HOW TO START COMPOSTING

Compost is often referred to as “black gold” by gardeners for good reason.  Since putting in the Componere organic garden ealier this year we haven’t fertilized once other than compost and we’ve had fantastic results. 

Up to one-third of the materials that wind up in landfills could be composted. Waste in landfills breaks down anaerobic manner (without air), which produces methane gas which in turn is harmful environment. Other chemicals made in landfills can leach down into the groundwater and cause greater pollution. Composting is a great way to limit these possibilities and is a natural recycling process. Starting to compost not only conserves resources, it creates healthy soil that greatly benefits plants if you have a garden.

Our catering company is developing a composting program and recycling the trim from produce back into our garden.

It is easy and cheap to start a compost pile and if you follow these steps you will reap the benefits of “black gold” very quickly. Compost is a product of the decomposition of organic matter. Grass clippings, leaves, kitchen scraps, manure, and most other things that were once living are all organic material that too often winds up in the trash. Bacteria and microorganisms break down organic matter into a dark, earthy crumbly material. As with cooking, composting is easy as long as you have the right recipe. In order to get the quickest results, you will need the perfect ratio of ingredients to create an environment with the right moisture, air, and heat.

The first step in composting is finding a bin that will hold at least a cubic yard. Consider getting one with a lid that will prevent animals from scavenging through your pile and will also help speed up the process by maintaining constant moisture and temperature. Keep your bin in a semi-shaded area.

Next you will need the right balance of nitrogen and carbon. Components high in nitrogen are most of your “green waste” of fruit and vegetable scraps, grass trimmings, tea bags, coffee grounds, and plants. Materials that are high in carbon are called your “brown waste” and can consist of sawdust, cardboard, dead and dried out plants, or hay. Other essential ingredients are oxygen, water, and soil. Keep in mind that the smaller your materials are, the faster they will compost. A trick to breaking down your leaves and kitchen scraps is to run a lawn mower over your materials before you add them to the bin.

Now it’s time to layer your materials in the bin. It’s best to start with a layer of leaves on the bottom because it will keep air at the bottom of the pile. Next layer the rest of your waste using equal parts brown to green. Add some water and extra soil on each layer. You want the pile to be moist (but not wet). The layers should be about 6 inches deep. Continue your pile until it is 3 feet tall.

Turn your pile every week by removing the contents from the bin with a pitchfork and then moving the material back in. You can also use this opportunity to add new waste to your pile. This will help to encourage air movement and the growth of essential bacteria and microorganisms that will keep your compost from smelling. Worms can also be added to the pile to make it break down quicker. When done correctly, your compost should be hot and smell sweet and earthy. Be patient, your first batch of compost will take a few months.

Use the compost as soon as it’s ready if you want the full benefits of its nutrients. Your finished compost can be mixed with your soil before planting or added to the top layer as mulch. Your plants will thank you by remaining healthy and beautiful throughout the seasons.