WHAT IS COMPOSTING?

Composting is the process that creates the king of fertilizers.
The process itself is the natural system of organisms breaking down organic material into a brown, crumbly material called humus. This material, commonly called "compost", enriches the soil in many ways.

Adding compost to your garden soil improves its structure, texture and aeration.
It also increases its capacity to hold water, improving drainage and reducing erosion. Compost improves soil fertility and stimulates healthy root development in plants and may even enhance the color of plants and vibrancy of blooms. Its organic matter adds nutrients to all soil types.

The main components of compost are carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens).
The ideal ratio of the two is 25 parts browns to 1 part greens. Too much carbon slows the breakdown of materials, while too much nitrogen can cause odor. The carbon provides energy for the microbes (which break down the organic material), and the nitrogen provides protein. Kitchen scraps are typically high in nitrogen, so they should not represent the bulk of the compost heap. Compost also must be aerated. The materials need to be mixed regularly, because oxygen helps them break down effectively.

Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is different than traditional composting.
Red earthworms consume organic waste and produce odor-free castings. This method is useful for kitchen and table scraps, since vermicomposting doesn't require a specific ratio of browns-to-greens. Worm composting also does not generate temperatures high enough to kill pathogens, so it's more appropriate for food, paper and yard waste. Food scraps should be chopped or shredded to aid breakdown. Animal products should be minimized (preferably excluded) to prevent odors.

How quickly will organic material turn into humus?
That depends on five key components:

• Food - diversity of material, ratio of browns-to-greens.
• Air - oxygen is required for decomposition. Aerate materials once or twice a month, or whenever you add to the pile.
• Water - the entire compost pile should have the moisture content of a wrung-out sponge. Don't let it get too wet or too dry.
• Surface area - the smaller the pieces, the more surface area there is for the micro-organisms to break down the material speeding up the composting process.
• Volume - the compost pile should have a minimum volume of 3' x 3' x 3' and a maximum volume of 5' x 5' x 5' to process efficiently.

Shredded organic materials heat up and decompose quickly.
The smaller the materials, the faster they'll decay. The process should take 6 to 12 months in a bin, less time in a tumbler. When the process is finished, the compost should not look like any of its original ingredients. Good compost should smell earthy, and should be dark and crumbly.

TYPES OF COMPOSTING -
PILE

• No bin required, just create a compost pile anywhere. No expense.
• Unattractive, should be kept out of sight.
• Labor intensive - compost must be turned regularly with a pitchfork.
• Compost piles tend to spread out and heat up only in the middle.
• Difficult to exclude pests, pets and odors.
• Material decomposes for 6 months to a year before it's ready to be used.

BIN

• Neat and convenient. Keeps compost materials in a specific area.
• Materials generate more heat and break down more quickly than in a loose pile.
• Set-up and maintenance may be time consuming. Compost must be turned regularly with a pitchfork.
• Structures generally cannot be moved.
• Hard to secure from pests, pets and odors.
• Compost material takes 6 months to a year to break down.

TUMBLER

• Preferred method of many gardeners. Attractive, weather resistant.
• Easy to keep aerated. Simply turn the tumbler when material is added.
• Deters pests, pets and odors.
• Creates compost significantly faster than an open pile or bin.
• Can be moved to convenient locations.
• Requires an investment; most cost between $100 and $200.
• Use convenient rollers to move to location or wheelbarrow, shovel, or pail to unload.

TRENCH

• Composts directly into the soil, no bin required.
• Handles kitchen scraps without readily attracting pests.
• Slow rate of decomposition, at least a few months before planting can take place above the trench.
• Trench composting will not destroy weed seed or plant pathogens.
• Pests may dig up trenches.

SHEET

• No maintenance as materials are allowed to decompose on soil surface. Compost filters into the soil below.
• Recommended for leaves, wood chips and other mulches.
• Not recommended for kitchen scraps, which will draw pests.
• Slow rate of decomposition.

Kitchen Composting - One easy way to make the composting a little easier is to have some place to put the kitchen scraps until you're ready to take them to your pile, tumbler or bin. You may want to get a compost pail, compost crock, or the ultimate in easy composting the NatureMill Plus Automatic Composter.

Compost is the ultimate garden fertilizer, containing virtually all the nutrients a living plant needs.
Farmers and gardeners around the world add compost to condition their soil and produce healthier plants. Compost releases nutrients slowly and becomes a permanent part of soil structure, providing benefits over a period of years.

Composting is important because at least 20% of household waste is organic material that can be kept out of the landfill.
The end product of composting, humus, makes an excellent mulch as well. It reduces soil erosion and improves drainage. Composted material encourages beneficial soil micro-organisms, which control harmful micro-organisms.

By incorporating composting into your gardening routine, you'll discover the benefits of enriched, healthy soil and a little less trash on the curb.
With a variety of methods to choose from, you're sure to find one that fits your lifestyle. Happy gardening!