Backyard Composting The Basics. Mimi Cooper Centre Region Council of Governments

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Backyard Composting The Basics. Mimi Cooper Centre Region Council of Governments"

Transcription

1 Backyard Composting The Basics Mimi Cooper Centre Region Council of Governments

2 What is Composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Why use a bin or pile? Allows you to control Air (oxygen) Water Food, and Temperature Speeding up decaying process

3 Why should I bother composting? PA s goal is to recycle 35% of municipal waste composting helps! National Composting Council estimates the average U.S. household generates 650 lb of compostables every year. Helps the environment Improves soil composition Reduces air and water pollution Reduces the need for fertilizers/pesticides

4 More Reasons to Fill Your Bin Limited landfill space should be reserved for materials that cannot be recycled or composted Garbage handling is the 4 th largest expense for many cities. Composting can reduce those costs 34% of landfilled waste in PA is food and another 30% is paper. Provides you with a super soil additive for FREE!

5 What type of bin should I use? Commercial Bins Enclosed Bin Tumbler Rolling Bin Homemade Bins Pallet Bin Wire Cage Cinder Block No Bins Sheet Composting Trench Composting Open Pile

6 Location, Location, Location Locate the bin out of direct sunlight Convenient for you to fill and to use Well drained areas away from wells Be a good neighbor

7 One teaspoon of good garden soil to which compost has been added contains Ingredients for your pile Decomposers Your composting work crew. These are the microbes (mainly bacteria and fungi) that do all the work for you. 100 million bacteria 800 feet of fungal threads The right amount of air, water, and warmth to keep the work crew happy

8 Ingredients for your pile Food Scraps Grass Clippings Leaves Yard Waste Food for the decomposers The organic materials to be composted. Simply classified as either Brown or Green. Also: Used potting soil Manure Sawdust Hair Lint

9 Types of Food for Decomposers BROWNS Leaves (30-80:1) Straw (40-100:1) Paper ( :1) Sawdust ( :1) Animal bedding mixed with manure (30-80:1) Materials high in carbon GREENS Vegetable scraps (12-20:1) Coffee grounds (20:1) Grass clippings (12-25:1) Manure Cow (20:1) Horse (25:1) Poultry (10:1), with litter (13-18:1) Hog (5-7:1) Materials high in nitrogen Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio More than 30:1 BROWN Less than 25:1 GREEN

10 BROWNS Decay very slowly Coarse browns can keep pile aerated Tend to accumulate in the fall Tie up nitrogen in soil if not fully composted May need to stockpile until can mix with greens Decay rapidly GREENS Poor aeration may have foul odors if composted alone Tend to accumulate in spring and summer Supply nitrogen for composting Best composting if mixed with browns

11 Simple Recipe for Easy Composting 2 Parts BROWN 1 Part GREEN 1 Part BROWN 2 Parts GREEN

12 What NOT to put in your bin Avoid organic materials that could cause problems during or after composting Oil, fat, grease, meat, fish or dairy products, unwashed egg shells (tend to attract pests, vermin) Hard to kill weeds (bindweed, quackgrass) and weeds that have gone to seed (could infest garden area when compost is used). Diseased or insect ridden plants (could infect or attack garden plants when compost is used)

13 More materials to avoid Cat or dog waste (attracts pest and could spread diseases) Lime (increases compost ph and promotes ammonia odor problems) Wood ash, add sparingly to the pile (will add some potash to compost but will increase ph and ammonia odor problems) Certain lawn and garden chemicals (herbicides - pesticides) can withstand the composting process and poison finished compost

14 Build your pile Start building your compost pile with a layer of sticks and branches to promote drainage and air circulation. Spread the coarse materials evenly across the bottom of the compost bin to make a 4 6 layer.

15 Add Browns A 2 3 layer of leaves is added next. Leaves are browns, or materials high in carbon content. Leaves stored from the previous fall are a source of browns in the spring and summer months.

16 Generously water each layer as you build your pile. This will ensure water will reach the inside of your pile. Pile should be as moist as a wrung out sponge. Water each layer!

17 Add Greens The next layer is made up of greens. Greens are materials high in nitrogen content. Sources of greens are grass clippings, yard trimmings, food scraps and animal manures.

18 Particle Size Tip: Keep particle size small Smaller pieces decompose more rapidly. Break thin branches, chop up yard trimming and food waste, shred leaves. Some larger pieces are good to promote aeration. Rule of thumb

19 Tip: Cover food scraps with a layer of browns Prevents visits from unwanted animals Reduces odors Decreases fruit fly population

20 Continue layering Browns and Greens Remember to water each layer

21 Active -vs.- Passive Composting Active composting Passive composting Requires weekly turning of the compost pile with a garden fork or turning tool. Maintains a favorable temperature for aerobic decomposition. Makes compost in 1 3 months. Requires little effort just add materials as they become available. The pile may not heat up well: weed seeds may survive. Makes compost in 3 8 months or more.

