Written by: Celena Nguyen

Composting Basics

Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste, such as food scraps, yard clippings, and leaves, into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition. Within the process of composting, a community of microorganisms feeds on the organic material, breaking them down and releasing valuable plant nutrients. It is an amazing method of recycling because it helps reduce and sustainably manage the waste you produce at home and decreases the emission of greenhouse gasses. Not only does composting reduce trash production and make a positive impact on climate change, it promotes the healthy growth of your garden because it yields beneficial soil for the plants in your garden and reduces the need for fertilizer and pesticides.

Types of Composting

The two ways you can compost at home are:

1. Backyard composting
2. Vermicomposting (worm composting)

In this article, we will be focusing on backyard composting, as it is more accessible and beginner-friendly.

Ingredients for Composting

The primary composting materials consist of carbon-rich materials (“browns”) and nitrogen rich materials (“greens”). You will also need water, which will help sustain microbial life, and air, or oxygen, which will maintain aerobic conditions.

Compost Pile: Yes and No’s YES:

• Browns:Dry leavesPlant stalks and twigsShredded paper (non-glossy, uncolored) and shredded brown paper bagsShredded cardboard (no wax coating, tape, or glue)Untreated wood chipsNewspaper

●  Greens:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Grass clippings
  • Coffee grounds and paper filters

• Eggshells
  • Manure from herbivores
  • Pet and/or human hair

NO:

• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Styrofoam
• Dryer lint
• Produce stickers
• Meat and dairy products
• Oily and fatty products
• Weeds
• Plants treated with pesticides or showing disease or insect infestation

Steps for Backyard Composting

1. Determine where you will collect and store your compost materials: Keep a closed container in your kitchen to collect and store fruit and vegetable scraps and make a designated area outside to keep your browns.
2. Find a place for your backyard compost pile: Choose a space in your yard for your compost pile that is not against a fence and is near a water source. It does not matter if it is in the shade or in direct sunlight. Decide if you want to compost in an open pile, make your own compost bin with wood, wire, and/or cinder blocks, or buy a pre-made bin.
3. Prepare your compost: Cut, chop, or shred up your materials into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost pile in order to help them break down faster.
4. Build your compost pile: Start with a 4 to 6-inch layer of bulky browns at the bottom of your bin or pile, consisting of twigs and wood chips to help absorb extra liquids and allow air circulation. Following the first layer of browns, make alternating layers of your browns and greens, and add a little water to dampen the pile if necessary. Add at least 2-3 times the volume of browns to the volume of greens, or enough browns to completely cover your greens.
5. Maintain your compost pile: Occasionally turn and mix your compost from outside of the pile inward with a garden fork to speed up decomposition and ensure

air circulation throughout the pile. The pile should feel as wet as a wrung out sponge and the temperature of the compost will rise as it decomposes.

Troubleshooting

Monitor your pile for moisture, odor, and temperature and make adjustments as needed. Refer to the table below if you encounter any of these common issues:

How & When to Use Your Compost

Once the pile stops heating up after mixing, and when there are no more food scraps present, allow the pile to cure for at least 4 weeks. If the pile is well-maintained, the compost can be ready to use in about 3-5 months. If left alone, it may take up to a year or more to generate finished compost. Finished compost can be used as mulch, a component to potting media, or to amend soil prior to planting. All in all, composting takes time and patience, so let compost work!

Composting is a simple, yet powerful, way to reduce waste, improve your garden, and contribute to a healthier planet. Whether you are starting small or going all in, any amount of effort makes a difference. So, grab your compost bin, start collecting your scraps, and let nature do the work. Happy composting!

Works Cited

Carr, Rick. “Backyard Composting Basics: A Cheatsheet.” Rodale Institute, 4 Nov. 2019, rodaleinstitute.org/blog/backyard-composting-basics-a-cheatsheet/. “Composting at Home.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 27 Sept. 2024,

www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.

Mancera, Osiris. “Basics of Composting.” Denver Urban Gardens, 9 May 2024, dug.org/composting-basics/.