Backyard composting methods
Composting is nature’s way of recycling your trash to treasure. Much of what we throw away as trash from our kitchens and yards can be composted into rich, healthy soil instead of piled into a landfill. Composting is the natural decomposition of organic materials such as leaves, straw, and food scraps. Materials are typically heaped on a pile, which allows microorganisms to break them down over time.
The benefits of composting are threefold: 1) composting reduces the volume we send to the county landfill; 2) compost can improve soil quality by improving aeration, increasing drainage, suppressing weeds, and controlling soil erosion; and 3) compost that is applied in gardens, flower beds, and lawns can supply valuable soil nutrients and result in less synthetic fertilizer use.
First, a suitable location for the compost process must be found. Ideally, this will be conveniently accessible, but in a somewhat hidden part of the yard. Locations that are shaded and out of the wind are preferred over locations with full sun.
Next, before getting started with composting there is the decision of the type of composting method that has to be made. Several types of compost piles can be successful, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Decide on the type of compost pile that works best for you. That might be the ‘simple heap,’ ‘closed bin,’ ‘open bin’ or the ‘turning drum bin.’
The simple heap is the least expensive, but can quickly attract animals and become messy. The closed bin is low cost, but is difficult to access and difficult to provide aeration. The open bin is often constructed of cement blocks or wooden boards. It is easy to access and provide aeration. It is a little more expensive. Another method of composting is the turning drum bin. It is the most expensive and may be too small for some uses. The turning drum bin makes compost very quickly.
Begin your composting by layering several inches of twigs and other chopped brush on top of the soil surface. The compost pile will be built on top of this base, which allows air circulation around the heap.
As the rest of the pile is built, using ingredients listed in next week’s column, alternating layers of green and brown materials should be formed. A small layer of soil should also be added to the compost pile periodically to help inoculate the heap with useful microorganisms.
More on backyard composting next week. For answers to gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant-Adams Extension office at 754-2011, ext. 4313 or email your gardening questions to ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu. Visit our web page at grant-adams.wsu.edu.