How To Make Compost The Complete Guide

Composting may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process that can be mastered with some basic knowledge and simple rules. In fact, learning how to compost is not only easy, but it’s also essential for any gardener looking to improve their soil quality. My own journey into composting began when I gifted my dad a compost bin on his birthday, hoping we could start the process together.

Little did I know, my dad would surprise me by continuing to compost despite initial reservations. Years later, he still tends to his black bin, filling it with kitchen scraps and other organic matter. Despite my warnings about non-biodegradable materials, he remains committed to the process, albeit imperfectly. When I moved into my current home, I was thrilled to find a black compost bin waiting for me in the yard.

However, it was poorly located and lacked sufficient sunlight, making it challenging to break down organic matter effectively. After years of struggling with this setup, I invested in a new elevated spinning bin that has revolutionized our composting routine. With the right approach and equipment, you can too.

Benefits of Composting

Composting is a worthwhile endeavor for several reasons. Not only will it provide you with a free, nutrient-rich amendment to add to your garden each year, but it also enables you to repurpose kitchen scraps and other organic waste that would otherwise end up in the trash. The benefits don’t stop there – compost can also help improve soil texture, enhance moisture retention, and even serve as a natural mulch.

As you regularly condition your garden with this valuable resource, you’ll find that it’s easier to maintain healthy soil, ultimately reducing your need for synthetic fertilizers.

Composting Methods: An Overview

Plastic Bin

Plastic Bin

For a stress-free start to composting, consider investing in a high-quality plastic bin. While prices can range from $80 to $200 at local hardware stores, I suggest splurging on a tumbler-style composter for effortless aeration and rotation of your organic matter. The benefits of this design far outweigh the slight increase in cost.

While closed bins are ideal for small gardens, they do have one major drawback: once full, you can’t continue adding materials without emptying the bin first.

Additionally, not all plastic composters make it easy to access your finished compost when needed. To avoid this inconvenience, look for a model featuring a door or compartment that allows for seamless harvesting of your matured compost.

Open Bin or Wire Containers

Open Bin or Wire Containers

While open compost heaps are a great way to manage organic matter, they can be less than aesthetically pleasing and require significant space for effective decomposition. That’s why many gardeners opt for contained, open systems that combine functionality with a touch of elegance. These wooden or wire-fenced structures allow air circulation while keeping the compost tidy, making them an attractive choice for those who want to maintain a clean and organized outdoor space.

If you’re handy, constructing one of these bins shouldn’t be a major hurdle. In fact, building multiple units can even help accelerate the decomposition process. The cost of such systems will vary depending on the materials used and the size of the build, but for many gardeners, the benefits far outweigh the expense.

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting

Worm composting offers versatility in terms of location – whether indoors or outdoors, depending on the local climate. This method has gained immense popularity due to its effectiveness and ease of implementation within the confines of a home. Furthermore, it’s a relatively affordable option for those looking to adopt sustainable practices. The key to successful worm composting lies in providing the right environment and bedding for the red wigglers, which do most of the work on your behalf.

However, improper handling can give rise to pest issues, such as fruit fly infestations, which are drawn to exposed organic matter. Consequently, it’s crucial to ensure that food waste is properly buried and covered to prevent unwanted visitors.

Pit Composting

Pit Composting

Composting by burial, also known as trenching or pit composting, is a straightforward approach that involves digging a hole, adding organic waste, and letting nature take its course. This method is particularly suitable for gardeners starting anew, as it requires minimal setup and upkeep once the process begins. The only drawback to this technique is its slow pace, with the finished product being tied to the specific location where it was created.

Indoor devices

Indoor devices

As innovative technologies continue to transform the way we manage waste, many people are now able to compost within their own homes without compromising on odor control or pest-free maintenance. When evaluating high-tech indoor composters, it’s crucial to thoroughly review existing feedback from users to gain insight into each device’s performance. This approach ensures that you’re not misled by marketing promises and can make an informed decision based on real-world experiences.

What’s OK to Compost

What’s OK to Compost

When it comes to determining what’s acceptable for your compost bin, it’s essential to consider local regulations. Your municipal guidelines might differ from those in neighboring cities or towns. For instance, some areas permit the addition of meat and bones, which shouldn’t be included in home composting due to the higher processing temperatures required by commercial facilities. In contrast, these materials are best suited for industrial-scale composting operations.

In your home compost bin, you can include grass clippings, leaves, kitchen scraps (such as vegetable and fruit peels), paper, cardboard, wood chips, straw, and coffee grounds. For a comprehensive list of items suitable for composting, refer to this resource.

What You Shouldn’t Compost

When it comes to composting, there are certain items that should be avoided altogether. These include toxic substances, disease-carrying materials, and non-biodegradable objects. For instance, pet and human waste can be composted using specialized methods, but they’re not suitable for beginners. Similarly, some organic matter like eggshells breaks down at an incredibly slow rate, making it impractical for most home compost bins.

Other items that should be excluded from your compost pile include meats, dairy products, bones, grease or oils, cooked foods, disease- or pest-infested plants, weeds, and plastic materials. Additionally, any organic matter that’s been exposed to pesticides is best left out of the mix. By avoiding these problematic inputs, you can ensure a healthy and thriving compost ecosystem.

