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Compost is the richest fertilizer you can use. And it is FREE,
if you can make it yourself. You don't need to buy commercial fertilizers when you use this
"nature's one." Compost is the results of decaying organic material like leaves, grass, or
kitchen scraps. Although compost can be made in an open pile, you'll get faster
results if you use a bin. Nature does the work for
you. All you have to do is provide the right environment of heat, moisture, air, and
materials for the organisms in the compost pile.
If you live in an area which has cold winters, the spring
is the best time to start the compost pile. If not, you can work your compost any time when
there is a supply of grass clippings and other organic material. In all climates,
summer is the perfect time for composting. Most gardeners find that they can make several
batches during the summer.
Compost is not soil, but when mixed in your planting areas,
it improves your soil. You will see changes in texture & fertility. Compost will
loosen clay soils and it will help sandy soils retain water. The organic matter
provided in compost provides food for many different organisms, including fungi, bacteria,
insects and worms. This decay of organic material keeps the soil in a healthy
well-balanced condition with the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus which is produced
naturally.
Almost any organic material can be used in the compost
pile. Two types of organic material is needed: carbon-rich materials "browns,"
and nitrogen-rich materials "greens." Include brown materials like dried leaves, straw, saw
dust and wood chips. Include fresh or green materials such as grass clippings and kitchen
scraps. Quick list of what goes in and what stays out.
List of Brown & Green Materials.
Composting Learning Resources & Supplies
There is no single "right" compost technique. There are
several variations based upon some basic principles of aerobic decomposition. The technique
you start with may be modified as you gain experience. Keep it simple, convenient, and
suited to your lifestyle.
Do not use ashes from the barbeque, animal by-products
(meat scraps, grease, bones), milk or dairy products, dog or cat droppings, cardboard,
diseased plants. Remember, chances are that it a substance is harmful to you it could also
be harmful to the decomposer organisms in your compost piles. Certainly don't add yard
wastes that be treated with chemicals. When in doubt DO NOT ADD IT.
When the compost is "done" mix it liberally into new
planting areas and also around existing plants. Most successful gardeners perform this
task once or twice a year. Treat composting as an art and not as pure science.
All organic matter breaks down eventually, no matter what you do. A bit more
brown is a good rule. You will find that you learn by doing. With time you will
discover what works best for you.
Basic Instructions -- to make compost: |
- Find an area in your yard for your compost to live -
generally one cubic yard (3'x3'x3') is sufficient. Begin with dry "brown" materials (2
parts), like wood chips, dried leaves, sawdust, or straw.
- Next add a layer of moist "green" materials (1 part),
such as grass cuttings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, dead
flowers, or pruning materials from your garden. Remember to break up twigs or large pieces
of waste material.
- Keep adding layers, alternating "green" & "brown"
materials with a layer of soil. A layer of manure is great too, if you can get it.
- The mixture should be kept wet (water with a hose once a
week to keep entire mixture moist). Ideally your compost should feel like a moist
wrung-out sponge.
- You can turn or mix your pile as often as you like -
every 7 days or so - or at least once a month. Your compost needs air; turning it will
help the decaying process and, more importantly, turning prevents unpleasant odors.
A pitchfork works well for turning the pile.
- Add chicken manure or bone meal (for nitrogen) if your
compost isn't decaying. These are available at your local garden center. Horse
manure is great, but you many difficulty finding it.
- When it smells and looks like rich dark fluffy soil, the
compost will be ready to use in your garden! If you are not applying the compost
immediately, cover and store it.
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