Homeowners Guide to Composting

What is composting?

Composting is the process of decomposing vegetative matter by bacterial action. This bacteria breaks down plant tissue. Later in the process fungi and protozoans join the bacteria in further breaking the material down, as well as insects, and worms in the final stages. The final product, called humus, increases soil fertility, reduces erosion, improves soil properties, and can help control weeds and some plant diseases. Through composting, yard waste is being diverted from landfills, and thereby conserving landfill space.

What can be composted?

Anything that once was growing in your yard is potential food for your compost. This includes: leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, fruits & vegetables, coffee grounds, and manure. Never put meat, bones, grease, whole eggs or dairy products into the pile because these foods do not readily break down, produce foul odors, and may attract rodents.

What is essential for composting?

1. Material - the products discussed before are good if they are properly mixed. For best results, you should combined "brown" materials which are high in carbon (leaves & wood chips), to "green" materials which are high in nitrogen (grass clippings, fruits & vegetables, ect.). Mix 1 part "brown" to 2 parts "green". Limit the amount of diseased plants added, due to the possible transfer of them to wherever the compost is laid.

2. Surface Area - the more area the microorganisms have to work in, the faster the material will decompose. Chopping your yard wastes with a shovel, or running them through a lawnmower, or chipper will speed the composting process.

3. Volume - the size of the pile depends on how quickly you want a useable product. The microbes generate heat while breaking down the material. A large compost will hold this heat, allowing faster decomposition; while, a smaller one (less then 3 cubic ft.) will allow too much air to pass through and slow the process down. Recommended size : 4 cubic feet.

4. Moisture & Aeration - like all living things, the microbes in the pile need air and water. The moisture content should be that of a sponge, but not soggy. Turn, or aerate, your pile every 4 to 10 days (more often speeds the process) to add oxygen. Keep the pile in an area with good drainage, partial sunlight, and out of drying winds.

5. Time & Temperature - the hotter the pile temperature, the faster the composting. If you use materials with the proper "brown/green" ratio, have a large enough surface area, enough volume, moisture, and are regularly aerating it, you will cause the material to quickly heat up, and decompose the material faster.

What is a compost bin?

This is the container that holds the material that is decomposing. It is not necessary to use a bin; an open pile is fine. There are essentially 4 types of construction material for a bin. The use of snow fencing, woven wire with ½ inch air holes, wooden pallets, and blocks or bricks. Whatever construction material is chosen should be sturdy, and allow for easy access to the whole pile.

How should the pile be constructed?

The compost material should be put into the bin in 4 layers:

1st layer (base) - coarse, woody products that enables air to circulate through bottom. This should be on exposed dirt which permits for soil microorganisms to enter.

2nd layer - combination of yard waste and finer wood products (saw dust). This should be slightly damp.

3rd layer - a thin layer of top soil which allows more microorganisms to enter the pile.

4th layer - materials that are high in nitrogen, these are your "green" products (fresh plant and vegetables).

Continue adding material in layers- numerically (1-4) until the bin is full. All material added should be mixed as it is added after the initial construction.

How should the pile be maintain?

By following the essentials, your pile should be relatively easy to maintain. Here is a quick review of the information:

1. Keep the mix 1 part "brown" to 2 parts "green".
2. Chop or mulch material before adding to pile if possible.
3. Keep the pile moist.
4. Aerate the pile at least twice a month, more often if desired.
5. Limit the amount of diseased plants added.
6. Mix material in as it is added so it is not sitting on top of the pile.
7. If a problem arises, see our Compost Trouble Shooting Guide.

Compost Trouble Shooting Guide