A few weeks ago my post 25 Things You CAN Compost You Never Thought About, drew in some great comments, from current composters to newbies looking to learn, so today I want to start at the beginning of starting a compost.
Compost is decomposed organic material, often materials we use daily. While composting may seem complicated, it’s really a very simple and natural process that continuously occurs in nature, often without any assistance from humans.
So what is all the compost talk about? It’s great for the gardener, the eco-friendly and the environmentally responsible. Composting can reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise be tossed into the trash headed to a landfill, and offers great soil for the garden.
Let's take a look at how you can start a compost:
Having a good compost heap is a matter of having the right conditions to encourage the growth of beneficial microbes (fungi and bacteria). These microbes feed on the yard and food wastes that you feed them. Like any other living thing, the microbes in your compost pile need air and water, as well as food. This guide will tell you how to build a perfect compost pile and keep it that way.
The microbes are aerobic - they cannot digest the food you give them without air. If they don't get enough air, anaerobic microbes can take over, causing slower decomposition and an undesirable smell. That's why it's important to choose your yard waste carefully- things like wet leaves or green grass cuttings can mat together and not allow air to get through. Instead, choose something like straw- it doesn't get matted down, and it will allow air to circulate freely. Remember to turn your compost pile frequently enough to allow air to circulate from top to bottom.
Your compost pile should also be moist. There should be water on every particle in the heap, which will encourage microbes to grow and spread. If your compost pile is too dry, the composting process will slow or even stop. If it's too wet, the wet particles will be too heavy and they'll push all the air out. When adding dry ingredients, wet them thoroughly. Don't worry about it when you're adding kitchen waste - it usually has plenty of moisture.
When it's time to feed your compost pile, there are two kinds of food that the microbes like best. Think in terms of "browns" and "greens." Browns are dry or dead plants, straw, weeds, leaves and even sawdust. These are mostly just long chains of sugar molecules, and they provide an ideal food source for the beneficial bacteria and fungi.
Greens are fresh plants, such as kitchen fruit/vegetable waste, green leaves, coffee and tea grounds, as well as horse and other animal manure. Greens contain more nitrogen than browns, and they provide the growing microbes the protein they need. For the best results, aim for a mix of greens and browns. You'll have the ideal amounts of water and moisture.
As composting is an ongoing process, there's really no set time when it's "finished." Ready-to-use compost is darkly colored and smells like soil. When it's ready, it can be used in vegetable gardens, lawns, and landscapes, as well as in your houseplants. Compost isn't only good to your plants, it nourishes the soil as well.
Great resources for info on composting:
- The Compost Resource - One of my favorite sites for composting information. Lots of info for new composters and experienced pros.
- The Garden Of Oz - Basic information on composting and benefits.
- Earth Easy - A guide for making compost at home.
34 Responses
1
Alex R
July 29th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Can i make compost at balcon, or it have very bad smell? Can i use this compost for my ficus and other room plants? Thanks for answers.
2
Josi
July 29th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Hello, very interesting how to build a fertilizer. Very simple and practical this perfect. Congratulations for the post!
3
Dee's Austin Music Guide
July 30th, 2010 at 12:38 am
You know, I've never had much luck with a compost even though I'm an avid gardener.. But it's SO important, I think.
Thanks for the detailed report, and I like how you added a resource for further followup!
Dee
4
Anna
July 30th, 2010 at 6:56 am
Thanks for these tips, I'm looking forward to make one more compost pile according to these rules:)
5
Cal
July 31st, 2010 at 5:08 am
This article is very interesting. I am a plant lover that's why I am very much connected with this topic. This will be a big help for me because nowadays fertilizers are very expensive.
6
Anonymous
July 31st, 2010 at 2:48 pm
The only problem with composting is that is an eyesore as well as the stench involved... Building one of these would probably only work outside of the city?
7
Gladys
August 1st, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Starting a compost in the city is not hard at all-Just use leftovers from fruits and vegetables-I have been composting for a long time in the city with zero stench-Great post!
