The manner in which you compost is not as important as the materials you use, but you will need to have a designated container or area. Bins manufactured for the express purpose of composting help keep things neat; some even have a mechanism that allows you to turn the bin to keep the compost mixed. You do not need such sophistication, however, to turn out wonderful, rich compost. An out-of-the-way spot is all you need to get started. Add a garden fork for periodic tossing, and you are ready to begin.
The Process
According to the University of Illinois Extension service, several varieties of microorganisms are necessary to turn a mass of organic material into compost. Aerobic bacteria make up the bulk of the microorganisms that initiate the decomposition process. They are joined by actinomycetes, fungi-like bacteria, which break down complex materials with their special enzymes. Fungi, including mold and yeast, aid in the degradation of organic material that is resistant to bacterial action. Protozoa and rotifers contribute to the process by ingesting bacteria and fungi in addition to organic matter.
Moisture
Without moisture, there would be no compost. Like all living things, the microorganisms that create compost need moisture to survive and maintain their biological activity. Too much moisture, however, can be just as bad as too little because it displaces air that the compost organisms need to survive. Harvard University Operations Services says that the ideal moisture level for successful composting is 35 to 45 percent. Compost should feel damp, not wet. Tossing the pile periodically to aerate the components and distribute moisture evenly is a key factor in maintaining the proper moisture level.
Compost Materials
In addition to air and water, microorganisms need carbon and nitrogen for food. Successful composting depends on maintaining the proper balance of green ingredients, which are high in nitrogen, and brown ingredients that are high in carbon. Two parts brown material, by volume, to one part green is ideal.
Green materials are such things as grass clippings, spent flowers and other trimmings from indoor and outdoor plants. Kitchen scraps are also green ingredients, so save all fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds and used tea bags. Do not use bones or meat scraps because they will attract insects and animals foraging for food.
Brown materials are tree leaves, prunings from shrubs, woody vines and plant stalks. Newspapers and cardboard are all right if they are shredded or chopped into small pieces. Resist the urge to throw any and everything onto the pile; some things, such as wood shavings and sawdust, decompose very slowly and can retard progress.
Getting Started
You can start composting immediately. Start by collecting appropriate kitchen scraps in a container with a tight lid. When it is full, take it to your bin or the place you have selected for your compost pile. When you rake leaves, take them to the pile; when you cut back leggy flowers, throw the trimmings onto the pile. Collect everything from lawn or garden that is not diseased or insect infested and add it to the mix.
Margo Steele - Margo Steele has many interests and writes about all of them - at one time or another.
