How to
COMPOST
organics
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Composting can be as simple or complex as you have time for. There are different types of composting that you may want to research to see which is right for you. The following are five ways you can compost:
Vermicomposting (composting with worms)
These containers for yard wastes are the least labor and time consuming way to compost.
Which wastes? Non-woody yard wastes are the most appropriate.
How? Place the holding unit where it is most convenient. As weeds, grass clippings, leaves and harvest remains from garden plants are collected, they can be dropped into the unit. Chopping or shredding waste, alternating high carbon and high nitrogen materials, and keeping up good moisture and aeration will all speed the process.
Advantages & disadvantages For yard wastes, this is the simplest method. The units can be portable, moving to wherever needed in the garden. This method can take 6 months to 2 years to compost organic materials, so you only need to be patient.
This is a series of three or more bins that allows wastes to be turned on a regular schedule. Turning units are most appropriate for gardeners with a large volume of yard waste and the desire to make a high-quality compost.
Which wastes? Non-woody yard waste and kitchen wastes with out meat, bones or fatty food .
How? Alternate the layering of high-carbon and high-nitrogen materials to approximately a 30:1 ratio. These should be moistened to the damp sponge stage. The pile temperature should be checked regularly; when the heat decreases substantially, turn the pile into the next bin.. Dampen materials if they are not moist, and add more high-nitrogen material if heating is not occurring. Then make a new pile in the original bin. Repeat the process every time the first bin cools. After two weeks in the third bin, the compost should be ready for garden use.
Advantages & disadvantages This method produces high quality compost in a short time utilizing a substantial input of labor.
Yard wastes can be used for weed control and water retention.
Which wastes? Woody yard wastes, leaves and grass clippings.
How? You can simply spread leaves or grass clippings beneath plantings. For woody materials up to 1" in diameter, rent or purchase a chipper/shredder.
Advantages & disadvantages All yard wastes will work first as a mulch and then , as decomposition proceeds, as a soil enrichment. A disadvantage of mulching with woody yard wastes is that you may have to rent or buy equipment.
Burying your organic wastes is the simplest method of composting.
Which wastes? Kitchen scraps without meat, bones or fatty foods.
How? Everything should be buried 8 inches below the surface. Holes can be filled and covered, becoming usable garden space the following season.
Advantages & disadvantages This is a simple method, but because of the absence of air some nutrients will be lost. Rodents and dogs can become a problem with wastes buried less than 8 inches deep.
Feeding worms in wooden bins is a good way to make high quality compost from food scraps.
Which wastes? Kitchen scraps without meat, bones of fatty foods.
How? Fill a bin with moistened bedding such as peat moss for the worms. Rotate the burying of food wastes throughout the worm bin. Every 3-6 months the worm populations should be divided and moved to fresh bedding.
Advantages & disadvantages This is an efficient way to convert food wastes into high quality soil for house plants, seedling transplants, or general garden use. A stationary bin can be used outdoors except during cold months.