Composting - Part I, All About Compost

Compost Bin

For many gardeners, composting is just another part of gardening--a way to continue the cycle of life in the garden. I have been composting for over 25 years, and I enjoy having a way to reuse the waste from the garden and the kitchen. It has become a part of my gardening and cooking rituals. Whatever can decompose naturally in the compost pile goes in the compost pile. And within a few months, I have a natural and nutrient-rich soil amendment for my plants. I love composting so much that when the opportunity arose for me to teach composting in my community, I easily accepted the volunteer position. Most people are excited and anxious to begin composting once they learn how easy it is to do. Rarely do I encounter someone who finds the entire process a waste of time.



This is the first post of a composting series that I plan to do over the next few months. I will go over all the aspects of composting from advantages and disadvantages of compost bins to where to locate your compost bin or pile to how to make compost...and much more. Composting is very easy and can be done by anyone.

Fresh Compost - Image from Cornell University

What is Compost?

Compost has sometimes been referred to as brown manure or black gold. It is organic matter that is in the process of decaying or has decomposed.

Why Compost?

Composting has so many benefits to our gardens, our environment, our lives, our world. Here are some of the most important reasons to compost:

• Compost reduces waste in the landfill because many of the things that usually go in the trash can go in the compost pile. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors materials that go into the landfills. In 2010, they estimated that approximately half of all municipal solid waste was compostable materials.
• Compost recycles waste to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that is rich in microorganisms. Besides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, compost also includes micronutrients, such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc. Commercial fertilizers only contain one or some of the three of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.
• Compost improves soil structure and increases the ease of cultivation when added and mixed in to soil. Clay soils, for example, can be difficult to cultivate because of the hard and clumpy texture. By adding and mixing in compost, the soil no longer clumps and hardens but allows roots to easily spread and grow.
• Compost reduces fertilizer requirements by adding a nutrient-rich amendment to the soil that provides a balanced source of plant nutrients.
• Compost improves water infiltration and drought tolerance. Compost can hold up to 4 times its own weight in water, and so maintains a lot more moisture than soil alone.

Composting Science

Understanding the science behind composting helps us understand more deeply the process of composting.

• Composting is a biological process whereby microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, chemically feed on composting materials to create decomposition. They need carbon and nitrogen to build protein and create energy.

• Macroorganisms, such as insects, spiders, and worms, physically feed on composting materials to create decomposition. It is perfectly normal to see these creatures in and around compost.
• Microorganisms need oxygen to function properly. Turning the compost pile frequently adds oxygen to the pile, and exposes weed seeds and disease organisms to the high heat of the pile.
• Healthy microbes will turn up the temperature of the pile through their metabolism, reproduction, and conversion of composting materials to energy.

What Compost is Not

• Compost is a smelly pile of mess.

Compost does not have an unpleasant odor. Compost smells like earthy rich soil. A smelly pile usually means there is too much nitrogen and not enough carbon in the pile.

My Compost Pile

• Compost attracts rats and other vermin.

The only vermin that are attracted to my compost pile are raccoons and rabbits. Rats are usually attracted to meat and fats which should not go in the compost pile. To deter animal pests from the compost pile, use a completely enclosed bin or sprinkle black or cayenne pepper on the compost and around the area.

Composting - Image from Cornell University

• Composting is hard.

Composting is very easy. Once you have the know-how and the recipe, it is very easy to do. Scraps and garden waste will decay even if you do nothing. It is a natural process.

• Composting costs a lot of money.

Composting costs absolutely nothing. Create a pile, add kitchen and garden waste, and there is no expense. Of course, you can buy a bin and a few tools to assist you in composting, but you do not need these to begin composting.

Next month in this composting series:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles

© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter