Home Composting – Composting 101
Home composting is something that tends to intimidate people, especially the new gardener, but it shouldn’t. Once you have the basic principles down you’ll find composting just makes sense. And in an odd way, it’s actually fun to watch the whole process. There’s something large and powerful in watching the cycle of life unfold right before your eyes.
What is Composting?
Simply put, composting is the process of breaking down organic matter into a rich, soil-like substance filled with essential nutrients.
This process of decomposition can be broken down into four components:
Organic matter – Moisture – Oxygen – Bacteria.
Organic Matter
Organic matter consists of plant materials mixed with some animal manure. For organic purposes the manure should come from plant-eating animals such as cows and horses, who have been allowed to graze naturally and have not been fed fertilized (read: poisonous) corn products.
To keep things simple think of this equation: Brown + Green = A Fertile Machine. Brown organic materials: dead leaves and twigs and manure. Green organic material: lawn clippings, fruit rinds, vegetable peels etc.. Green organic materials supply nitrogen while brown materials supply carbon.
Moisture
Probably the most important component of the composting process is moisture. Getting the wetness right is crucial.
If your compost pile is too wet, it will decompose too quickly and become a smelly, slimy mess. You may get quite a few complaints from the neighbors. Too dry and the climate won’t be right for the bacteria that decomposes the organic material.
To be safe, compost should be about the same wetness as a wrung-out sponge.
Oxygen
Oxygen is needed to support the breakdown of plant material by bacteria. To supply oxygen, you will need to turn the compost pile.
Turning your pile not only helps to aerate it, it controls odors as well.
Bacteria
Bacteria are the real stars of this composting show and should be treated like celebrities. Actually, they should be treated much better.
Always supply them with the right amount of water, organic material and oxygen, and they’ll happily break it all down into what gardeners refer to as “black gold.”
Storing Your Compost
Where you store your compost will depend on how much space you have available to you.
There are three general types of bins. They are:
Related Posts:
Organic Vegetable Garden – Growing Organic Vegetables the Easy Way
How To Use Compost – No Digging Involved
Organic Tips – 5 Tips For A Successful Organic Garden