DIY Network

Composting 101 To borrow a phrase. . . "compost happens." From "Dirt On Gardening" episode DDOG-102

	Dirt On Gardening host Kristine Hanson with composting expert Peggy Just Peterson.
	Media Watch the Video

Nothing could be more natural than composting, and starting a compost pile is as simple as following a recipe. In fact, your kitchen is where a lot of your compost materials will come from.

Kristine Hanson, host of DIY's The Dirt on Gardening talks with expert gardener and "master composter" Peggy Just Peterson about the how's and why's of composting.

Below are a few composting basics you should know before starting your own compost pile--including what ingredients to use and what not to.

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Master composter Peggy Just Peterson

Why Compost?

• It's the ultimate garden fertilizer and one of nature's best mulches and soil amendments.

• You can make it without spending any money.

• It's easy.
  

  Compost bin

• Compost bin The easiest way to compost is in containers (simple home-made or store bought). You'll use the bin to "store" garden waste in a contained and organized way while the materials break down.

• Pitch fork The best hand tool for turning your compost pile.

• The right location A well-chosen site can help speed up the composting process. Look for a level, well-drained area. Keep it accessible so you won't be inclined to neglect the pile.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B

• The basic recipe for composting includes: greens, browns, water, air and time.

• Many organic materials are suitable for a compost pile. Ideally the pile should be made up of the proper ratio of carbon-rich materials--or "browns." Browns include dried leaves, straw, and wood chips. Even paper bags and drier lint are okay. And it needs nitrogen rich materials or "greens" such as grass clippings.

• Kitchen scraps (figure A) are also considered a "green." Kitchen waste can include things like egg shells, orange rinds, vegetable trimmings and coffee grounds.

• Collect kitchen waste in a small container in the kitchen (figure B) to bring to the pile every few days.

• The ideal ratio approaches 25 parts browns to 1 part greens.

Avoid using any meat, fat, grease, oils, dairy products, bones, dog droppings, lime or fireplace ashes in your compost.

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