22 Turn the pile every 5 to 7 days, move outer material to the pile center add water if needed Making compost the quick way Tips for active composters During the first few weeks temp should reach 140 o F After about 4 weeks less heat will be produced and compost will maintain lower temp (100 o F) After about 4 more weeks the pile will no longer heat after turning and volume will be about one third of original. Allow the pile to cure (stand without turning) for 4 more weeks before using the compost

23 Troubleshooting ODORS Odors are one of the most frequent but easily avoidable composting problems. Rotten egg or putrid odor Usually anaerobic conditions Excess moisture, compaction Turn pile, add dry material (browns), cover kitchen scraps Ammonia odor Too much nitrogen (greens) Add high carbon material (browns), turn pile

24 Troubleshooting TEMPERATURE Low pile temperature Pile too small, cold weather, dry, poor aeration, or lacks nitrogen Make pile bigger or insulate sides, add water, turn the pile, add greens or manure High pile temperature Pile too large, insufficient ventilation Reduce pile size, turn

25 Troubleshooting MOISTURE Dry Pile too large, high carbon, Make pile smaller, add water, cover to prevent evaporation, add greens/nitrogen Wet Pile compacted, high nitrogen Turn/aerate pile, add browns/carbons Compost should feel like a wrung out sponge when squeezed.

26 Troubleshooting PESTS Pests: raccoons, rats, insects Presence of meat scraps or fatty food waste, rotten odors Remove meats and fatty foods, cover with sawdust or leaves, turn the pile Compost in an animal-proof bin Covered bin, trash can bin, cone bin, or barrel bin Wire mesh sides and floor (1/4 1/2 in openings) Use worm composting (vermicomposting) for food scraps

27 When is my compost ready? Compost is mature when: The color is dark brown It is crumbly and loose It has an earthy smell It contains no readily recognizable feedstock The pile has shrunk to about 1/3 of its original volume

28 Bag test: sealing compost in a plastic bag for several days should produce no foul odor Germination test: will seeds germinate in the compost? (good test to use if compost will be part of a potting mix)

29 Screening Finished compost can be screened to make a nurseryquality product. 1/2 mesh hardware cloth is a good screen size. A 3/8 mesh makes a finer compost. A large inclined screen relieves some of the sifting work. This screen measures 3 x 5 and is made from 2 x 4s and 1/2 mesh hardware cloth. Use larger screened pieces to inoculate your new pile.

30 Uses for compost Soil amendment Be sure that compost is mature, has an earthy smell (no ammonia or rotten smell), looks dark and crumbly with no recognizable feedstock Compost improves soil health when mixed in the top 4 to 6 inches (work in no more than a 2 layer of compost) Will improve water and nutrient retention of sandy soils Will loosen compacted clay soils and make them more friable

31 Uses for compost Surface mulch in the garden/landscape Maximum 3 depth Start 3-4 from trunk Extend out to drip line Mulch provides Protection from temperature extremes Slows moisture loss from soil Slow release of nutrients

32 Uses for Compost Lawn topdressing Be sure compost is very mature to avoid harming the lawn Use fine (screened) compost, ¼ depth raked over lawn Best if lawn is cored before applying compost Retains moisture, supplies slow release nutrients, prevents soil compaction Potting mix Compost must be very mature to avoid injury to plants Use fine textured compost Mix no more than 1/3 compost by volume

33 The illustrated book Basic Composting is available from: A special thank you to Carl Hursh for all of his expertise and guidance. And thank you to PSU Extension.

Its Recycling. Naturally

Its Recycling. Naturally Its Recycling Naturally What is composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Grass clippings Food scraps Compost Leaves Composting

More information

Home Composting Part 2 The Nuts and Bolts of Composting

Home Composting Part 2 The Nuts and Bolts of Composting Home Composting Part 2 The Nuts and Bolts of Composting JOHN PORTER AG & N ATURAL RES O U RCES AG EN T WVU K AN AWH A CO U N TY EX TEN S IO N S ERVICE What do you need to make compost? Decomposers Your

More information

Its Recycling. Naturally

Its Recycling. Naturally Its Recycling Naturally What is composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Grass clippings Food scraps Compost Leaves Composting

More information

Its Recycling. Naturally

Its Recycling. Naturally Its Recycling Naturally What is composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Grass clippings Food scraps Compost Leaves Composting

More information

It s Recycling. Naturally

It s Recycling. Naturally It s Recycling Naturally What is composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Grass clippings Food scraps Compost Leaves Composting

More information

Yard Waste Recycling

Yard Waste Recycling Slide 1 Yard Waste Recycling And Composting Yard Waste Recycling and Composting Slide 2 Why recycle yard waste? Yard waste makes up between 10 and 15 percent of all waste going to landfills. Doesn t break

More information

Composting 101. Charlotte Glen Horticulture Agent, NC Cooperative Extension Chatham County Center

Composting 101. Charlotte Glen Horticulture Agent, NC Cooperative Extension Chatham County Center Composting 101 Charlotte Glen Horticulture Agent, NC Cooperative Extension Chatham County Center Review these slides and learn more: http://go.ncsu.edu/compost-resources Why Compost? Recycle organic materials

More information

Landscaping for. Water Quality. Composting Basics. Homeowners & Stormwater Public Workshop March 18, 2017 John Hubbs, Fellow MGs

Landscaping for. Water Quality. Composting Basics. Homeowners & Stormwater Public Workshop March 18, 2017 John Hubbs, Fellow MGs Landscaping for Water Quality Composting Basics Homeowners & Stormwater Public Workshop March 18, 2017 John Hubbs, Fellow MGs What is Compost? Decomposed organic matter Grass clippings Food scraps Used

