Composting
Composting
is the natural breakdown of organic materials. Compost is the rich
organic soil that is created as microorganisms decompose organic
materials, like yard trimmings and kitchen scraps.
Backyard Composting
Backyard composting is an activity that any family with a little space and time can do. There are several different composting techniques depending on your lifestyle and goals, but the process is generally the same. Vermiculture, or worm composting, is another option for small-scale kitchen composting and great for apartment or condo dwellers who do not have access to a yard.
Why is composting so great?
How to get started
Composting is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Check out these helpful composting guides, or see the steps listed below.
Composting at Home in Georgia (pdf)
Six steps to composting
1. Collect materials
Check out the complete list of materials that can be added to your compost pile. You should try to add equal quantities of wet and dry ingredients.
2. Select a container
Whether you purchase a bin, make your own bin, or use no bin at all is your choice.
There are several compost and worm bins available for purchase. An internet search or a visit to your local hardware store should supply an abundance of options. Look for bins that are sturdy, made out of recycled material, are animal-resistant and have few ‘bells and whistles’ that might break over time.
Whatever you do, the pile should be at approximately 1 cubic yard (3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet). Piles that are significantly larger or smaller may have problems.
3. Choose a location
Selecting a site for the pile is a balance between convenience and consideration. Although a well maintained compost pile should not generate odors or attract animals, we advise not placing it too close to outdoor living areas or property lines.
(If you do not have a yard, consider implementing a vermiculture system (worm bin.) broken link
4. Build the pile
The basic idea is to alternate wet and dry materials in layers approximately 4 inches thick. This will help create optimal conditions for the micro-organisms that decompose organic matter.
To discourage insects, rodents, and other "vectors," be sure to bury food scraps near the center of the pile and cover with dry materials. Do not add meat, dairy products, or fatty foods.
5. Let it cook
The micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, worms, and insects, will decompose the material in the compost pile. It's just a matter of time. The rate at which this process occurs depends on two main actors: AIR & WATER. Seasonal temperatures also affect the decomposition rate of small piles, the warmer the better. You do have some control over the rate at which your pile decomposes.
FAST METHOD: To get the material to decompose as quickly as possible, the pile needs to be kept HOT. All piles heat up initially, as the microbes give off heat when metabolizing food. Within a week, however, the microbes will have used up the available oxygen and the pile cools down. To add air, turn the pile with a pitch fork or shovel. You can turn the material within the bin, turn the material into a second pile, or remove the bin from the original pile, place it nearby, and re-fill it. Add water if the pile looks dry or add leaves if it looks too wet. It should have the consistency of a wet sponge.
To obtain finished compost in the shortest amount of time, turn the pile every fourth day. This method can take 3 weeks to 3 months.
SLOW METHOD: If speed is not your main concern, you may opt for a more passive style of composting. The microbes still need air, so you can either 1) turn the pile less frequently, or 2) insert pipes or sticks to aerate the center. If you choose the latter, simply wiggles the sticks from time to time to let air in. This method can take 3 months to 2 years.
6. Harvest the compost
The compost is finished when it is dark brown and has an earthy smell. To remove any large chunks, sift the compost through a garden sieve or milk crate. The chunks can be placed back in the pile. Use the finished compost in your garden to add nutrient to the soil around plants. It can also be used to repot house plants, as a bedding for seedlings, or as mulch around trees and shrubs. Lawns love compost, too.
Backyard Composting
Backyard composting is an activity that any family with a little space and time can do. There are several different composting techniques depending on your lifestyle and goals, but the process is generally the same. Vermiculture, or worm composting, is another option for small-scale kitchen composting and great for apartment or condo dwellers who do not have access to a yard.
Why is composting so great?
- Reduces our need for landfills. Over 800,000 tons of food scraps were disposed in Georgia in 2004. In the US municipal solid waste stream, yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 24 percent of the U.S. municipal solid waste.
- Creates rich soil for gardens & lawns.
- Loosens clay soils and helps sandy soils retain water
- Can save money, as it is a great alternative to fertilizers.
- Is fun for kids. Compost bins are full of interesting critters and educational opportunities.
- Can be a great conversation piece with your neighbors!
How to get started
Composting is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Check out these helpful composting guides, or see the steps listed below.
Composting at Home in Georgia (pdf)
Six steps to composting
1. Collect materials
Check out the complete list of materials that can be added to your compost pile. You should try to add equal quantities of wet and dry ingredients.
2. Select a container
Whether you purchase a bin, make your own bin, or use no bin at all is your choice.
There are several compost and worm bins available for purchase. An internet search or a visit to your local hardware store should supply an abundance of options. Look for bins that are sturdy, made out of recycled material, are animal-resistant and have few ‘bells and whistles’ that might break over time.
Whatever you do, the pile should be at approximately 1 cubic yard (3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet). Piles that are significantly larger or smaller may have problems.
3. Choose a location
Selecting a site for the pile is a balance between convenience and consideration. Although a well maintained compost pile should not generate odors or attract animals, we advise not placing it too close to outdoor living areas or property lines.
(If you do not have a yard, consider implementing a vermiculture system (worm bin.) broken link
4. Build the pile
The basic idea is to alternate wet and dry materials in layers approximately 4 inches thick. This will help create optimal conditions for the micro-organisms that decompose organic matter.
To discourage insects, rodents, and other "vectors," be sure to bury food scraps near the center of the pile and cover with dry materials. Do not add meat, dairy products, or fatty foods.
5. Let it cook
The micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, worms, and insects, will decompose the material in the compost pile. It's just a matter of time. The rate at which this process occurs depends on two main actors: AIR & WATER. Seasonal temperatures also affect the decomposition rate of small piles, the warmer the better. You do have some control over the rate at which your pile decomposes.
FAST METHOD: To get the material to decompose as quickly as possible, the pile needs to be kept HOT. All piles heat up initially, as the microbes give off heat when metabolizing food. Within a week, however, the microbes will have used up the available oxygen and the pile cools down. To add air, turn the pile with a pitch fork or shovel. You can turn the material within the bin, turn the material into a second pile, or remove the bin from the original pile, place it nearby, and re-fill it. Add water if the pile looks dry or add leaves if it looks too wet. It should have the consistency of a wet sponge.
To obtain finished compost in the shortest amount of time, turn the pile every fourth day. This method can take 3 weeks to 3 months.
SLOW METHOD: If speed is not your main concern, you may opt for a more passive style of composting. The microbes still need air, so you can either 1) turn the pile less frequently, or 2) insert pipes or sticks to aerate the center. If you choose the latter, simply wiggles the sticks from time to time to let air in. This method can take 3 months to 2 years.
6. Harvest the compost
The compost is finished when it is dark brown and has an earthy smell. To remove any large chunks, sift the compost through a garden sieve or milk crate. The chunks can be placed back in the pile. Use the finished compost in your garden to add nutrient to the soil around plants. It can also be used to repot house plants, as a bedding for seedlings, or as mulch around trees and shrubs. Lawns love compost, too.
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