Creating the perfect organic compost is an essential gardening skill that reaps immense rewards. With a little effort and patience, you can produce quality compost to nourish your garden beds and grow robust, healthy plants. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.
To begin, scout out an ideal location for your compost pile or bin. It should be in a shady spot near your garden beds to allow convenient access when adding compost to your soil. Morning sunlight is beneficial to warm and facilitate decomposition. Ensure the ground is well-draining by layering woodchips or straw as a base. Standing water promotes harmful anaerobic bacteria. Position your compost away from potential contaminants like pet waste, diseased plants and chemical products to avoid pollution.
Compost Guidelines
| Items | Category |
|---|---|
| What Should Go Into a Compost Bin: | |
| Fruit and vegetable scraps | Should |
| Coffee grounds and filters | Should |
| Tea bags (remove staples if present) | Should |
| Fresh grass clippings (in moderation) | Should |
| Plant trimmings and prunings | Should |
| Houseplant trimmings | Should |
| Weeds (avoid those with mature seeds) | Should |
| Leaves (shredded for faster decomposition) | Should |
| Straw and hay | Should |
| Shredded paper (non-glossy) | Should |
| Cardboard (shredded or torn) | Should |
| Wood chips and sawdust (in moderation) | Should |
| Dry, dead plants | Should |
| Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to the compost. | Should |
| Nut Shells: Crushed nut shells like walnuts and pecans can be composted, but they decompose more slowly. | Should |
| Natural Fibers: Cotton and wool scraps, as well as natural fiber clothing (cut into small pieces). | Should |
| Hair and Fur: From pets or yourself. | Should |
| Manure: Herbivore animal manure (cow, horse, rabbit, etc.) can be added, but avoid carnivore or omnivore animal waste. | Should |
| Food-soiled Paper: Unwaxed paper plates, napkins, and paper towels with food residues. | Should |
| What Should Not Go Into a Compost Bin: | |
| Meat and Dairy: These can attract pests and produce unpleasant odors. | Should Not |
| Fats and Oils: Greasy or oily food waste should be avoided. | Should Not |
| Processed Foods: Highly processed foods may contain additives that don’t break down well. | Should Not |
| Bread and Pasta: These can attract pests. | Should Not |
| Diseased Plants: Plants with diseases can spread pathogens in your compost. | Should Not |
| Weeds with Mature Seeds: These seeds might survive the composting process and end up sprouting in your garden. | Should Not |
| Invasive Plants: Seeds or plant parts of invasive species can spread when the compost is used. | Should Not |
| Pet Waste: Cat or dog waste can contain harmful pathogens. | Should Not |
| Plastic and Synthetic Materials: These don’t break down and can contaminate your compost. | Should Not |
| Glossy Paper: Paper with a glossy finish or colored ink may contain toxins. | Should Not |
Remember that a balanced compost pile includes a mix of green and brown materials to promote efficient decomposition. Turn the compost regularly to aerate it and help with the breakdown process. If managed correctly, your compost bin can produce valuable compost that improves soil structure and fertility.
Next, take time to gather the right organic materials which will provide a balanced diet for beneficial microbes. Seek out nitrogen-rich “greens” such as vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, fresh grass clippings and manure from organic sources. For carbon, collect “browns” – dried leaves, straw, sawdust, woodchips and shredded uncoated paper. Use approximately 3 parts greens to 1 part browns for optimal decomposition. Too much green material can cause odor issues. Don’t forget to add organic red wiggler worms, which efficiently break down materials and provide excellent castings full of nutrients.
Now you are ready to build your compost system. For outdoor piles, construct a sturdy frame using untreated pallets or wire fencing. Cover loosely with a breathable tarp to retain heat and moisture. If using an enclosed compost bin, choose a BPA-free plastic or responsibly-sourced wood model with a lid to prevent pest access.
Once built, it’s time to start layering. Begin with a 6 inch base layer of browns to allow airflow. Next add 2 inches of greens, followed by more browns. Repeat this sequence, burying fruit and vegetable discards under 10 inches of compost to deter pests.
Maintain your compost by turning with an aeration tool weekly to mix contents and provide oxygen to aid decomposition. Use a compost thermometer to monitor internal temperature, which should range from 90-140F. Keep moisture levels optimal by watering dry piles with aged compost tea or non-chlorinated water. Too much moisture promotes harmful anaerobic bacteria.
Finally, arm yourself with patience. Allow 2-4 months for materials to fully decompose. You’ll know your compost is ready when it appears dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling and the original ingredients are no longer recognizable.
Now spread your organic black gold in garden beds or brew nutritious compost tea. Your plants will thank you with vigorous growth and bountiful harvests! Composting does require effort, but the rewards for your garden are well worth it.
