Methods of composting

Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into a rich soil amendment known as compost. It offers so many environmental benefits, and at the same time, it reduces waste, and keeps organic matter, such as kitchen scraps and yard waste, out of the landfill. Turning what we would normally take to the landfill into compost will change the structure of the soil. Composting not only enriches the soil, helping to maintain moisture (uses less water) and suppresses plant diseases and pests, it also reduces the need for fertilizers. The aerobic processes dramatically reduce methane emissions with anaerobic decomposition in landfills, which helps mitigate climate change.

The recipe for great compost consists of organic materials, which are rich in nitrogen (green material) such as kitchen scrapes from (prep work) not what is left on a plate, and green weeds/grass from the yard, coffee grounds. Brown materials need to be included, which are rich in carbon such as organic straw, dried leaves, cardboard, newspaper, woodchips, in a certain percentage of each material green to brown. Things to avoid, dairy, meat, oil foods and glossy or coated paper. 

The right amount of water and air are important for microorganisms (protozoa, fungi, bacteria, nematodes) to effectively break down the materials into compost. If we provide our plants with essential nutrients, it will help maintain an ecological balance which encourages organic and eco-friendly growing practices that address waste management, soil health, water and greenhouse emissions, promotes diversity and a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. 

There are different types of composting:

Hot Composting- Hot composting is an accelerated composting technique and requires monitoring of the pile to maintain high temperatures which will burn out the weed seeds and pathogens. (between 130-160 degrees F). This method can create compost within 21 days depending on the materials, pile size and environmental conditions.

Cold Composting- Cold composting is a slower approach to composting, requiring less maintenance. The materials decompose over time. The microorganisms operate at lower temperatures compared to the hot compost microorganisms. This method of composting takes longer, and it does not generate enough heat to burn off weed seeds and pathogens effectively.

Vermicomposting- Vermicomposting requires a certain kind of worm, a red wiggler, to decompose organic waste, it has a mighty jaw.  Vermicompost is the cleanest compost you can get, the only thing is they can’t burn out the weed seed, so you must be careful what you feed them. The worms consume what you feed them, and their poop (worm castings) create a highly rich compost. This method can be done indoors or outdoors depending on temperatures. Vermicomposting should be odorless if done properly. Casting should be available in about 6 months. Excellent for small scale composting or for introducing to your other compost piles.

Let’s Begin:

Choose a site- Choose a site that is convenient, well drained, and the right size as you want to be able to reach around the pile for turning. 

Gather your materials- Soak your materials overnight in water if you can, this process will help with adding enough water to the pile. 

Build your compost pile: To build your pile begin layering each of the materials. I like to start with woodchips and end with woodchips to help keep the greens safe from animals. Add water as you go do not over water the pile and make it waterlogged. Compost should have a dampness of a wrung-out sponge. You can test this by squeezing some in your hand and water should drip just between your fingers. 

Maintaining and monitoring your compost pile: Maintaining your compost pile is crucial for achieving good compost. Keep an eye on the moisture of your pile. If you are doing a hot compost pile your hottest part of the pile will be in the middle; each part of the pile needs to have been in the middle at least once to burn out the weed seed. If your pile is too hot, turn it and add water, the pile can combust at 170 degrees. Your pile will decrease in size by half through the composting process.

Harvesting your compost- Harvesting the compost is the final step, you are ready to spread it in our growing areas. Should be a coco color, crumbly with an earthly smell. When applying your compost, it does not take much as it is a nutritious layer with living microorganisms. Compost should never burn your plants. 

Caution when using manure in compost building if the animal was given antibiotics the pile may not heat up if doing a hot compost. If the animal has been given a dewormer will also create a problem in your pile as you want worms to help break down organic matter.