There is no secret to compost, the planet has been doing it all by itself for eons. However, to make good compost, there are a few things to keep in mind. Ian Lai, a composting educator, during a recent guest appearance on the television program “That Bloomin’ Garden” explains that good compost simply uses Nature’s natural processes to break down organic material. It does this by mixing nitrogen, which is found in “green” scraps like vegetable table waste, and “brown” material like dry grass, leaves or shredded paper with air and water. When proper levels of moisture, air and temperature are maintained beautiful, rich compost is created that can be used in gardens, pots or as mulch.
- Moisture: According to Lai, moisture is a necessary ingredient to making compost. “Material should be sprayed down regularly", he explains, and it should “feel like a damp sponge.”
- Air: For bacteria to live, thrive and do its job breaking down organic material, they not only need moist conditions, but they also need air. Proper aeration is a must. Turning the material regularly to introduce oxygen into the mix is essential in making compost.
- Temperature: Lastly, compost needs heat to work. Lai suggests simply feeling the pile with the palm of your hand for warmth to determine if the compost is working. A compost thermometer can also be inserted into the pile for this purpose. An active compost pile will release steam when being turned, and can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using Garden Compost Bins and Compost Containers
Urban dwellers cannot always use open compost heaps or piles due to space restrictions and municipal by-laws. In these cases, garden compost bins and compost containers are ideal and work just as well, if not faster. Whether you make your own compost bin or purchase a manufactured one they all have the same basic function and work under the rules of Moisture, Air and Temperature plus a few other do’s and don’ts. Lai says to use equal amounts of “green” and “brown” material and avoid using dairy, meat and cooking oil in the compost bin. Shredded paper helps to keep the compost aerated. Place the compost bin in a sunny spot to ensure temperature levels. Aeration tools are necessary to ensure proper oxygen levels are maintained. Visit your local garden center and follow the manufacture's guidelines when choosing a compost bin or compost container.
Compost Tumblers
Compost Tumblers are the most self-contained compost bins on the market and allow the bin to be rolled, tumbled or rotated to speed-up the composting process. Most models have a tap or a drainage hole permitting the collection of "compost tea" (a nutrient-rich liquid by-product of the composting process which can be used as a great fertilizer). All have air holes and vents eliminating the need for aeration tools.
Worm Compost Bins
For environmentalists who have a penchant for pets, worm compost bins may be the answer. Worm composting works on all the same principles of the before-mentioned methods and can be done inside. Worm castings are rich in nitrogen and make excellent compost.
Feeling the Need to Go Green? Compost
Home owners have a wide variety of composting options, whether it is using piles, bins or worms. Whatever the choice, and as long as a few simple rules are followed, the rewards will be piles of rich, black compost and a better environment for everyone.
Sources:
That Bloomin’ Garden, Eastlink Television, An Interview with Ian Lai, Compost Educator. Air date: September, 5, 2010.
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