| Basic Composting |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-414 |
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Q: What's needed to start a simple backyard compost? A: It's a simple matter to create a compost pile in your back yard, and there are just a few ingredients to make sure that it's done right. Materials: Composting structure (e.g., wire frame)
Dry ingredients (leaves, branches)
Garden dirt or mulch
Grass clippings
Landscape waste
Kitchen waste (vegetable matter only)
Gardener's rake
Pitchfork
Steps: - Begin with some sort of composting structure. Elaborate, high-tech ones (figure A) are available from garden suppliers, but all you really need for basic composting is a simple structure like the wire frame shown in our demonstration (figure B ). Simple wire frames are desirable in many situations because they are inexpensive and easily moved.
- Once your structure is in place, begin adding the compost ingredients. Begin with a bottom layer of dry matter -- dry leaves, branches, etc. (figure C) -- that's about 4 inches deep. Spread the dry ingredients evenly to form a level layer. A narrow bed-rake (figure D) is useful for arranging and spreading your compost ingredients as you add them.
- For the next layer, add some ordinary garden dirt (not potting soil) or leaf mulch from your yard (figure E). Spread the layer evenly. These bottom two layers will create the initial base for your compost pile.
- Green material such as grass clippings (figure F) can go in next. It's fine if these are fresh clippings with some moisture still in them. Add a thick layer of green material and spread it level using the rake.
- Once the green material has been added, leave the compost pile undisturbed for about a week. After a week, you can turn the ingredients using a pitchfork (figure G).
- If you're using a wire frame, the turning step is simplified since the frame can be easily lifted aside. Simply move the frame over a couple of feet, then turn the ingredients as you shovel them back into the repositioned frame (figure H).
- With the initial base-ingredients turned, you can begin adding other ingredients such as landscape waste -- garden and yard cuttings, etc. (figure I).
- You can also begin adding kitchen waste (figure J). You can safely add fruit and vegetable matter, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, etc.
- Important: Avoid adding animal products (meat scraps, dairy products), animal waste or diseased plants to your compost pile. These can contaminate the desirable organic ingredients and attract unwanted pests.
- If your mix of ingredients follows these guidelines, you should have rich, dark compost (figure K) in about two months. Adding aged compost as mulch in flower beds or around trees helps add natural nutrients into the soil.
RESOURCES :
The Rodale Book of Composting
Model: 0878579915
Author: Deborah L. Martin, Grace Gershuny, editors
Rodale Press
Red Oak, IA 51591
Phone: 515-242-0282
Backyard Composting: Your Complete Guide to Recycling Yard Clippings
Model: 0962976830
Author: John Roulac
Let It Rot: The Gardener's Guide to Composting
Model: 1580170234
Author: Stu Campbell
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
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