8
Kalu
August 2nd, 2010 at 6:56 am
Thx for this article , i searched a lot for a way to make a good fertilizer . Now that i found it i can fill my garden with plants .
9
Rent villas in Spain
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:23 am
I had never given my compost bin some much thought, I normally just chuck the waste in a take my chances. I will need to use these tips to find out what is going wrong with my composting
10
Snooples
August 2nd, 2010 at 10:24 am
My neighbour has a compost, which I think is a great idea. It didn't smell at all until he open the lid. This is what is detering me from composting.
11
Metal Water Bottles
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
My family has been composting for as long as I can remember. I routinely take a coffee can of scraps down to throw in the compost pile. After a few years, you end up with some amazing potting soil.
12
James
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:26 am
Great "tutorial". I've didn't know that is so simple to make your own compost pile at home. I think I will try to do this thing in short time at my "organic home", on the village.
13
Nathan Rodriguez
August 4th, 2010 at 12:30 am
With a constant feeding of organic materials this kind of compost really produces great results in plants thrive.
Thanks for the tips !
14
Susan
August 4th, 2010 at 4:02 am
I'd like to follow your tips in order to create composting pile but I'm afraid it'll take too much place:(
15
Virginia Criminal Attorney
August 4th, 2010 at 7:21 am
When compost is added to your soil, this encourages earthworms and other beneficial organisms. These break down the soil causing nutrients to be released
16
Sytek MN Directory
August 6th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
The advantages of compost pile was great and it gave me a lot of information. Thanks a lot!
17
Kedai Obat
August 7th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I Agree with Susan that 'd like to follow your tips in order to create composting pile but I'm afraid it'll take too much place..
18
Dave
August 8th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I bought a cheap trash can and drilled some air holes in it to do my composting. It is better for me than a compost pile as I have limited space.
19
SeriousOpinion from OnlineMom
August 9th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
I wish I was on your blog earlier in the summer. I have composted the old way but I like your idea/tips. I will definitely try it out next year. Thanks for the share, its very informative about composting. I think I was doing it all wrong because it really smells like garbage. I am excited now for next batch
20
Peter
August 10th, 2010 at 1:01 am
Can you recommend how you would build a compost heap for city dwellers? I have more than enough 'greens' and my past attempts at composting turned in to more of a mushy goo with lots of flies rather than compost! I don't have access to straw, sawdust and dead plants.
21
küçük sirlar
August 10th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Thanks for the tips
22
trtrt
August 10th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Thanks focusorganic
23
celine
August 11th, 2010 at 2:51 am
I never thought about that aerobic thing before all I do is to make a compost pit and put biodegradable in it...
24
Compost Tumbler
August 11th, 2010 at 8:22 am
good tips. thanks.
25
Suzanne Holt
August 11th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Wow! Thanks for such detailed instructions! I always get a foul odor when attempting to make my own compost. I'll have to try mixing it and see if that helps.
Thanks,
Suzanne
26
Web Tasar?m
August 12th, 2010 at 2:44 am
thnx for tips (:
27
elamworld.com
August 12th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
thanks for nice tip.....great.
28
James
August 12th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I knew there was a better way of doing it than what I was doing... Piling everything up and waiting wasn't working on my end. thanks.
29
Nathan
August 13th, 2010 at 1:13 am
Thanks for the tips for making compost! Looking forward to try it myself.
30
nest web design
August 16th, 2010 at 2:02 am
OK !! Thx for the information..i'll try it..
31
Candace Corwin
August 18th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Thanks for that. Great article buddy keep it up!
32
Mentone Window Cleaning
August 19th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Thanks for this article. I used to have a compost pile as a kid and remember how hot the soil got.
I just found your blog but there is so much great information on here that I will definitely be returning. I just bought a holiday house which only runs from solar power so I'll be looking through your articles for some tips on energy saving.
33
Green Builder
August 24th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
You inspire me in many ways. Thanks much for posting eco topic writings. I really love your blog!
34
Allison Beckett
August 26th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
My parents had a compost pile when I was a kid. I would love to have one now, but I live in an apartment on the second floor... any solution ideas?