10 STEPS FOR COMPOST
1. Educate your household.
Let the other members of your household know
about composting and why you have decided to compost. To get
the most out of your compost, everyone should know the
basics.
2. Decide on the type of system that will work
best for you.
Depending on your household and your compost needs,
you may find that one system will work better than another. For
instance, do you have pets or other critters that may come into
your yard? If so, you probably would want a closed bin
system.
3. Collect your BROWN
materials.
The microbes that will live in your compost pile need
carbon as an energy source. Plant materials containing a high
percentage of carbon are usually brown in color. Examples of
these materials are dry leaves, dry pine needles, straw,
sawdust, and shredded paper. Chop or shred material into
smaller pieces for best results.
4. Collect your GREEN
materials.
The nitrogen found in green materials provides
proteins for the microbes that live in a compost pile.
Materials with high nitrogen levels are often green in color.
Such materials may be fresh grass clippings and fruit and
vegetable scraps. Chop into medium sized pieces. Very fine
material may restrict airflow and become
"clumpy".
5. Mix the BROWNS and
GREENS.
A successful compost pile needs the right mixture of
browns and greens for the right carbon to nitrogen ratio. A
mixture of one part brown material with one part green material
works best. Layering materials will work, but mixing is
preferable.
6. Bulk it up!
Try to add about 1/3 wood chips or other coarse
material (pine cones, bark, small twigs) to help keep the pile
loose and aerated. You can leave it in the finished compost or
screen it out and re-compost it.
7. Pile it on.
Prepare your compost pile area so that it is ready for
optimum yields. Loosen the soil that will be under your compost
pile. This will encourage bacteria, worms, and other microbes
to enter your compost. If possible, place a layer of twigs or
other coarse material on the ground to encourage aeration and
drainage. Add a shovel-full of garden soil or finished compost
with your browns and greens. Mix well.
8. Water and turn your
pile.
Like all living things, the organisms in your compost
need water and oxygen to survive. Your pile should be about as
moist as a wrung out sponge--damp throughout, but not soggy. Be
sure to keep it moist during hot, dry periods. Turn your pile
with a pitchfork every week or two (especially when you notice
the pile is cooling). This mixes the browns and greens, breaks
up dry patches and promotes microbial
activity.
9. Add to the pile.
As the pile starts decaying, it will settle. Turn new
materials in with a pitchfork, maintaining your carbon to
nitrogen ratio. Add fruit and vegetable scraps to the middle of
the pile and cover.
10. Harvest your compost.
Depending on the conditions of the pile, your pile
should be ready in a few months. If you are not turning your
pile, or if you are constantly adding new materials, the bottom
and middle sections may be done, while the top is not finished.
Your compost is finished when the material in your pile is
cool, dark, crumbly and earthy smelling.