More information

Master Composter COMPOST FOOD. Who Does the Work. Basics of Composting. How is Compost Made. Needs for the Composting Process

Master Composter COMPOST FOOD. Who Does the Work. Basics of Composting. How is Compost Made. Needs for the Composting Process Basics of Composting Master Composter April 27, 2013 Joe Van Rossum UW Extension - Recycling Specialist Why Compost Waste Management Yard waste banned from landfills Responsibility for your waste Reduces

More information

Let s Compost! Village of Weston, May 13, 2017

Let s Compost! Village of Weston, May 13, 2017 Let s Compost! Village of Weston, May 13, 2017 Speaker: Karin Sieg But first things first! Keep composting in perspective; it s one of many management tools Try to avoid/reduce materials you generate Landscape

More information

Small Scale Composting. Sejal Lanterman Cooperative Extension Educator

Small Scale Composting. Sejal Lanterman Cooperative Extension Educator Small Scale Composting Sejal Lanterman Cooperative Extension Educator TOPICS WE WILL EXPLORE Compost defined Importance of Composting Compost Rate Feedstocks Undesirable Feedstocks Manure & Food Safety

More information

Composting: the rotten truth

Composting: the rotten truth Composting: the rotten truth Composting Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter) through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost or Humus. Invertebrates (insects

More information

Master Composting Program. Sam Angima OSU Extension Lincoln County, Oregon

Master Composting Program. Sam Angima OSU Extension Lincoln County, Oregon Master Composting Program Sam Angima OSU Extension Lincoln County, Oregon Overview of Section I Introduction to soils What is CEC The role of organic matter in plant nutrition What is composting Why compost

More information

BASICS OF SOIL FERTILITY FOR URBAN (AND NON-URBAN) GROWERS. Erin Silva and Anne Pfeiffer UW-Madison PLANTS NEED

BASICS OF SOIL FERTILITY FOR URBAN (AND NON-URBAN) GROWERS. Erin Silva and Anne Pfeiffer UW-Madison PLANTS NEED BASICS OF SOIL FERTILITY FOR URBAN (AND NON-URBAN) GROWERS Erin Silva and Anne Pfeiffer UW-Madison PLANTS NEED 1 SOILS: MORE THAN JUST DIRT Growing media for plants Support Provide air and water to plants

More information

Composting Made Simple

Composting Made Simple Composting Made Simple WHAT IS COMPOSTING? Composting is the natural decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance called compost, that is excellent

More information

A Guide for Backyard Composting

A Guide for Backyard Composting COMPOSTING MADE EASY A Guide for Backyard Composting Composting is an easy, natural, inexpensive way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich food for your garden or lawn. There are many

More information

Compost Workshop A. Post

Compost Workshop A. Post COMPOSTING WORKSHOP Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles Right Plant, Right Place Water Efficiently Fertilize Appropriately Mulch Attract Wildlife Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Recycle Yard Waste Reduce

More information

Start COMPOSTING Today!

Start COMPOSTING Today! Start COMPOSTING Today! Why Should I Compost? If you had a choice, which would you rather see grow the modern day victory garden in your backyard, or that everexpanding landfill down the highway? Probably,

More information

Composting - Speeding up the natural decay process. What is composting? Master Gardener Advanced Training Workshop -- Ozark, MO 6/3/2017

Composting - Speeding up the natural decay process. What is composting? Master Gardener Advanced Training Workshop -- Ozark, MO 6/3/2017 Grass clippings Food scraps What is composting? Using the natural process of decay to change organic wastes into a valuable humus-like material called compost Compost Leaves Bob Schultheis Natural Resource

More information

Compost Made Easy. An introduction to home composting. Jamie Schwartz, Operations Supervisor City of Lawrence, Solid Waste Division

Compost Made Easy. An introduction to home composting. Jamie Schwartz, Operations Supervisor City of Lawrence, Solid Waste Division Compost Made Easy An introduction to home composting Jamie Schwartz, Operations Supervisor City of Lawrence, Solid Waste Division What is Compost? Compost is the product resulting from the controlled biological

More information

Adding Materials. Speeding up the Compost Process

Adding Materials. Speeding up the Compost Process Composting Problems If your compost pile is smelly and wet, chances are it has an overabundance of anaerobic microbes. They are doing a great job of breaking down the organic material, but at the same

More information

Backyard Composting Guide

Backyard Composting Guide Backyard Composting Guide Help grow your garden and your business. Composting is nature s way of recycling organic waste by breaking material down naturally, mimicking the earth s natural processes. By

More information

Solid Wastes. Solid Wastes. Composting. Composting ABIOTIC. BIOTIC matter continuously cycles through ecosystems

Solid Wastes. Solid Wastes. Composting. Composting ABIOTIC. BIOTIC matter continuously cycles through ecosystems Solid Wastes can be thought of the oldest and most natural form of recycling Matter in Ecosystems ABIOTIC BIOTIC matter continuously cycles through ecosystems is the managed decomposition of organic wastes

More information

From Garbage to Gold. Turning Organic Material Remains into a Valuable Resource. Amy Cabaniss, PhD URI Outreach Center

