backyard composting
Compost is an essential tool in the organic farmer or gardener’s toolkit. Made from organic wastes like kitchen scraps, paper, and yard clippings, compost is an effective way to recycle while creating a valuable byproduct that feeds plants for healthy growth.
Compost is prepared by managing the aerobic decomposition of organic materials like yard debris, grass, leaves, kitchen scraps, paper, manures, straw, hay, wood chips and sawdust.
A complex community of microorganisms feed on these inputs, breaking them down and releasing valuable plant nutrients. As the microorganisms feed, the temperature of the pile rises. Compost typically reaches temperatures of 130°F or higher during peak decomposition. As more material breaks down, the temperature of the compost pile will decrease to ambient air temperatures. At this point, the pile cures and is ready for use as a soil amendment.
Composting 101: How To Start Your First Compost Pile
When choosing a bin, keep volume in mind. We recommend something 3x3x3 feet or larger. This will minimize the surface-to-volume ratio and improve heat retention during composting.
Keep a container in the kitchen to collect scraps as they’re created. When the container is full, empty it into your compost pile. The size of the container will depend on your needs and the amount of waste you typically produce. Avoid sealing the container, as this creates anaerobic conditions which create foul odors. Instead, partially seal the container or cover it with a cloth to keep odors in and fruit flies out.
Cutting, chopping, and crunching food scraps will increase their surface area, accelerating decomposition. However, too much cutting creates excessive moisture. Aim for a diversity in size and shape when preparing food scraps.
Dirty Secrets: Backyard Composting Among Cities' Free Landscape Classes
First, raise the pile off the ground using a wood pallet or add 6-12 inches of stalky, course material at the bottom of the bin. Next, create a thick nest of brown material inside the bin. Add your green waste to the center of the nest. Finally, add another layer of browns so that no food is showing. Continue to alternate brown and green layers as compostables are generated and added to the pile. Brown layers should be two or three times thicker than green layers.
Turn the pile at least once a year to accelerate decomposition: First, remove the outer layer of browns, and use a shovel or pitch fork to flip the remaining contents into a new bin. Alternatively, tumble or roll your bin. Continue to layer.
Even the most experience composters will need to troubleshoot a problem from time to time. Having a strong understanding of the four components of a composting pile will greatly increase your chances of avoiding issues and overcoming challenges. Here are a few of the more common issues when composting:
The Basics Of Backyard Composting (everything You Need To Know)
Finished compost is dark brown and crumbly. There will be no recognizable compostables left, and no foul odors will be present. It may take a year or longer to generate finished compost depending on the materials added and how often the pile was turned. Woody materials will take longer to breakdown. Be patient, compost happens.
Add about two inches of compost to new beds and about one inch of compost each year to existing beds. Incorporate the compost into the soil as much as possible. If you’re here because you’d like to learn more about backyard composting, you’ve come to the right place. I believe the single biggest reason more people don’t compost, or quit too soon, is because they think it’s too complicated. I’m here to tell you, that is simply not true. In fact, it comes down to just three simple but important steps to make great compost.
Of all the things you could put into your soil to help your plants grow, compost is the single best amendment you can add. Compost makes any soil better. It provides organic nutrients to feed your plants naturally. Compost destroys or suppresses diseases living in your soil that can affect your plants. And beyond your garden, compost keeps waste out of our landfills and reduces greenhouse gasses.
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