What is compost?
It is decomposed organic matter. It is a soil amendment and an organic fertilizer.
How do I compost?
There are a couple different ways you can make compost.
- Hot composting- Uses precise layering of “browns” and “greens” to create microbe activity that heat up the compost and decomposes quickly, within 3-6 weeks. Usually needs a big pile, at least 3 ft wide.
- Worm composting (Vermiculture)- Uses worms to feed on the organic matter, producing worm castings (which is basically gold for soil). Great for kitchen scraps.
- Natural, slow composting- Still uses the “brown” and “green” ratios but it built up over time, and decomposes over a longer period of time.
What are the “browns” and “greens”?
BROWNS- Anything that is rich in CARBON such as:- Dried leaves- Saw dust- Wood chips- Straw- Cardboard- Newspaper…etc.
GREENS- Anything that is rich in NITROGEN such as:- Grass clippings- Fresh plant waste (especially legumes)- Food scraps- Animal manure (cow, chicken, goat…etc.)- Coffee grinds
What should you NOT put in our compost bins?
– DO NOT put any meat or dairy (egg shells are OK)
– DO NOT put cooked food (risk of rodents)
– DO NOT put any citrus fruits (natural anti-bacterial properties)
– DO NOT put and plastics or coated material such as magazines.
– DO NOT put cat, dog, or human poop.
How much of the “browns” and the “greens” do I put?
The rule of thumb is to use a 3 part “brown” to 1 part “green”. But don’t worry about getting too crazy with exact measurements. The idea here is that you want to add some carbon every time you throw in some nitrogen. That is the formula for decomposition to occur.
If you do not add enough of the “browns” you will know because it will start to smell rancid. That isn’t good. To fix this, just add more “browns.”
*YOUR COMPOST SHOULD NEVER SMELL AWFUL!*
If you do not add enough “greens” not much decomposition will occur. So if you notice not much is happening, add in some more Nitrogen.
The goal is balance, much like everything else in life!
Ecocultured Gardens 