Compost It
Turn household scraps and garden trimmings into useful fertilizer.
Photography by Brian Francis
Compost improves soil’s fertility, texture, and ability to hold water. Start your own collection bin or pile to generate a supply of nature’s soil amendment.
Natural Ingredients
Composting follows the same cycle of plant decomposition found in nature, but at a slightly more accelerated rate. In addition to the microorganisms necessary to the decaying process, successful composting requires carbon, nitrogen, water, and air. Good sources of carbon include fall leaves, straw, cornstalks, sawdust, and shredded black-and-white newspaper. You can ensure that your compost pile has enough nitrogen by adding grass clippings, fresh weeds, and nonmeat/nondairy kitchen waste such as fruits, vegetables, and coffee filters. And remember that water and air are both vital to decomposition.
Tips for Success
Moisten whatever you add to your compost heap, and check the moisture content occasionally by squeezing a handful of the composting materials. They should feel like a damp, not-too-wet sponge.
To add oxygen, turn the pile regularly and create air pockets by mixing in bulky materials such as corncobs and large sticks. You also can try inserting a PVC pipe drilled with ventilation holes, or build your pile on a pallet to allow airflow underneath.
To continue growing your compost heap, layer carbon and nitrogen materials, moisten as needed, and turn weekly. To speed the process, shred materials before adding them to the pile.
When the compost is ready in the spring, mix it with topsoil for use in your flowerbeds and vegetable garden and around trees that need extra nutrients. As the compost breaks down, it will create healthy soil.
The Nose Knows
Remember, healthy compost should have a good, earthy smell. Use the guide below to keep your pile in good condition.
Problem: The pile has a foul odor.
Diagnosis: It’s too wet.
Solution: Add dry materials, and turn the pile. Check moisture content using the squeeze method: Remember, composting materials should feel about as moist as a damp sponge.
Problem: The pile smells like ammonia.
Diagnosis: It has too much nitrogen.
Solution: Add more carbon materials such as leaves and newspaper, turning the pile to mix them in.
Add to Your Compost Heap:
- fruit and vegetable scraps
- coffee grounds
- eggshells (rinsed)
- leaves
- straw
- sawdust
- shredded newspaper (avoid glossy and color inserts)
Do Not Compost:
- Meat and bones
- Fat and grease
- Dairy products
- Pet manure
Want to build your own compost bin? Click here for a list of materials and tools, along with step-by-step instructions.