DIY Network

Compost Compost From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-108

Compost is another earth-friendly idea designed to lighten the load on the planet. Composting, the decay of organic materials, happens when bacteria, fungi and creatures like earthworms, centipedes and beetles begin to break down solid materials into useful materials for the lawn and garden.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Although all kinds of organic materials can go into making compost, including kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, you should never include greasy materials such as meat scraps or bones in a compost pile (figure A).

Building a Compost Pile

Interested in trying your hand at composting? It isn't difficult, as the following tips illustrate:

1. Start with a layer of sticks and twigs; these will help provide aeration for the pile. Lay these on damp soil and sprinkle with water (figure B).

2. Add a layer of green leafy material, such as leaves, vegetable tops o grass clippings. The alternating layers of brown and green materials provide needed carbon and nitrogen products. Sprinkle this layer with water.

3. Add a layer of brown, such as dried leaves, and sprinkle with water.

4. Add a layer of fresh grass clippings; sprinkle.

5. Add food scraps to the pile and mix with a pitchfork to aerate (figure C).

As the mix breaks down, the bacteria generate heat and can reach temperatures of 140 to 150 degrees. The finished compost is a rich, dark soil with highly absorbable nutrients that can be mixed into lawns, vegetables and flowerbeds (figure D).

The compost process can take from two months to two years, depending on what you do to speed up the process. To ensure speedy composting, put both wet and dry materials in the pile, water thoroughly and turn frequently.