Be sure to water each layer thoroughly to ensure that moisture is evenly distributed. Another method is to mix up browns and greens thoroughly before loading. Add 4-to-5 inches of carbonaceous materials (browns), then two or three inches of nitrogenous materials (greens), and keep alternating the layers. Build a pile 3-feet high and at least 3-feet in diameter so it can become self-insulating to retain heat ( Figure 2–3). ![]() There are two basic styles of hot composting: 1) Single Batch, where materials are added all at once to form a pile, and 2) Continuous Pile, where organic materials are added as they become available. Place it in a shaded area (to help it retain moisture) and within reach of a garden hose. Keep the areas in front of and above the pile or bin clear so it can be worked without difficulty. Choose a flat space that is protected from flooding or runoff to surface waters or wells. To maximize food safety, the compost should be downhill and as far away as possible from the vegetable garden. Set it up in a convenient location that is over 6 feet away from the home or other wooden structures. ![]() Although meat, fish, bones, and dairy should not be added to a compost pile or bin, they can be placed in an in-ground digester such as the Green Cone.Ĭomposting can be done in a pile or some type of bin, but the size is important for maintaining heat-it should be 27 cubic feet (3 feet wide, deep, and tall). There are a variety of manufactured composting bins available, including enclosed, spherical, or tumblers ( Figure 2–2). A three-compartment wooden bin can be constructed using plans from the internet ( Figure 2–1). Many people make their own compost bin using concrete blocks, wooden pallets, mesh fencing, or 55-gallon drums. Some choose to use a bin to keep the pile neat, help retain heat and moisture, and keep out pests, or they live in a neighborhood where a bin would be more appropriate than an open pile. It involves aerating the pile, checking temperatures and moisture levels, and getting the right mixture of materials and particle sizes.Ī bin is not needed to make compost. Gardeners who want to produce a higher quality of compost more quickly will choose this composting method. Kitchen wastes such as vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells may also be added.įast (Hot) Composting Skip to Fast (Hot) Composting Branches and twigs greater than 1-inch in diameter should be ground up in a shredder or chipper. Yard wastes such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, and plant trimmings can be composted. Many organic materials are suitable for composting. Organic materials will also break down through slow/cold composting, but the decay will be a lot slower, and seeds and pathogens will not be destroyed. ![]() At these temperatures, most weed seeds and pathogens will be killed. For fast composting, a pile needs a balance of organic materials, moisture, and oxygen to support microorganisms that will heat the pile to 140 to 150☏. It can be a fast (hot) or slow (cold) process, depending on the amount of effort put into it. Compost can also be applied to the soil surface to conserve moisture, control weeds, reduce erosion, improve appearance, and keep the soil from gaining or losing heat too rapidly.Ĭomposting is a process that controls the decomposition and transformation of biodegradable material into a humus-like substance called compost. Instead of being discarded down sink drains or in the garbage, food waste can easily turn into a valuable soil amendment for a landscape, garden, or lawn.Ĭompost incorporated into the soil increases the organic matter content, improves the physical properties of the soil, helps roots penetrate more easily, holds moisture, provides aeration to plant roots, suppresses some diseases, and supplies some essential nutrients. Many people are surprised that the largest category of waste being thrown away is food residuals-over 21% of the total. Food scraps and yard debris comprise 28% of the solid waste generated in the United States (US EPA, 2011). Today’s gardeners also see the importance of composting as an alternative to burning or disposing of organic materials in landfills. For centuries, gardeners have made compost and used it to improve their garden soil.
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