From Garbage to Gold. Turning Organic Material Remains into a Valuable Resource. Amy Cabaniss, PhD URI Outreach Center From Garbage to Gold Turning Organic Material Remains into a Valuable Resource Amy Cabaniss, PhD URI Outreach Center Compost - What is it? a mixture of decayed plants and other organic matter used by gardeners

More information

Backyard Composting. Granville Garden Club 7/11/2018

Backyard Composting. Granville Garden Club 7/11/2018 Backyard Composting Granville Garden Club 7/11/2018 Compost vs Mulch Compost is full of nutrients that we want to get down in the soil to feed the plants through their roots. Mulch is the layer of organic

More information

Compost Happens. Pam Brown, Garden Coach Pampered Gardeners, LLC pamperedgardeners.com

Compost Happens. Pam Brown, Garden Coach Pampered Gardeners, LLC pamperedgardeners.com Compost Happens Pam Brown, Garden Coach Pampered Gardeners, LLC pamperedgardeners.com What is: Compost? The partially decomposed remains of plants and other organic materials. Composting? The controlled

More information

What is Compost? Composting 101. Brown vs. Green Ingredients. How do you compost? Master Composter First Night 2/6/2012

What is Compost? Composting 101. Brown vs. Green Ingredients. How do you compost? Master Composter First Night 2/6/2012 What is Compost? Composting 101 Amanda Tedrow, ACC Cooperative Extension Suki Janssen, ACC Recycling Division What is Compost? Compost is a soil amendment. It is a nutrient-rich, dark, crumbly material

More information

GUIDE TO COMPOSTING SAMPLE

GUIDE TO COMPOSTING SAMPLE GUIDE TO COMPOSTING WHAT IS COMPOSTING? Composting is nature s way of recycling organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil. When you compost in your backyard, you re speeding up this process and making

More information

Composting Systems: Turning Systems

Composting Systems: Turning Systems Composting Systems: Turning Systems Turning systems are characterised by the active turning of the materials you are composting. This helps to mix and aerate them which, in turn, promotes optimal conditions

More information

Organic Recycling. What is Garbage? What is Compost?

Organic Recycling. What is Garbage? What is Compost? Organic Recycling Y What is Garbage? What is Compost? What are the Benefits of Compost? Helps garden & house plants by improving the fertility and health of your soil. Benefits the environment by recovering

More information

LIFETIME COMPOST TUMBLER HOW TO INSTRUCTIONS

LIFETIME COMPOST TUMBLER HOW TO INSTRUCTIONS LIFETIME COMPOST TUMBLER HOW TO INSTRUCTIONS Copy LIFETIME COMPOST TUMBLER COMPOSTING - ACCELERATING NATURE S PROCESS In nature, such as grasslands or forests, plants die or shed their foliage which returns

More information

Denton County Master Gardener Association

Denton County Master Gardener Association Denton County Master Gardener Association The Denton County Master Gardener Association is a volunteer organization under the guidance of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Our mission is to provide

More information

Compost Bins: A How-To Guide. to a Healthy Yard. Grow a Greener Saskatoon. Other Considerations. Troubleshooting

Compost Bins: A How-To Guide. to a Healthy Yard. Grow a Greener Saskatoon. Other Considerations. Troubleshooting Other Considerations Troubleshooting Particle size. Bacteria work faster if their food is in smaller pieces. Take time to break up items as you add them. Woody materials will only compost well if they

More information

BACKYARD COMPOSTING! Presented by: Matt Tracy Red Planet Vegetables Kate Sayles Northern RI Conservation District

BACKYARD COMPOSTING! Presented by: Matt Tracy Red Planet Vegetables Kate Sayles Northern RI Conservation District BACKYARD COMPOSTING! Presented by: Matt Tracy Red Planet Vegetables Kate Sayles Northern RI Conservation District WHY COMPOST? Recycle Waste Food waste makes up 20-30% of what the average American throws

More information

NOTE: THIS JOB PRINTS IN PANTONE 583 GREEN AND PANTONE 253 PURPLE.

NOTE: THIS JOB PRINTS IN PANTONE 583 GREEN AND PANTONE 253 PURPLE. NOTE: THIS JOB PRINTS IN PANTONE 583 GREEN AND PANTONE 253 PURPLE. PLEASE OUTPUT FILM FOR MAGENTA (WHICH WILL BE THE PANTONE 253 PURPLE PLATE) & YELLOW (WHICH WILL BE THE PANTONE 583 GREEN PLATE). MAGENTA

More information

Don't Bag It - Leaf Management Plan

Don't Bag It - Leaf Management Plan Don't Bag It - Leaf Management Plan During the year, at least 20 percent of the solid waste generated comes from grass clippings, tree leaves and other landscape wastes. Bagging these materials and placing

More information

The Art of Composting

The Art of Composting The Art of Composting Everyone should have a compost pile! Composting Benefits Reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Promote higher yields of agricultural crops. Reduces the need for water,

More information

Backyard Composting CRAIG G. COGGER & DAN M. SULLIVAN

Backyard Composting CRAIG G. COGGER & DAN M. SULLIVAN Backyard Composting CRAIG G. COGGER & DAN M. SULLIVAN Backyard Composting Craig G. Cogger and Dan M. Sullivan Gardeners have long made and used compost because of the way it improves garden soil. Today,

More information

HOME COMPOSTING WORKSHOP

HOME COMPOSTING WORKSHOP HOME COMPOSTING WORKSHOP By Amy Goldsmith & Jenny Vickers Clean Water Action May 14, 2014 What is composting? It s dinner for your house plants, flowers and vegetable garden! Composting is the natural

More information

Waste Wise Queensland

Waste Wise Queensland WasteWise Queensland What s in this booklet Turning your rubbish into fertilizer 2 How do I compost? 4 What should I put in my compost? 8 What should I leave out of my compost? 9 How does composting work?

More information

YES. What can be composted? Green (nitrogen) + Brown (carbon) grass clippings. leaves. weeds / garden debris. small brush, twigs

YES. What can be composted? Green (nitrogen) + Brown (carbon) grass clippings. leaves. weeds / garden debris. small brush, twigs What can be composted? YES For best results add equal weights of Green & Brown materials Green (nitrogen) + Brown (carbon) grass clippings leaves weeds / garden debris small brush, twigs wood ash (small

More information

An Introduction to COMPOST

An Introduction to COMPOST An Introduction to COMPOST "Don t throw out your trash; it can become your treasure" "Compost is a metaphor for healthy living "Composting helps us establish a relationship with the environment" COMPOST

More information

Cornell Waste Management Institute

Cornell Waste Management Institute Cornell Waste Management Institute Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Bradfield Hall http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu Ithaca, NY 14853 email: cwmi@cornell.edu 607-255-1187 Composting at Home - The Green and

More information

OUTDOOR COMPOSTING GUIDE

OUTDOOR COMPOSTING GUIDE OUTDOOR COMPOSTING GUIDE How To Start Composting Outdoors in New York City nyc.gov/compostproject Follow @NYCzerowaste on social media What is composting? Composting is the process of creating the ideal

More information

Making Compost: soil food web Benefits of compost: Carbon and Nitrogen Aerobic vs Anaerobic

Making Compost: soil food web Benefits of compost: Carbon and Nitrogen Aerobic vs Anaerobic Making Compost: Compost is the biggest single item that leads to success in organic gardening. It helps the plants and soil in so many ways that it outshines anything else. If you truly want to succeed

More information

Compost Production and Utilization. Natalie Yoder M.S. Horticulture and Organic Soil Fertility Colorado State University

Compost Production and Utilization. Natalie Yoder M.S. Horticulture and Organic Soil Fertility Colorado State University Compost Production and Utilization Natalie Yoder M.S. Horticulture and Organic Soil Fertility Colorado State University Natalie.Yoder@colostate.edu In what age range are you? A. Under 18 B. 19-34 C. 35-49

More information

because rinds, limbs, cleanout, etc...are Terrible Things to Waste!! Cornell Waste Management Institute cwmi.css.cornell.edu

because rinds, limbs, cleanout, etc...are Terrible Things to Waste!! Cornell Waste Management Institute cwmi.css.cornell.edu Home Composting because rinds, limbs, manure, leaves, garden cleanout, etc...are Terrible Things to Waste!! Jean Bonhotal Jean Bonhotal cwmi.css.cornell.edu Composting to Reduce the Waste Stream and. Make

More information

[residential composting]

[residential composting] Iowa Waste Reduction Center University of Northern Iowa 27% of the food we bring into our homes is wasted The average American wastes 276 pounds of food per year 33 million tons of food ends up in landfills

More information

Composting At Home in Georgia.

Composting At Home in Georgia. http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/ 1 Composting, Grasscycling and Mulching at Home Prepared by: Robert R. Westerfield The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and the Atlanta Regional Commission

More information

What is composting? Outline. Gardening Class Series -- Marshfield, MO 4/18/2018. Upcoming Programs of Interest

What is composting? Outline. Gardening Class Series -- Marshfield, MO 4/18/2018. Upcoming Programs of Interest Upcoming Programs of Interest Webster County Gardening Workshops, 6:30-8:30, Marshfield Blackberry Workshops, 1-4pm; 4/25/18, 6/27/18; Southwest Research Center, Mount Vernon 4/26/18; Farmington Elderberry

More information

Soil Composting. Composting Containers:

Soil Composting. Composting Containers: Composting When I gardened at the farm with my mother and then again in my own yard, every few years we rototilled in piles of old manure (compost). This added fiber and nutrients. If you don t have access

More information

Backyard Composting. Cynthia Bergman Extension Horticulture Educator Yankton County

Backyard Composting. Cynthia Bergman Extension Horticulture Educator Yankton County Backyard Composting Cynthia Bergman Extension Horticulture Educator Yankton County What is composting? Composting is simply speeding up the process of decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms

More information

6/9/2017 COMPOST KEY TO GARDEN SUCCESS. Environmental Self Reliance Easy? WHAT IS COMPOST? Josh Fuder UGA Extension-Cherokee County

6/9/2017 COMPOST KEY TO GARDEN SUCCESS. Environmental Self Reliance Easy? WHAT IS COMPOST? Josh Fuder UGA Extension-Cherokee County WHAT IS COMPOST? COMPOST KEY TO GARDEN SUCCESS Josh Fuder UGA Extension-Cherokee County Compost is a soil amendment. It is a nutrient-rich, dark, crumbly material that helps improve soil health and provides

