Composting Basics

When I went to the the Living Green Expo last week, I was able to talk to Ramsey County Master Gardener, Tom Hutsell. I shared information about the campus and we eventually came upon the subject of composting. If you're interested in starting your own backyard vegetable garden, he suggests that a compost pile be started. This not only helps return valuable nutrients to your garden's soil, but it also puts to use your yard waste.

Composting is very simple to do, and needs only a few things to get started.
1) First you need to be sure there are microorganisms in your pile. This is simple, because they are everywhere. Hutsell says that commercial compost starters are not necessary. All the microorganisms you need are already present in the natural ingredients you add an in the air.

2) Secondly, you need to be sure to add water to your pile. Once the mixture is damp like a wrung-out sponge, you know you've added enough.

3) Next, be sure to allow for plenty of oxygen. You can do this by both ensuring the pile is no bigger than 5ft. square and turning the pile when necessary. He also points out that some people use a hollow tube in the center of their pile to allow for aeration.

4) Lastly, keep feeding the pile the proper ingredients so it can maintain the necessary heat of 130-160F). These ingredients can be pretty much any organic material but should be limited to leaves, weeds, grass, and kitchen vegetable/fruit waste. You should never use meat, bones, grease, pet droppings, or diseased plants.

Maintaining a compost pile is extremely easy, Hutsell assures. Once the proper location is picked and the basic ingredients are combined, the toughest part is helping to maintain the high temperature. Keeping the proper amount of nitrogen in the pile is a trick he suggests. Fresh grass clippings are great with nitrogen. I commented that some people I know collect their urine to help increase nitrogen in their compost pile and referenced this clip. He laughed and affirmed that, yes, human urine is a great way help your compost pile, but either method would work.

3-4 months of an active compost pile should bring you a finished product. It will be dark, crumbly, and have an earthy smell and will last for years if stored properly.

If you want further information on composting, check out this link which will give you different acceptable methods on how to start your compost pile.