Composting
What is Composting?
Composting is a process taking various organic scrap materials such as plant trimmings and food products and turning it into a nutrient-rich humus that can aid in plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil.
Benefits of Composting
What Can I Use for Compost?
The general rule of thumb when deciding what to use for compost is that any organic material can be used for composting material; this can be anything from old food in the fridge to sawdust pellets and coffee grounds.
Remember that all compostable material are either nitrogen or carbon based, for a good pile you must have a balance between the two, the best is to have 1/3 nitrogen materials to 2/3 carbon materials. Nitrogen materials are things like manure, food scraps and lawn clippings. Carbon materials are things like bits of wood, dried leaves, branches and stems.
Below are a few things that be used for composting and are great ways to start a pile.
Composting is a process taking various organic scrap materials such as plant trimmings and food products and turning it into a nutrient-rich humus that can aid in plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil.
Benefits of Composting
- Conditions Soil – The rich humus created through composting can be used on your lawn or garden and restores nutrients to plants and helps keep soil moist.
- Introduces Beneficial Organisms Into Soil – Microscopic organisms from the humus created mix with the soil and help to break down organic material plants can use, ward off plant disease, and aerate the soil.
- Great for the environment – Not only does composting improve soil quality but it also is a great alternative to chemical fertilizers.
- Recycles Kitchen and Yard Waste – Can reduce garbage can waste by up to 30%
- Reduces Landfill Waste – Reduces the amount of waste that finds it’s ways into landfill.
What Can I Use for Compost?
The general rule of thumb when deciding what to use for compost is that any organic material can be used for composting material; this can be anything from old food in the fridge to sawdust pellets and coffee grounds.
Remember that all compostable material are either nitrogen or carbon based, for a good pile you must have a balance between the two, the best is to have 1/3 nitrogen materials to 2/3 carbon materials. Nitrogen materials are things like manure, food scraps and lawn clippings. Carbon materials are things like bits of wood, dried leaves, branches and stems.
Below are a few things that be used for composting and are great ways to start a pile.
How to Compost
1. Start your pile on bare earth – Starting it on bare earth allows for beneficial organisms like worms to aerate and break down the compost.
2. Lay down straw and twigs first – Serves as a good platform for the pile and will aid in drainage and aeration.
3. Add material to pile in layers – Alternate dry and moist materials and try to get them to mix together to where the pile is uniform throughout.
4. Add manure – It is an essential part of activating the pile and making the eventual humus rich in nutrients and proteins.
5. Keep compost moist – Make sure to water it if it is not raining, dry compost does not do as well as moist compost.
6. Cover the pile – Make sure to cover your pile to avoid it from drying out or being over watered by rain, your pile should be moist but not soaked.
7. Turn your pile – Every couple of weeks turn the pile to aerate it; at this stage try to add course material like straw or branches.
8. Distribute and mix with soil – When your ready to use the compost mix it with the soil you are planting in and plant your plants or vegetables.
For more information on composting check out these great informational videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAMy_ZJ0Xa8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKlauRA7ugI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wltDnYKVE4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj6DLDII5OA
1. Start your pile on bare earth – Starting it on bare earth allows for beneficial organisms like worms to aerate and break down the compost.
2. Lay down straw and twigs first – Serves as a good platform for the pile and will aid in drainage and aeration.
3. Add material to pile in layers – Alternate dry and moist materials and try to get them to mix together to where the pile is uniform throughout.
4. Add manure – It is an essential part of activating the pile and making the eventual humus rich in nutrients and proteins.
5. Keep compost moist – Make sure to water it if it is not raining, dry compost does not do as well as moist compost.
6. Cover the pile – Make sure to cover your pile to avoid it from drying out or being over watered by rain, your pile should be moist but not soaked.
7. Turn your pile – Every couple of weeks turn the pile to aerate it; at this stage try to add course material like straw or branches.
8. Distribute and mix with soil – When your ready to use the compost mix it with the soil you are planting in and plant your plants or vegetables.
For more information on composting check out these great informational videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAMy_ZJ0Xa8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKlauRA7ugI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wltDnYKVE4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj6DLDII5OA