Six Steps to Successful Composting

Composting transforms waste into garden gold. Follow these six steps for fast, efficient decomposition and rich, fertile results.

1. Ingredient Mix

Layer carbon-rich "browns" (dried leaves, bark, straw, pine needles, wood chips) with nitrogen-rich "greens" (grass clippings, kitchen scraps, aged manure). Alternate layers for optimal microbial activity.

2. Particle Size

Chop, shred, or split materials. Smaller pieces = more surface area = faster decomposition, quicker microbial multiplication, higher heat.

3. Temperature

Active piles heat to 90-140°F. This "baking" kills weed seeds and pathogens. Settling from original height indicates proper decomposition.

4. Moisture

Materials should feel damp—1-2 drops when squeezed. Adjust: turn pile, add dry straw/sawdust to soggy piles, water dry ones.

5. Decomposers

Bacteria, fungi, insects, and worms do the work. They'll arrive naturally if conditions are right.

6. Turning

Regular turning aerates the pile, fluffs material, and accelerates decomposition. "Breathing room" is essential for rapid breakdown.

What to Compost

Aquatic weeds, bread, coffee grounds, eggshells, evergreen needles, fruit peels/rinds, garden waste, grass clippings, leaves, paper, sawdust, straw, tea leaves, vegetables, wood ash, wood chips.

What NOT to Compost

Butter, bones, cheese, chicken, fish scraps, lard, milk, mayo, meat, oils, peanut butter, pet waste, salad dressing, sour cream.

Compost Benefits

Increases soil organic matter, builds root structure, aerates clay, retains moisture in sand, reduces chemical fertilizer needs, cuts water demand, controls erosion, improves crop nutrition.

Tools Needed

Turning fork, thermometer, water hose, shovel.

Troubleshooting

• Wet & smelly → turn or add straw/sawdust
• Won't heat → enlarge pile or add water
• Damp & sweet → add grass clippings
• Dry center → water and turn
• Attracts animals → exclude meat/animal products

Happy composting!