Composting is a way to recycle organic waste generated at home and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that food waste makes up about 28% of what we throw away. You can divert some food waste by composting it instead. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants, prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and build healthier soil.
Composting is an accelerated process of decomposition that converts organic materials, like food scraps and yard trimmings, into nutrient-rich fertilizers. Microorganisms feed on the materials in the compost pile, using carbon and nitrogen to grow, oxygen to breathe, and water to digest materials.
Water – Necessary for microbial life in the pile.
Oxygen – Maintains aerobic (presence of dissolved oxygen) conditions.
Nitrogen – Materials rich in nitrogen, also called “greens,” contain a higher ratio of nitrogen to carbon and are typically moist. Greens are materials like food scraps and grass clippings.
Carbon – Materials rich in carbon, also called “browns,” contain a higher ratio of carbon to nitrogen and are typically dry. Browns are materials like dead leaves, twigs, wood chips, and newspaper.
Tumbler
Compost tumblers are a simple way to compost food scraps and yard waste without taking up too much space. Tumblers are generally small, lightweight, and moveable with one to two chambers that are designed to be rotated to aerate the compost. This added aeration means more oxygen can reach the decomposing material, making it one of the quickest ways to achieve finished compost.
Compost tumblers also create a solution called “compost tea” which is the liquid that leaks from the tumbler after it rains or after you add water. You can capture the “tea” by placing a pan or bucket underneath and using it to fertilize your plants!
Bin
Compost bins are typically round- or square-shaped with enclosures on the sides and top, and open on the bottom so the compost has contact with the ground. These bins are generally inexpensive, easy to set up, and require little space. They also have the added benefit of discouraging pests because they are enclosed on all sides. Unfortunately, making compost in a bin may take longer than using a tumbler because they are difficult to turn and aerate.
Pile
Starting a compost pile is probably the simplest method of composting. All you need is a space in your yard! Ideally, your compost pile will be 3 feet by 3 feet so it’s able to reach the minimum temperature needed to process the materials but not so big that it cannot be turned. The best way to build your compost pile is to add material in layers, alternating between “browns” and “greens.” The base of your compost should be a thick layer of browns, like wood chips and twigs, so the pile is properly aerated. You will need to turn your pile every few weeks to ensure it receives enough oxygen to prevent an anaerobic environment and speed up the composting process.
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting uses earthworms, like redworms, to digest organic material and produce compost. Worm bins are almost always raised off the ground and made of plastic, with holes for ventilation and moisture. Worms require a bed, which can be made from leaves, straw, shredded paper/cardboard, or egg cartons. On top of this layer, you’ll add garden soil and pour in some water.
Next, add worms to the bin. Redworms will eat about half their body weight in waste every day, so measure your food waste daily to know how many worms you should add to your bin. Lastly, add a layer of food scraps! Do not feed your worms any animal products; this includes meat, bones, dairy, or fats. Stick to plant items like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, napkins, and paper towels.
• Maintain a 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. About 25% of the pile should be nitrogen-rich greens and the other 75% should be dry, carbon-rich browns.
• Chop up larger materials to speed up the composting process.
• Maintain moisture levels. Compost piles function best when the materials are as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Remember, the more greens you add to your pile, the less it’ll need to be watered.
• Check out our Guide to Yard Care for more helpful tips.
You’ll know your compost is done when it looks and feels like rich, dark soil and has an earthy smell. You can use your finished compost to bring added nutrients to your garden, potted plants, or indoor plants. For maximum benefit, apply your compost 2-4 weeks before you plant so it has time to integrate and stabilize the soil. For more information on how to use your compost, read this blog article. Happy composting!
