Composting Basics

Composting is a great way to turn trash into treasure and cut down on the waste going into your garbage.

It’s a bit of a science though.  The basics involve the decomposition of organic waste (your kitchen scraps), fueled by millions of microorganisms. This microorganism manure provides a number of benefits to your garden.  Not only does it help to supplement the soil and suppress plant disease and pests, but it is a nutrient dense food for your plants that promotes higher yields and more bountiful plant growth.  It’s like all-natural, homemade, Miracle-Grow.

But you can’t just go tossing any and all kitchen scraps into your compost pile and expect to produce “gardener’s gold.” There are some strict dos and don’ts.

DO Add:
-fruit and veggie scraps
-eggshells (cleaned)
-tea bags & coffee grounds
-grass clippings, hay, straw & leaves
-sawdust & wood chips
-shredded newspaper

DO NOT Add:
-dairy products
-diseased or insect-ridden plants
-fat & grease or oils
-meat or fish scraps
-pet waste
-chemically treated yard trimmings

Kitchen compost bins are a great way to contain your scraps inside until you are ready to bring them out to your compost pile or tumbler.  There are a variety of options on the market right now, and some are pretty cute.

Once you get them outside, you can toss your scraps into a compost tumbler, that makes easy work of circulating the pile as it decomposes. Or if you have the yard space, create a good ol’ compost heap.  A simple 3’x 3’ area will do.  Someplace convenient to your garden (but not too close to the house), that gets good air circulation, good drainage, and partial shade.  Remember to turn your compost pile often, to mix in the new with the old, circulate air, and redistribute microorganisms.  Also, it’s good practice to top off the pile with leaves or grass clippings whenever you add fresh food scraps.  It keeps the smell down and animals away.