Turning yard waste into gold.

Turning yard waste into gold. Organic Composting What is Compost? Composting is the transformation of organic material through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost. Insects, earthworms, and bacteria help in transforming the material into humus. Composting is a natural form of recycling, which continually occurs in nature. A compost pile is actually a fast-track method of changing crude organic materials into something resembling soil, called humus. Compost making is a simple process. Done properly it becomes a natural part of your gardening or yard maintenance activities, as much so as mowing the lawn. Making compost does not have to take any more effort than bagging up yard waste. Composting is not a mysterious or complicated process. Natural recycling (composting) occurs on a continuous basis in our environment. Organic matter is broken down by microorganisms and consumed by invertebrates. The resulting nutrients are returned to the soil to support plant growth. Composting Basics Keys to successful home composting. Organic materials: A good mix consists of three parts "browns" (materials such as dead leaves that are high in carbon) and one part "greens" (such as fresh grass clippings and garden prunings that are high in nitrogen). Moisture: Composting materials should feel moist but not overly soggy. Temperature: Compost should feel warm to the touch except in the cold winter months. Air: To prevent unpleasant odors that can occur when materials decompose without oxygen, compost should be turned regularly to ensure that air is reaching the center of the pile. What Do You Need to Home Compost? All you need to compost is enthusiasm, yard or food waste (except meat or dairy products), and some space. Compost piles don't need to be enclosed, although many people use a bin or similar enclosure. Compost bins can be purchased, or you can easily construct one with common materials such as chicken wire, snow fencing,lumber or used pallets. Other tools that come in handy for composting are a garden hose, wheelbarrow and common garden tools. A very simple and easy compost bin can be built from shipping pallets,(available free at most warehouse stores). Use four pallets and hinge one side to open and you have a very inexpensive compost bin. Getting Started A 4 x 4 x 4-foot area out of direct sunlight is ideal for your compost pile. Choose an easily accessible spot on a grass or soil base. Composting can begin any time of the year, but many people start in the fall when leaves are abundant. Organic materials should be mixed, adding water as needed so that the materials feel like a moist, wrung-out sponge. The compost pile should be turned after a few weeks so that the outside layers are mixed with the center of the pile. Turn compost piles about once a month, except in cold winter conditions. Water can be added during turning, if necessary. Be patient. Different materials will decompose at different rates but they will all break down eventually. If you want to speed things up, use smaller pieces. Another trick to speed up the process. Add some horse or cow manure. Be sparing in this ingredient, too much will kill the good bacteria doing their work for mother nature. Generally, a well managed compost pile with shredded material under warm conditions will be ready in about 2-4 months. A pile left unattended and material not shredded may take over a year to decompose. Piles prepared in the late fall will not be ready for use the following spring. When the compost is finished, the pile will be about half its original size and have an earthy smell to it.