More information

An Introduction to Composting

An Introduction to Composting An Introduction to Composting Who am I and Why am I Delivering This Training? I am NOT an expert, but I have some experience. I want to dispel some common excuses I want to encourage better use of waste

More information

Extension Service Education that works for you

Extension Service Education that works for you OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY Extension Service Education that works for you Do the Rot Thing Choosing and Using A Composting System OSU Extension Service Lane County Office 996 Jefferson Street Eugene, OR 97402-5225

More information

AAlberta. Lt_. What are the Benefits of Composting? What is Composting? When you choose to compost, you help protect Alberta s environment by: [VV-

AAlberta. Lt_. What are the Benefits of Composting? What is Composting? When you choose to compost, you help protect Alberta s environment by: [VV- \ [VV-. \ lo o Lt_ In Alberta, the largest portion of household waste is organic material. Home composting is a way of recycling organic wastes safely and simply in your own back yard. Composting speeds

More information

Composting 101 Pay Dirt

Composting 101 Pay Dirt Composting 101 Pay Dirt Composting means the controlled decomposition (decay) of organic material such as yard trimmings, kitchen scraps, wood shavings, cardboard, and paper. Why Compost? Compost allows

More information

COMPOST A USER'S GUIDE TO. The Beauty of Your Lawn & Garden Blossoms from the Soil

COMPOST A USER'S GUIDE TO. The Beauty of Your Lawn & Garden Blossoms from the Soil A USER'S GUIDE TO COMPOST The Beauty of Your Lawn & Garden Blossoms from the Soil Revised 2009 Compost adds organic material and nutrients to the soil, increases water-holding capacity and biological activity,

More information

Compost--Black Gold for Your Garden

Compost--Black Gold for Your Garden Step #1 Select a location Accessibility to the garden and kitchen. Avoid the out of sight, out of mind technique. If need be, can you get a wheelbarrow to the area; will it be easy to get kitchen scraps

More information

Compost Applications to Sports Fields

Compost Applications to Sports Fields www.stma.org Compost Applications to Compost is a product resulting from controlled biological decomposition of organic material that has been sanitized through the generation of heat and stabilized to

More information

Good Practice Guide: Composting for SME s

Good Practice Guide: Composting for SME s Good Practice Guide: Composting for SME s Introduction to Composting Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living

More information

On-Farm Composting Vermicomposting

On-Farm Composting Vermicomposting On-Farm Composting Vermicomposting & Luke Freeman, University of Arkansas Beginning Farmer Workshop, May 11, 2013 Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture What is compost? Decomposed Organic Matter Managed

More information

Grinnell College Dorm Compost Guide

Grinnell College Dorm Compost Guide What is Composting? Grinnell College Dorm Compost Guide Composting is the recycling of organic materials. In nature, all things are constantly being recycled within ecosystems. Similarly, composting facilitates

More information

Composting at Home. Getting Started. Location

Composting at Home. Getting Started. Location Composting at Home Getting Started Location Select a site for your compost pile that will provide you with ample room to move and work around it. Choose a shady, protected area, because wind and direct

More information

Get composting today and produce free plant fertiliser from your own kitchen and garden waste!

Get composting today and produce free plant fertiliser from your own kitchen and garden waste! David Domoney s COMPLETE GUIDE Compost TO Compost is nutrient-rich material that can transform your soil and give plants a dramatic boost. It is created from decomposed organic matter, with help from bacteria,

More information

2014 O.G.S. Harvest Conference Back Yard Composting Made Easy. Mark Langner MAYTime Composting Burnsville, NC

2014 O.G.S. Harvest Conference Back Yard Composting Made Easy. Mark Langner MAYTime Composting Burnsville, NC 2014 O.G.S. Harvest Conference - - - - - - Back Yard Composting Made Easy Mark Langner MAYTime Composting Burnsville, NC MAYTime Composting Mark Langner Life-Long Long Gardener and Bad Composter. In 1999

More information

Compost Bins! By: Lauren Reed,Morgan. Quire, Danya. Parker,Trae Jones,Kevin. Saunders. 2

Compost Bins! By: Lauren Reed,Morgan. Quire, Danya. Parker,Trae Jones,Kevin. Saunders. 2 Compost Bins! By: Lauren Reed,Morgan Quire, Danya Parker,Trae Jones,Kevin Saunders. 2 Egg Shells Fruit And Vegetable Peel Straw And Hay Coffee Ground And Cinnamon Tea Bags Old Flowers Egg And Cereal Boxes

More information

Something Composted This Way Comes. Jennifer Gilbert Conservation Coordinator City of Davis Public Works Department

Something Composted This Way Comes. Jennifer Gilbert Conservation Coordinator City of Davis Public Works Department Something Composted This Way Comes Jennifer Gilbert Conservation Coordinator City of Davis Public Works Department City of Davis Composting Class Backyard composting Worm composting In-ground composting

More information

WATER: Just right. AIR: How. Compost Moisture Squeeze Test. WATER: Too wet. Squeeze Test part II. WATER: Too dry 1/27/2017

