The Living Dead ... Compost Or Zombies?

From Pinecrest Gardens:

October 19, 2020

Sure, decomposing bits, slithery worms and piles of steaming waste may sound like something right off the set of "The Walking Dead," but today friends, we're talking about composting!

Believe it or not, composting doesn't have to be scary. In my conversations with people, especially those new to the idea of compost, the first things that I am asked are: does it smell and is it gross? The answer to both of those questions is NO. The act of composting can, like all things, become complicated but it really doesn't have to be. When done correctly, compost is even clean enough to keep in your own kitchen. Sounds spooky, I know!

Not yet convinced? I'll give you a very brief run down of the science behind composting, and give you plenty of resources to get started on making your own opinions about this decomposition powerhouse.

First things first, what is composting? By definition, composting is the breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms (aka something that happens naturally).

What's so great about it? Compost by nature offers many benefits to the landscape, garden, and to our society. Over 20 percent of the stuff we put into the trash could be used as compost, which would lead to a reduction of waste and toxic runoff, and less greenhouse gases. Compost also improves soil condition and structure, allowing it to hold nutrients and water more efficiently while supporting soil organisms. In case you didn't already know, your soil is alive and it needs to be fed in order to be productive (just like you). Soil science is a topic for an entire different adventure however, so back to compost.

Where can I learn more about composting? The act of composting is not a new concept. And, there are amazing resources out there for composting. Your best bet is to start with our extension office, here. To give you a very brief rundown of how composting works, here's what you need to know. To skip the basic instructions on composting, and get to the community resources, scroll down to the bottom under the video.

Composting occurs with Food, Water, Air, and Space, just like any other living thing! The 'foods', in compost are made up two types, Greens and Browns. 'Browns' are carbon rich ingredients like leaves, sawdust, wood chips, cardboard or large sticks. 'Greens' are nitrogen rich ingredients like grass clippings, kitchen scraps, green waste and anything you might think of as fresh. Once you've collected your brown and green food materials, you can begin with a compost pile. Most people like to compost in a confined area, like a bin, but don't let the specifics deter you. The only rule you should pay attention to is the layering rule. The layering rule requires that your ingredients be assembled in layers of brown and green. You can also add a bit of broken down material, or dirt to the mix to help kickstart your compost pile, but its not necessary. Following the layering rule, always try to end your pile with brown on top, because that will help keep any un-dead odors at bay. The only other other rule is don't put any animal products in your compost like dairy or meat...just trust me on this one unless you want to experience a REAL haunting of odors. That's it! Now, with a little help, science will run its course.

Inside your layered compost casserole, some changes will start to occur. As the materials begin to break down, the compost pile will heat up. We in the biz, like to call this "cooking". In South Florida, our climate is amazing for composting, because we essentially live in a sauna. The compost itself has very little work to do as our warm temperatures and humidity help speed up the process of decomposition. So, during this cooking phase, you will need to turn and water your compost pile. Turning your pile can be done with a pitchfork or shovel and essentially, its just mixing the compost, so that those layers on outsides of the pile get a space in the middle. This allows everything to break down evenly, giving you a consistent material at the end. Turning your pile will also increase aeration, which will jumpstart the aerobic mechanisms. Next, you'll want to water your pile. Your compost pile should always be the wetness of a wrung out sponge. If your pile seems too wet, just add in more browns to help soak up some moisture. Over time, you'll know your compost is ready to use when it appears uniform, looks earthy and the materials you've put in it are unrecognizable from their original state.

Watch this easy to digest video to learn a bit more about composting. This video was produced by Kiss the Ground.

Like I said, composting doesn't have to be complicated, but I recommend browsing tips from the extension office to get you started. If you have further questions about how to compost, you can always reach out to me at lbray@pinecrest-fl.gov and I'd be happy to help.

Where can I find compost resources in my community? there are a few local organizations that will accept your food scraps and compost for those of you interested in compost but aren't keen on having your own pile. I always recommend calling before you show up, just in case they're already full!

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

- Miami Beach Botanical Garden: Drop off Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm

- Back2Earth: Various locations throughout Miami, drop off anytime.

- Verde Market- through partnership with Back2Earth, so check their schedule: Wynwood, drop off Saturday and Sundays

- Cerasee Farms/ Urban Green Works: Liberty City, drop off Mon, Weds, Sat. Their bins are accessible even when they're closed, so its easy!

- Earth 'n' Us Farm: Little River- drop off during normal operating hours.

- Farmers Market at Legion Park: Drop off at the Urban Oasis tent on Saturdays from 9a-2p

OTHER RESOURCES:

- Fertile Earth Worm Farm: This team is full of vermicomposting Gurus! Oh, what's vermicomposting you ask?... it means composting with worms! Check them out here

- Miami-Dade County in partnership with University of Florida offers free composting workshops throughout the year. Always check their schedule because I know they fill up quick! Also, usually they are hosted at libraries! check it out here

- The Compost Club at Miami Matters: This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing carbon output through composting and vermiculture. Check them out here

I told you composting doesn't have to be scary! I personally find a pile of decomposing materials very endearing and full of possibilities. What about you?

Happy Digging!

This press release was produced by the Pinecrest Gardens. The views expressed are the author's own.