Categories: Composting

Start Composting Today

Composting uses the natural process of decomposition to recycle food scraps and plant trimmings. It transforms these materials into a beneficial product to use on your lawn, in your flower beds, potted plants and vegetable gardens.

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The Process

In the forest, composting happens whether we are involved in it or not. This is about controlling the natural decay process by providing the right conditions for the tiny organisms (mainly bacteria, fungi and protozoa) that break down waste to thrive.

The Result

Finished compost (sometimes called humus) is simply decomposed organic matter. When ready to use it has a pleasant, earthy smell and a dark, crumbly appearance‚Äîlike coffee grounds, only moister and not so uniform. If any items of food are still discernible, they can be screened out and added back to the bin.

Composting Methods for Countertop, Closet, Indoors or Outdoors

The composting method you choose depends on the material you’re composting, available space, and how much effort you want to put into it. If you haven’t started composting yet it’s probably safe to assume convenience is a big factor.

Countertop Pails – These are made from stainless steel, ceramic or plastic; these often come with bio-degradable liner bags for a completely ‘hands-off’ experience. When full just toss it into the outdoor bin.
Vermiposting – Using worms to do the composting work is the easiest and fastest way to recycle fruit and vegetable wastes. This method requires no pile turning, no smell, and fast compost production. Also, you can make compost all year long, and kids like to get involved to watch the worms do their thing. Do an internet search on vermipost for details.

Outdoor Bins Work for Small and Large Yards

Closed bins – those with locking lids or side doors – are good for urban dwellers, condo-politans and closely settled neighborhoods. A slower method but secure from animals and small children.
Open sided-bins such as a three-chambered bin works on the assembly line principle, and is an efficient structure for “fast” composting. Three batches of compost are in various stages of decomposition at all times. The composting process is started in the first bin. This material is then turned into the middle bin and a new batch is started in the first bin. Next, the middle bin is turned into the third bin as nearly finished compost. This method requires space since each bin should be at least three to five feet in each dimension and should be made with rot-resistant wood (redwood) or wood treated with an environmentally safe preservative.
A circular bin is very useful for composting larger quantities of organic materials, and can be easily made from a length of closely spaced woven wire fencing held together with chain snaps. A standard-sized garbage can with eight or more slots in the sides of the can for ventilation and five in the bottom for drainage can also be used.
Tumbler-style – Must be mixed regularly and is not a ‘continuous add’ option. This method requires more input from the user than other methods, and presents the problem of where to keep the scraps waiting to go in the tumbler while it’s cooking up a batch of compost.
A big ‘ole pile in the yard is okay for sticks and grass but is not an active compost heap if it just sits there. It takes a while and some effort to harvest.