Compost Guide

Composting has been around for thousands of years and it's natural process hasn't changed much since since the dawn of time. Composting is nothing more than the natural aerobic decomposition of biodegradable organic matter. Composting has many benefits and almost no negatives. First, composting limits the amount of so called "green waste" in landfills and dumps. It usually takes longer for biodegradable organic matter to break down in a landfill, and even when it does, it is of no use when its buried with trash. Next, composting is a great way to get free nutrient rich soil for your garden, allowing you to control exactly what goes into the nutrients of your plants and vegetables. The only major drawbacks of composting are space and smell. You need a place to compost, and it's probably going to stink depending on the container and contents.

Where to Compost?
The best and most common place to compost is the back corner of your back yard. If your yard is fenced, it will keep most of the scavengers out, but always expect to find rodents trying to make their way in as well. Also make sure the prevailing winds don't direct the potential stink of your compost in an unfavorable direction.

How to Set Up Your Compost Area.
Depending on the area you choose to compost in and how "big" the project will be, there are a variety of style and containment systems to use. If you're on a budget and have platy of space, starting a pile surrounded by a chicken wire fence is the easiest way to go. This method works well with warmer climates, while "contained" compost bins may work better in milder climates. Having a structure around your compost is the next step up. A good budget method of creating a compost bin is to use old wooden shipping pallets, which will still allow plenty of air to get to the compost. If you're looking for something more contained and aesthetically pleasing, there are plenty of pre made compost bins available to order online.

What Can be Composted?
Ensuring only the proper ingredients are added to your compost is very important to its success. Hay, grass, weeds and lawn clippings are all welcome in your compost, but be careful with plants and weeds that have gone to seed, as they can cause unwanted problems down the road. Also, if you're going to be composting any of these, make sure to only use thin layers in the compost bin. Using thin layers will keep the compost from clumping together and allow proper oxygen flow to the various other layers in the bin. All fruits, vegetables and other vegetarian organic matter are compostable and should be added to the compost. Manure from farm animals with vegetarian diets is also a good addition. Some things you don't want to add to your compost are meat, fish, dairy, dyed paper, pet feces, coal ash and anything synthetic. One of the only exceptions to the rules above are egg shells, which work great. One of the best compost additions are coffee grounds. Coffee grounds have a neutral PH and have been known to increase the internal temperature of the compost.

How Long Does it Take?
Depending on your climate and how often you turn or agitate your compost pile, some compost will be ready in a few months, while some can take years to break down. If you live in a cooler climate, composting with worms or pumping oxygen into the compost is a sure way to speed up the process as well. If you're interested in learning more about composting, check out Garden Guides' Guide to Composting, Veg Web's Composting Fundamentals and Composting101.com. We've also found some good composting books that can help guide you through the process as well.