Making Compost

Compost is actively decaying organic matter made up from yard trimmings, fallen leaves, wood chips, manure, vegetable parings from the kitchen, and even used coffee grounds or rinsed egg shells. Soil bacteria and fungi change the nutrients in these materials into a form that is available for the roots of growing plants. The activity of billions of microorganisms in a well-constructed compost pile can generate enough heat to kill most weed seeds and disease organisms.

Finished compost, also known as humus, has the ability to hold nutrients like a sponge and release them to plants as needed. It also contains beneficial microorganisms that enhance plant growth, and is a haven for earthworms.

Select a level, well-drained, sunny spot that is convenient to your garden without being an eyesore for your neighbors to set up your compost pile. Your compost pile should be about 3' x 3' x 3'. Much taller than that, and oxygen can't get into the center of the pile, slowing down the microorganisms that turn compost into gardener's gold. Smaller piles are also easier to turn.

Alternate layers of slow-decaying matter like dead leaves, wood chips and sawdust with fast-decaying material like grass clippings, manure and food waste to keep your pile 'cooking' evenly. Smaller pieces decompose more quickly, so run the lawn mower over the leaves or use a shredder to break up twigs before adding it to your compost pile. If you've got an abundance of slow-decaying material, add bonemeal, bloodmeal or manure to jump-start the process by adding extra nitrogen to the mixture.

Avoid adding fats or meat scraps to the compost pile since they decompose very slowly. smell bad and attract vermin. Adding diseased plant material or weeds to the pile is just asking for trouble; why risk it?

Lay down a layer of the slow-decaying or 'brown' matter, then a layer of high-nitrogen material such as manure or grass clippings and, finally, a layer of garden soil. If these materials are dry, sprinkle them with water as you add them. Repeat the layering as needed. Keep in mind that your carefully constructed layers will disappear when the pile is turned for the first time.

Cover the compost pile with a tarp or empty trash bags to hold water vapor in and keep the pile moist. This also keeps rain from soaking the pile and leaching out the nutrients. Every few days, turn the pile to aerate the center and move partially-composted materials from the sides into the center.

Depending on the materials you use and how often you turn it, the compost could be ready to use in as little as five weeks. When the compost won't heat up again no matter how much you turn it, it's ready to go out into the garden.

Comments (1):

Donna @ 04/20/2009 ( 6:22:28 PM )
I love the information. This does work because it worked for me years ago. I have lots of hobbies, and when I did this it was really fun to see it turn into the most great smelling compost (dirt) for my flowers. Please visit my site at: Peacefulvisions.com