WATER: Just right. AIR: How. Compost Moisture Squeeze Test. WATER: Too wet. Squeeze Test part II. WATER: Too dry 1/27/2017 Linda J. Brewer Department of Horticulture Oregon State University Successful Composting Blend the materials Manage to suit your style Recognize when it s finished Why Compost? Manage yard debris Manage

More information

WASTE REDUCTION REUSE RECYCLE. Craig G. Cogger REDUCE EB1784 WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & HOME ECONOMICS

WASTE REDUCTION REUSE RECYCLE. Craig G. Cogger REDUCE EB1784 WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & HOME ECONOMICS WASTE REDUCTION REUSE WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EB1784 Craig G. Cogger Craig Dan G. M. Cogger Sullivan Dan Susan M. Sullivan K. Duncan RECYCLE REDUCE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & HOME ECONOMICS BACKYARD

More information

Composting in the Desert

Composting in the Desert Bernalillo County Extension Master Composter Program is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico Composting in the Desert What Makes Composting in the Desert Unique and Challenging? Abundant sunshine, intense

More information

It was once something those overzealous, health conscious, everything natural hippies did.

It was once something those overzealous, health conscious, everything natural hippies did. Composting Tool & Material Checklist Long-handled pitch fork Wire staples Compost aerating tool Power stapler Compost thermometer Nails Compost starter Nuts and bolts 2"x4"x36'"wire fencing Hardware cloth

More information

/ A/ -Composting: The Basics. An ancient practice, composting is mentioned in the Bible several times and can be

/ A/ -Composting: The Basics. An ancient practice, composting is mentioned in the Bible several times and can be q e Compost Resource Page: Composting Overview http ://www.oldgrowth.org/compost/compost.html wc / A/ -Composting: The Basics P I.ihA ' Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter)

More information

Chapter 6: Putting Compost to Use

Chapter 6: Putting Compost to Use Chapter 6: Putting Compost to Use Composters experience many benefits in the early stages of composting from the satisfaction of diverting numerous materials from the waste stream to the excitement of

More information

SUN FROST SCRAP EATER

SUN FROST SCRAP EATER SUN FROST SCRAP EATER COMPOSTING: SOME BACKGROUND The Scrap Eater creates a small ecosystem with conditions ideal for composting food scraps. The composting organisms thrive in a warm environment with

More information

Green Johanna. A handbook on the art of composting.

Green Johanna. A handbook on the art of composting. Green Johanna A handbook on the art of composting. Index: Recycling society...3 This is Green Johanna...4 Why make compost?...6 Start at the kitchen sink...7 This is how you do it...8 What do you need

More information

Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet Horticulture and Crop Science 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43210-1086 Composting at Home HYG-1189-99 Frederick C. Michel, Jr., Joe E. Heimlich, Harry A. J.

More information

Compost Magic. By Lynn Gillespie

Compost Magic. By Lynn Gillespie Compost Magic By Lynn Gillespie Compost is the cornerstone of the organic garden. Every organic gardener should learn how to make great compost. There are as many ways to make compost as there are gardeners.

More information

Tumbling Composter (with or without Locking Mechanism) Owner s Manual Description Features Composting Assembly Instructions

Tumbling Composter (with or without Locking Mechanism) Owner s Manual Description Features Composting Assembly Instructions Tumbling Composter (with or without Locking Mechanism) Owner s Manual Description Features Composting Assembly Instructions www.dfomer.com 1 Tumbling Composter (with or without Locking Mechanism) Owner's

More information

COMPOSTING: The Basics

COMPOSTING: The Basics Search GENERAL INFO PRODUCTS VERMI COMPOST TEA LARGE SCALE TOILETS EDUCATION OTHER SITES Interested in the various aspects of composting? Well, you've come to the right place. On our site you will find

More information

Taking Compost to the Next Level Duane Friend University of Illinois Extension

Taking Compost to the Next Level Duane Friend University of Illinois Extension Taking Compost to the Next Level Duane Friend University of Illinois Extension What do YOU look for in a good finished compost? FINISHED COMPOST Has dark color, earthy smell, and is crumbly No odors Ready

More information

Janean Thompson Potter County Master Gardeners

Janean Thompson Potter County Master Gardeners Janean Thompson Potter County Master Gardeners If a compost pile is properly made and maintained, an excellent composted material could be ready for use in 90 to 120 days. In our climate moisture is the

More information

Composting in the Desert

Composting in the Desert Composting in the Desert nmcomposters.org Objectives Overview Describe and discuss influences of climate. Delineate science, materials, methods, choices and best practices for high desert composting. Describe

More information

Yakima County Solid Waste Backyard Composting For Beginners

Yakima County Solid Waste Backyard Composting For Beginners Yakima County Solid Waste Backyard Composting For Beginners Presenter Mikal Heintz Program Coordinator Soil vs. Dirt Soil Ecology Plaster (1992) estimates that one-fourth teaspoon of a fertile soil (about

More information

GARDEN BASICS 2019 COMPOST & SOIL HEALTH. by Mark Murphy contact: BottleHollowFarm.com

GARDEN BASICS 2019 COMPOST & SOIL HEALTH. by Mark Murphy contact: BottleHollowFarm.com GARDEN BASICS 2019 COMPOST & SOIL HEALTH by Mark Murphy contact: mark.tnmg@gmail.com BottleHollowFarm.com always remember that the compost pile is the foundation of a successful garden. John Seymour, the

