A Simple Guide for Composting

First off, what is compost? Compost is the collection of organic waste used as fertilizer and/or soil addition. Organic waste is comprised of everything from grass clippings and used peels to excess food scraps and leaves.

The composting process is detailed and must be closely monitored to gain the full positive effects. Here’s the breakdown:

• Collect clippings from yard waste such as grass clippings and loose leaves. Be sure to include carbon materials like shredded paper so that your pile does not start to smell.
• Pile up your waste.
• Add enough water to dampen the mound and be sure to turn the pile as often as possible. Turning allows for oxygen to be circulated within the pile which speeds up the process.
• With each added layer of waste, remember to add water. Don’t soak it, just dampen it.
• The compost should be ready for use within weeks.
• To prep the ground for planting, scatter the compost over the ground you intend to use.
• Lay the decomposed material 2-3 weeks before you plant anything to ensure that it mixes properly with the soil.

Tips:

• If one pile gets too big, lay off and start another pile. You can get as many piles going at once as you wish. Just make sure you can monitor all the ones you have in progress.
• If this is your first attempt at composting, the summer is the best time to start since the pile works best between 120 and 150 degrees.

When composting, don’t:

• Add pesticide and/or herbicide treated materials to the pile
• Add any meat or non organic materials such as animal droppings
• Add weeds to your pile unless your pile is steaming hot