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Why Compost?
Compost is a material that benefits the garden in many ways. As mulch, it can be spread on top of the soil where it can eliminate weeds and retain moisture. Or it can be dug into the soil as an amendment where it will improve soil structure for better absorption and the retention of nutrients and water.
Where to Compost?
How quickly will compost be ready is determined by three criteria, First the size and type of the material. The smaller and less dense the material, the more quickly it will decompose. Thus chopping the material will make a significant difference. Second, your location. Composters in sunny areas decompose matter faster than those in foggy or shady areas. The compost bin should have at least three to five hours of sunlight each day. Third, the season. Compost started in the spring or summer will decompose faster than those started in the winter.
What to Compost?
Most material thrown in the trash can be recycled in your composting bin. Examples of these materials are yard waste, pine needles, oak and other leaves, grass clippings, straw, shredded newspaper (and those paper towels tubes), real wood ashes and not Presto Logs or Bar-B-Q charcoal, natural fiber dryer lint, animal hair, and sawdust, Food stuff such as leftover pasta, veggies, coffee grounds, paper filters, tea bags, banana peels, citrus rinds, etc. About the only thing coming out of the kitchen you shouldn't compost, is meat, bones, dairy products or any food that has oils added to them. In addition, animal manure - horse, cow, chicken, rabbit, duck and pig - both fresh and old - improves the process and quality of the compost. Never use cat or dog manure.
Adding Air:
Aeration adds to the process of decomposition. Although most bins have air vents on all sides, it is a good idea to aerate the pile by using the handle end of a garden tool or a specifically designed tool for this purpose.
Tips on Composting:
The trick to successful compost is layering the material like a sandwich. Make the layers no more than a few inches thick if possible. Alternate wet material - manure, food waste, grass clippings and dry material - newspaper, straw, sawdust. When adding grass clippings be sure to fluff them up so they do not mat down. This could reduce the air flow in the bin. Newspaper need to be shredded into smaller pieces as well. Then add garden soil or finished compost. Then add some water. It should have a consistency of a wrung out sponge. Always place food stuff in the center of the bin and cover with other material. Compost during the composting season can reach temperatures in excess of 120 degrees.
When is Compost Ready?
When the finished compost is ready, you will notice the compost on the bottom to have a rich earthy smell. Simply slide the door open and remove the material as needed. This will make additional room at the top for adding more material. Sometimes unfinished or larger material may appear. Simply place the pieces back into the bin to complete the process. You may want to sift the finished material through a screen to achieve a finished product.
What Went Wrong!
Rotten Odor
There may be excess moisture in the bin causing an anaerobic condition (without air). Simply turn the material in a few places and add dry material such as leaves, wood chips, straw or sawdust.
Ammonia Odor
This is an indication of too much green material (nitrogen) like grass clippings. Add brown material (carbon) such as leaves, wood chips or sawdust and aerate.
Low Temperature
The pile level in the bin may be too small. Add more material until the bin is at least 2/3rds full, or about a foot from the top. Other conditions are not enough moisture, not enough air, cold weather or not enough green material
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