Composting: The Rotten Truth Chris Dahlen

Composting Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter) through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost. Invertebrates (insects and earthworms), and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) help in this transformation.

Types Fast Composting Slow Composting Dig-a-hole Composting Tumbler Composting

Why Compost? Environmentally responsible Saves money Keeps biodegradable waste out of landfills and sewage plants Alternative to burning Gives you a vibrant garden without chemical fertilizers Saves money Improves the health of soil and serves as a natural fertilizer

What do you have to do? Adding ingredients Maintaining proper temperature Turning Maintaining moisture Harvesting

What type of bin can you use Ready made Homemade Bin-less pile

Ready Made Expensive Limited capacity Good if space is an issue

Homemade Three bins are best One to fill One that’s “cooking” One to turn others into or to draw from

Bin-less Pile Just a pile with no partitions Hard to maintain sufficient depth to achieve high enough temperatures Easy and nothing to build Moveable Needs to be at least 3’ by 3’ by 3’

What Goes In? Yard waste Kitchen scraps Newspaper Cardboard

Must Stay OUT! Meat scraps Bones Dairy products Pet waste Diseased plants Invasive weeds Meat scraps and bones attract animals. Smell and can take a long time to decompose. Same with dairy products. Pet waste may carry pathogens. There is some controversy about whether pet waste can be composted safely. Might also avoid diseased plants and invasive weeds. The temp of your pile might not be high enough to kill them off.

Good Compost needs a mixture of Brown and Green Brown (Carbon) Leaves Dirt Grocery bags Bird seed hulls Wood chips Green (Nitrogen) Grass clippings Plant clippings Fertilizer Coffee grounds

Fast vs. Slow Slow Fast Let sit Takes months and months Turn often Keep moist (H2O 40-60% of weight) Have proper ratio of C:N (30:1) 2-6 weeks (depending on ingredients)

Why Did I Do This? Early stages as mulch Keeps weeds from growing Helps retain moisture Beneficial minerals go into soil Later stages for soil amending Enriches soil Helps with moisture retention Removes/reduces need for chemical fertilizers

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