Composting

Home composting gives the gardener a source of rich organic matter to improve their soil. It also keeps those vegetable scraps out of landfills and sewer systems via garbage disposals. There are many composting techniques. I’ll report on my small-scale composting experiences.

Container

Trash can used for Compost 

A closed container like a plastic garbage can works fine. A secure top keeps raccoons and rodents from raiding your compost bin. I have ¼ inch holes in the top to allow rain into the bin. I also have a large circle cut out of the bottom for drainage. The tape is covering ventilation holes on the side. An industrious animal pulls compost materials through the holes at night.

Purchased Compost Container

There are commercially available bins. I also own a plastic drum that rolls for easy agitation of bin contents.

Location

A compost bin may attract flies and have odors. Keep this in mind when placing it. You will need to add water to your bin so place it in reach of a water supply.

Contents

I started my compost with some soil from the garden. In a typical week, I add the following to my bin:

Coffee grounds and filters

Tea bags

Old and moldy bread and crackers

Vegetable scraps

Grass clippings

Leaves

Lint from the dryer

Things I don’t add to the compost bin:

Fruit – attracts ants

Eggshells- messy and seem to attract flies

Once you have your container, starter soil, and material to be composted you are ready to go.

Remember these key principals of composting:

• Water is needed to keep the microorganisms alive

• Agitation is needed to keep the microorganisms alive

Do you see a theme here? The microorganisms drive the composting process. Keep the compost moist, but not muddy.  Agitate as frequently as you can. This exposes the microorganisms to new compost materials.

Compost Agitator Tool

Update: December 26, 2012

Completed Compost after 9 months