More information

Jennifer Gilbert Conservation Coordinator City of Davis Public Works Department

Jennifer Gilbert Conservation Coordinator City of Davis Public Works Department Jennifer Gilbert Conservation Coordinator City of Davis Public Works Department City of Davis Composting Class Backyard composting Worm composting In-ground composting Food digesters Prize giveaways! What

More information

NORTHERN BACKYARD FARMING COMPOSTING

NORTHERN BACKYARD FARMING COMPOSTING NORTHERN BACKYARD FARMING COMPOSTING 3 COMPOST 1 Compost 4 12 Vermicompost 22 Use Your Compost 23 Resources Design and Layout www.soaringtortoise.ca Soaring Tortoise Illustration www.alisonmccreesh.com

More information

Composting 101 A Gardener's Gumbo

Composting 101 A Gardener's Gumbo Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Archived Publications Archived USU Extension Publications 6-29-2007 Composting 101 A Gardener's Gumbo Janice Young Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/extension_histall

More information

The production of organic compost from domestic waste in Koya University campus

The production of organic compost from domestic waste in Koya University campus First International Symposium on Urban Development: Koya as a Case Study 287 The production of organic compost from domestic waste in Koya University campus Nazenine O. Hassan Genetic Center, Faculty of

More information

Compost Happens Kristina Van Wert, Master Gardener April 2009

Compost Happens Kristina Van Wert, Master Gardener April 2009 What is composting? Composting is the natural process of decomposition and recycling of organic material into a humus-rich soil amendment known as compost. Why compost? adds nutrients to soil and releases

More information

by Robert Skip Richter County Extension Agent Horticulture Harris County Texas AgriLife Extension Service

by Robert Skip Richter County Extension Agent Horticulture Harris County Texas AgriLife Extension Service by Robert Skip Richter County Extension Agent Horticulture Harris County Texas AgriLife Extension Service Composting is fun! It's also easy. Let's learn about how we make compost and how we use it to grow

More information

GSCC LUNCHTIME INFORMATION SESSION

GSCC LUNCHTIME INFORMATION SESSION GSCC LUNCHTIME INFORMATION SESSION BOKASHI, COMPOSTING AND WORM FARMING Presented by Doug Cousins; doug.cousins@shepparton.vic.gov.au IMPORTANT NOTE: all garden material contains bacteria, viruses and

More information

Lesson 7: Operations Active Composting

Lesson 7: Operations Active Composting Lesson 7: Operations Active Composting Learning Objectives: Know the three stages of composting and their function Understand proper compost monitoring procedures Be familiar with proper windrow management

More information

AEROBIC COMPOSTING UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS. July 17, by Mae Christenson, JOCO EMC

AEROBIC COMPOSTING UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS. July 17, by Mae Christenson, JOCO EMC AEROBIC COMPOSTING 1 UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS July 17, 2013 by Mae Christenson, JOCO EMC Johnson County Environmental Department Johnson County K-State Research and Extension The Solid Waste Problem 2

More information

BACKYARD COMPOSTING CITYOFORLANDO.NET/COMPOSTER

BACKYARD COMPOSTING CITYOFORLANDO.NET/COMPOSTER BACKYARD COMPOSTING CITYOFORLANDO.NET/COMPOSTER YOUR GUIDE TO BACKYARD COMPOSTING WHAT IS COMPOSTING? Composting is the process of turning kitchen and yard waste into usable, nutrient rich soil through

More information

Classroom Composting

Classroom Composting Classroom Composting Grade Level: Elementary and Middle School Subject Correlation: Science, Writing Objectives: Students will be able to: 1. Observe and describe the cyclic nature of life. 2. Appreciate

More information

Life Giving Soil. How awesome is dirt!

Life Giving Soil. How awesome is dirt! Life Giving Soil handful of forest soil can contain up to 10 billion bacteria, about a million plump yeasts and fungi, and tens of thousands of other creatures! How awesome is dirt! The State of Soil Only

More information

Backyard Composting. A Do-It-Yourself Guide. 70 Pine St. Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 Phone: (705) Fax: (705)

Backyard Composting. A Do-It-Yourself Guide. 70 Pine St. Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 Phone: (705) Fax: (705) Backyard Composting A Do-It-Yourself Guide 70 Pine St. Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 Phone: (705)645-6764 Fax: (705)645-7599 E-mail: publicworks@muskoka.on.ca What is composting? Composting is a natural biological

More information

Composting. R o b e r t R y n k & M i c h a e l C o l t

Composting. R o b e r t R y n k & M i c h a e l C o l t Composting A T H O M E R o b e r t R y n k & M i c h a e l C o l t Introduction Composting is a simple, rewarding way to recycle yard trimmings and food scraps at home while creating compost, a valuable

More information

Iowa Waste Exchange. Reduce. A Confidential, Non-Regulatory, No Cost Program of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Reuse.

Iowa Waste Exchange. Reduce. A Confidential, Non-Regulatory, No Cost Program of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Reuse. Iowa Waste Exchange Reduce A Confidential, Non-Regulatory, No Cost Program of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Reuse Recycle IDNR FABA FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GROUP P2 POLLUTION PREVENTION

More information