Composting
is a method for accelerating the natural decomposition of organic materials.
Once composted these materials release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace
nutrients that plants in your vegetable garden need to thrive.
Compost releases nutrients at a natural rate, so as plants grow they are continually fed. Additionally, compost is filled with beneficial microorganisms and often earthworms – all of which continue to enrich your soil.
At Riverview, we use and sell the Miracle Gro BioStack, Stacking Composter. This is a black plastic stackable bin with a tight fitting lid. In the Spring and Summer when we have longer, sunnier days, the BioStack composter will heat up, accelerating the decomposition process. As the compost pile breaks down and the pile shrinks, sections can be taken off the top and a new pile can be started at a different location. If you don't have the BioStack stacking composter, never fear! Many methods can be used. There are a myriad of bin types and tumblers, or you can try making your own home composter!
Now you're ready to turn you're scraps to gardener's gold. But, what should you put into the bin? The best compost is made from a Carbon/Nitrogen ratio of 30:1. To find out the carbon/nitrogen ratios of household organic materials, you can visit http://www.mastercomposter.com/ref/orgmat1.html.
However, if you're a beginner you may want to stick to a simple, effective rule. Put equal parts green and brown materials in your compost bin in layers. Green materials are usually made up of kitchen scraps – fruit and vegetable scraps, tea, plant prunings, etc. These materials are quick to rot and they release moisture and nitrogen. Brown materials decompose slowly and are rich in carbon. Cardboard, fallen leaves, eggshells, and paper are all good examples of brown materials.
| Brown Materials leaves cardboard/paper straw eggshells newspaper peanut shells pine needles (acidic) wood ash (alkaline) stems and twigs vegetable stalks bark corn shocks |
Green Materials seaweed manure fruit scraps plant prunings vegetable scraps legume shells (peanut. soy, etc) hair feathers flowers algae brewery wastes grass clippings |
DO NOT Compost meat dairy diseased plants grease black walnuts weeds poisonous plants (ie: poison ivy) mayonnaise inorganic materials anything chemically treated |
When building your compost pile, alternate layers of green and brown
materials, adding an activator to the top of each layer. An activator is a
source of nitrogen and protein – ingredients that help the microorganisms in
compost break down the organic materials. Mature compost is also frequently
added to the pile in order to introduce these microorganisms. We like to
simplify by using Espoma's Bio-Excelerator because it adds microorganisms to
your bin and provides the energy sources to feed them!
Chop your materials before placing them in the bin – these smaller pieces will break down faster. You can add some moisture to the pile but BE CAUTIOUS – a soggy compost pile will quickly turn into a slimy mess. Once you've built your pile make sure to maintain it by turning, turning, turning! Decomposing organic matter consumes oxygen quickly. You can aerate by turning the pile in order to accelerate the decomposition. Your compost is ready to use when it is dark brown, has a slightly sweet smell and when none of the original ingredients are recognizable.