wrung-out sponge. Water it occasionally if it gets too dry.
• Aeration: Turn the compost pile every few weeks to add oxygen, which helps speed up the decomposition process.
• Air: Punch holes in the sides of the pile or push 1’ to 2’ lengths of hollow pipe into the compost to add air to the inside.

Maintaining Your Compost

• Temperature: The best temperature range is between 90°F and 140°F.  A well-maintained compost pile will heat up as the materials break down.
• Turning: Regularly turning the pile helps to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
• Cooking: Your compost pile should start cooking within a week or so.  Overall composting can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the materials and conditions to complete.

Using Your Compost

You are ready to use your compost when it has turned into a dark, crumbly, soil-like substance. Here are some of my favorite uses:

• Mix Compost: Mix compost into your garden soil and improve its texture and nutrient content and create a nutrient-rich potting mix for container plants too.
• Mulch: Use some as mulch. Spread it around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Benefits of Composting

• Reduces Waste: Composting reduces waste the amount of kitchen and yard waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
• Improves Soil Health: Compost adds essential nutrients and improves soil health, making it easier for plant roots to grow.
• Helps Plants Grow: The nutrients in compost will help plants grow stronger and produce more fruits and vegetables.

By following this simple guide to composting, you can create your own compost and enhance your vegetable and fruit gardens. Visit the Old Farmer’s Almanac too for more helpful tips. Happy composting, I’m rooting for you!

Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. Let’s garden together, I’m rooting for you! LeeAnn
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