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Compost Site Facilities
Home Composting
Fundamentals of Home Composting
Composting is a natural process. Organic materials
such as leaves, grass, and vegetable scraps are broken
down by microorganisms, forming a rich soil-like substance
called compost or humus.
Keys to successful home composting
Organic materials: A good mix consists of two parts
"browns" (materials such as dead leaves that
are high in carbon) and one part "greens"
(such as fresh grass clippings and garden prunnings
that are high in nitrogen).
Moisture: Composting materials should
feel moist but not overly soggy.
Temperature: Compost should feel
warm to the touch except in the cold winter months.
Air: To prevent unpleasant odors
that can occur when materials decompose without oxygen,
compost should be turned regularly to ensure that
air is reaching the center of the pile.
| High Carbon "Browns |
High Nitrogen
"Greens" |
Sources of Composting
Organisms |
| Leaves |
Grass |
Old Compost |
| Dead Plants |
Green Weeds |
Soil |
| Straw |
Manure |
Cow Manure |
| Shredded Paper |
Alfalfa or Clover |
Chicken Manure |
| Shredded Twigs |
Seaweed or Pond Algae |
Horse Manure |
| Pine Needles |
Non-Meat and Non-Dairy Kitchen Scraps |
Commercially Available Composting
"Starters" |
| Sawdust from Untreated Wood |
|
Old Compost |
Materials Needed forHome Composting
All you need to compost is enthusiasm, yard or food
waste (except meat or dairy products), and some space.
Compost piles don't need to be enclosed, although many
people use a bin or similar enclosure. Compost bins
can be purchased, or you can easily construct one with
common materials such as chicken wire, snow fencing,
lumber or used pallets. Other tools that come in handy
for composting are a garden hose, wheelbarrow and common
garden tools.
Getting Started
A 4 x 4 x 4-foot area out of direct sunlight is ideal
for your compost pile. Choose an easily accessible spot
on a grass or soil base. Composting can begin any time
of the year, but many people start in the fall when
leaves are abundant.
Organic materials should be mixed, adding water as needed
so that the materials feel like a moist, wrung-out sponge.
The compost pile should be turned after a few weeks
so that the outside layers are exchanged with the center
of the pile. Turn compost piles about once a month,
except in cold winter conditions. Water can be added
during turning, if necessary.
| Getting Really Good Home Compost |
| Problem |
Solution |
| Compost is too wet and soggy |
Turn and add dry material; cover compost |
| Compost is dry and appears dusty |
Turn and water; shade compost |
| Compost is cool to the touch |
Turn and add high nitrogen "green"
materials |
What to Avoid
While many yard wastes and kitchen scraps can be successfully
composted, some materials should be kept out of the
compost pile. Check with your local municipality for
specific items which may be prohibited.
Do Not Compost
- Diseased plants or leaves
- Persistent weeds (poison ivy, multi flora rose,
bindweed, quack grass, etc.)
- Human or pet feces
- Meat, dairy products and kitchen vegetables cooked
with animal fats
- Plants that have gone to seed
Using Home Compost
Compost can be applied directly around the base of
trees and shrubs to serve as a mulch. It also can be
worked into the top six to eight inches of the soil
to provide increased water retention and valuable nutrients.
Brush and Wood Waste
Trimmings from bushes and shrubs are usually not suitable
for composting. Home chippers can be used to grind small
branches and pruninngs for mulch, ornamental landscaping
or garden pathways. Old Christmas trees and similar
brush may also be left in a secluded part of your yard
to attract birds and serve as a natural wildlife habitat. |
