Want to Compost Like a Pro? A Few Tips to Get You Started

by DixieSomers

Many gardeners resist the practice of composting because they see it as too much work, or worry that they might make a mistake. The truth is, there are many different composting methods, and you can do it as much or as little as you choose. One benefit of composting is that it reuses the food that would otherwise be sent to the landfill. That food is used to provide nutrients for the next crop. Composting is a suitable for getting rid of many kinds of organic waste while providing you with nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Here are some tips that will help you to compost like a pro:

via eHow.com

Learn What Should and should not be Composted

While any kind of organic material will break down in a compost pile or bin, not all are desirable. For example, vegetable matter like fruit peelings and leftover salad may be composted with no concerns whatsoever; however, meats and dairy products may cause your compost to emit a foul odor or be particularly attractive to pests. As you research what you can and cannot compost, you’ll get a good idea of how to add it to your pile or bin so it is cohesive with other materials.

via hgtv.com

Choose Ideal Composting Materials

Successful composting is dependent on you choosing the right ratio of green to brown materials. Green materials are the materials that are rich in nitrogen, such as the aforementioned vegetable matter along with other types of kitchen scraps. Brown materials are rich in carbon and include yard waste like tree branches, wood chips and dried leaves. The right ratio of green to brown that will ensure the fastest decomposition rate is 30 parts green to one part brown.

via Sunset.com

Keep Your Compost Moist

Water is one of the most important factors in composting. The materials in your compost pile should be kept moist without being completely saturated. When deciding where you want to put your composting pile, choose a location that is away from your home but that also has a nearby supply of water. Depending on your climate, you may also want to choose your location with the wind in mind. Wind may dry out your compost if there is not adequate protection. If you live in a hot location where rainfall is infrequent, protection from dry winds is doubly important.

via Gardeners.com

Compost should be Aerated

Along with sufficient moisture, compost needs air as a means of spurring microbial activity. Regularly turning your compost will help the tiny organisms to get the air they need. If your compost breaks down without air, it can cause your pile to smell since ammonia and methane gases may be produced. Additionally, anaerobic decomposition can produce compounds that will be toxic to plants. You will be able to tell when your compost needs turning by the temperature. Compost should ideally be between 122 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower and you will need to turn it. Many of the microbes that are effective for composting will die off at about 149 degrees, so if your compost pile regularly reaches that temperature or higher, you should turn it less regularly. Use a long-stemmed thermometer to check the temperature about a foot below the surface.

via life.gaiam.com

Keep Critters Out of Your Compost Bin or Pile

According to pest control service professionals, aside from keeping meat out of your compost, you will also want to avoid adding the feces of any carnivorous pets like cats since this can attract other animals. Take steps to hide your kitchen scraps if you are having issues with rats, raccoons and other pests disturbing your compost. You can do this by adding your greens in the midst of your browns. Simply add your nitrogenous materials first and make a cavity where you can deposit your food scraps. Cover with more yard waste. In situations where the above steps fail and the problem continues, you may just have to stop adding kitchen scraps to your compost.

The level of nutrients in compost is low and will be released over time so you will not want to use it in place of fertilizer; however, you can think of it as an excellent soil treatment. If you are skeptical about your ability to manage compost, or the benefits—start small. You might be more inclined to compost in the fall or spring seasons, but as you get a feel for how it works you might find that your yard can benefit from giving it a try.