Methods of Composting

Composting

The most fundamental part of organic gardening is to recycle nutrients and organic matter back into the soil by making compost. Most of the items that you use in the compost is waste that many people pay to have hauled away.

Making Compost

There are two ways to build compost piles. One is to build a pile in layers so that it heats up. This method can take a couple of months.

Making a hot compost pile is a little more complicated because it is usually built all at once in layers to ensure a good even mix of green and brown organic matter and manure. Start with a layer of small woody branches and sticks at the bottom. Next, a layer of green, succulent organic matter, such as grass clippings, kitchen waste, and weeds (the heat will kill weed seeds). On top of this layer add your manure. Add a thin layer of soil, and top of this add straw of other semi-rigid brown organic matter. You can continue adding layers to the pile in the same order: green organic matter, manure, soil and brown organic matter until you get to the top of your bin or container.

Check the temperature of the compost regularly and keep an eye on the moisture content of the pile. You do not want the pile to become waterlogged, but wet. If the pile to too dry, water it liberally to keep the compost working.

The other way is to make a cool compost pile by continually tossing whatever organic matter you have into the pile. This can take as much as a year or more.

Start a pile by laying small woody branches and sticks at the bottom of the pile. This will allow air to infiltrate. Add garden debris, grass clipping, and kitchen waste to the pile. Consider adding an activator, such as manure. The combined effect of turning the pile and an application of activator will speed up the process of a completed compost.

Can you apply compost in the Winter?

Finished compost is a versatile material that you can apply freely at any time of year without fear of burning plants.

Compost