Maintaining Your Compost Bin or Pile

Maintaining Your Compost Bin or Pile

Location

When selecting the ideal location for your bin installation or construction, consider several key factors. First, opt for a spot that receives sufficient sunlight – ideally, it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, ensure the area is not prone to pooling water during rainstorms. Accessibility is also crucial; you want the ability to easily empty kitchen scraps without feeling frustrated or inconvenienced.

Steer clear of areas touching buildings and choose a location that provides ample clearance for effortless waste disposal.

“Browns” and “Greens” Ratio

Composting often relies on a mix of brown and green materials, with the conventional wisdom suggesting a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens. However, this classification system can be misleading, as some materials that appear brown are actually green, and vice versa. Moreover, certain brown and green materials can be detrimental to the composting process.

The issue is not solely with the classification, but also with the fact that different green materials have varying compositions, making it difficult to establish a universal ratio for browns and greens. While an incorrect ratio may not pose significant risks, it can result in a slower composting process, which may be undesirable for those who value efficiency.

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio (C/N)

When it comes to creating an ideal compost, understanding the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio is crucial. This approach focuses on the actual building blocks of your compost materials that benefit plants, rather than categorizing them as browns and greens. The C:N ratio helps you determine how much carbon a material contains compared to its nitrogen content. For instance, grass clippings have a C:N ratio of 20:1, indicating they possess 20 times more carbon than nitrogen.

A well-balanced compost should strive for a C:N ratio between 20:1 and 40:1, with 24:1 being the sweet spot for optimal microbial activity. Knowing the C:N ratio of various materials can help you create an effective compost blend. Grass clippings, with their 20:1 ratio, are an excellent addition to your compost pile. By incorporating more carbon-rich materials, you can adjust the ratio to achieve the ideal 24:1 balance for optimal microbial activity.

While using the C:N approach can be insightful, it does present some challenges. Memorizing the C:N ratios of every single compostable material is not practical, and calculating the perfect 24:1 blend without math can be daunting. That’s why we’ve developed a [compost calculator](…) to simplify the process. This tool enables you to easily determine the C:N ratio of various common compost materials and automatically calculates the ideal carbon-to-nitrogen balance based on your selections.

Smell

A well-balanced compost bin shouldn’t be overwhelming your senses with unpleasant odors. If you’re experiencing a strong smell, it may indicate an imbalance in the mix of materials within. For closed-bin composters, ensure the lid is securely fastened to prevent pest infestations. Aim for a consistent moisture level that’s similar to a wrung-out sponge – not waterlogged.

When adding new items, consider shredding or cutting larger pieces into smaller fragments before introducing them to your pile. This can significantly reduce decomposition time. For instance, a single, large chunk of spoiled carrot will take much longer to break down than its shredded counterpart. Once your compost is crumbly and emits a pleasant, earthy aroma, it’s ready for use.

Compost Troubleshooting

When it comes to composting, many people experience difficulties as they begin the process. One of the most common challenges is getting the balance right between ‘green’ and ‘brown’ materials. Green materials, such as food scraps and grass clippings, are high in nitrogen, while brown materials, like leaves and twigs, are high in carbon. A mix of both is essential for creating an optimal environment for decomposition to occur.

“My compost pile smells terrible“

To address the root of the issue, make it a habit to frequently rotate your compost pile to promote airflow and prevent anaerobic conditions from developing. This simple yet effective step can help stimulate microbial activity, speeding up decomposition and minimizing unpleasant odors. Additionally, refrain from overwatering by temporarily suspending hydration and allowing the natural drying process to take place.

“My compost pile isn’t getting hot“

When it comes to nurturing a thriving compost pile, there are two key areas to focus on: balancing the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and maintaining optimal moisture levels. Firstly, ensure you’re introducing sufficient green waste – think grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and other nitrogen-rich materials. A general rule of thumb is to maintain a 2:1 ratio of ‘green’ to ‘brown’ matter. This encourages the perfect environment for microorganisms to break down organic matter efficiently.

Secondly, pay attention to the moisture level in your pile. Aim for a consistency that’s reminiscent of a damp sponge – not soggy, but not parched either. By striking this balance, you’ll create an ideal setting for decomposition to occur, yielding a nutrient-rich compost that will benefit your garden in the long run.

“Pests are getting into my compost pile“

The key to resolving this issue lies in understanding what’s drawing pests like rats, raccoons, and flies to your compost pile. It often starts with tossing the wrong materials into the bin, which can create an environment that’s attractive to unwanted critters. For instance, failing to bury kitchen scraps deep enough or not covering a plastic bin properly can both contribute to pest problems.

By addressing these fundamental issues and taking steps to manage pests effectively, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy and thriving compost pile.

“My compost pile is full of bugs“

It’s natural to expect some unwanted guests at your compost pile, especially if it’s attracting flies or other pests. However, there are certain insects that are harmless and even beneficial to the decomposition process. For instance, ants and maggots can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem. If you’re noticing an overabundance of these critters, it might be a sign that your compost pile isn’t quite reaching the optimal temperatures required for efficient decomposition.

In this case, the solution is simple: find ways to increase the heat in your pile, whether through adding more ‘green’ materials or turning the pile regularly.

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