January 30, 2008

Composting In 3-Easy Steps

Composting is easy and requires little time, effort, or expense. With the environmental benefits, composting offers tremendous return on investment!

Getting Started: Creating a Compost Bin

1. Select a dry, shady area with easy water access

2. Build a compost bin; suitable materials include galvanized chicken wire, cinder blocks, or wood

3. Supplies You’ll Need: Pitchfork, shovel or machete, water hose

4. Identifying Compost Materials

• Brown Materials: Includes materials such as dead leaves, branches , twigs
• Green Materials: Includes materials such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds
• Water

Composting In 3-Easy Steps

1. Alternate layers of green and brown materials in compost bin, spraying each layer with water
2. Rotate pile weekly, using a pitchfork or shovel; to aid in compost breakdown efficiency, use a shovel or machete to cut up larger pieces of refuse
3. A properly maintained compost pile will take a minimum of two months, to turn into a soil enrichment compound. Once the compost turns into a dark brown soil-type mixture; it is ready to be tilled into your soil.

The Science of Composting

For optimum compost development, mix equal amounts of brown materials in alternate layers with the green. The green materials provides nitrogen, while the brown ones provide carbon; the water provides moisture necessary to break down the organic matter. A note of caution, as the compost begins to cook, temperatures can reach 160 degrees!

Composting can be fun when shared with family and friends and it’s a great way to nourish your soil, recycle, and save money.

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