Composting Basics
Why Should You Compost?
Composting not only benefits the environment by breaking down organic materials and transforming them into rich, fertilizing soil… composting is also:
- When you invest a little time learning to compost, it’s all yours, for free.
- Fun for the children.
- Composting reduces household trash.
- It’s hard to mess up.
Basic Supplies Needed for Composting
You’ll need a pail for the kitchen to collect scraps, a composting bin (if you’re using one), or a spot in the yard for a pile.
You’ll need a pail for the kitchen to collect scraps, a composting bin (if you’re using one), or a spot in the yard for a pile.
Worm Composter
Some people choose to use earthworms to help speed up the composting process in a worm composting bin. This is done by adding kitchen scraps, dried leaves, etc., and allowing the worms to digest the organic material as it passes through their bodies while they move around.
If you have a compost pile in the yard, earthworms will usually find their way to it naturally.
Composting Tumbler
A composting tumbler is a handy bin with a handle that you can turn by cranking the handle around. These are helpful for people with limited space, and they tend not to smell or attract insects.
How to Start Composting
- Pick a spot for your pail. Tell your family the plan.
- Pick a spot for your pile or composting bin. You want it to be close enough to the house.
What to Compost
Kitchen waste. Mainly produce trimmings
Coffee grounds
Teabags
Grass clippings and Dead leaves
Straw
Sawdust
Garden waste
Do Not Compost the following:
Meat or bones
Leftovers that are not plant-based
Branches or stalks
Garden waste treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizer
Weeds and Diseased plant material
Method for Composting
Coffee grounds
Teabags
Grass clippings and Dead leaves
Straw
Sawdust
Garden waste
Do Not Compost the following:
Meat or bones
Leftovers that are not plant-based
Branches or stalks
Garden waste treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizer
Weeds and Diseased plant material
Method for Composting
- Start collecting compostable material and add it to your pile.
- Empty your pail into the pile (or bin) daily. It’s the perfect chore for children.
- Turn your compost pile. Every month or so, grab your pitchfork or a shovel and mix your pile up a bit. Helps speed up the decomposition process and keeps away any unwanted pests.
- When you don’t see any more recognizable scraps, the compost is ready to be used.
- Harvest your finished compost from the bottom of your pile (or bin) once or twice a year. Whatever is not ready put it back into the pile to continue breaking down.
- Spread finished compost on the garden beds or containers.
Potential Problems with Composting
- Smell. If your pile starts to stink, just give it a quick turn and add some grass clippings or leaves if available.
- Insects. Wash out the kitchen pail about every other day.
- Animals. Use an animal-resistant bin or turn your pile more regularly.
How Long Does it Take to Compost?
Different organic materials take different lengths of time to transform into compost. Food scraps are quicker than twigs or sticks. Paper from coffee filters or tea bags takes longer than organic materials. The bottom of the pile or bin will transform first, so it is important to turn the pile monthly.
Composting as an accompaniment to gardening is a worthwhile routine and fun for the whole family.