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Understanding Compost

What is compost used for?

I consider compost as the "Golden Soil" because of its nutrient rich components and because you can use it for any gardening project. 

Here are 4 main uses for compost:  

Gardening  Compost is commonly used in gardens to enrich the soil and support plant growth, as well as for potting plants and flowers for inside the home. 

Agriculture  Farmers use compost to improve crop yields and maintain healthy soil.

Landscaping  Compost is used in landscaping projects to improve soil quality and support the growth of trees, shrubs, and lawns.

Erosion Control  Compost can be applied to areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil and prevent runoff.

How to Compost Outdoors

Composting at home in the outdoors is a great way to reduce waste, enrich your soil, and promote sustainability. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with outdoor composting:

Step 2: Select a Location

Pick a spot in your yard or garden for your compost bin or pile:

Partial Sunlight: A location with partial sunlight helps to keep the compost warm without drying it out too much.

Good Drainage: Make sure the spot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Easy Access: Choose a place that is easy to reach for adding materials and turning the compost.

Step 3: Gather Materials

You need a good balance of "green" and "brown" materials to create a healthy compost mix. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens.

Green Materials (Nitrogen-rich): Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, tea bags, and fresh leaves.

Brown Materials (Carbon-rich): Dry leaves, straw, wood chips, shredded paper, cardboard, and sawdust.

Optional: Soil is a good element to add to your compost bin. It contains microorganisms that activate the decomposing process. Although it is not necessary to  begin composting, it will help process your compost quickly. 

Here are a few beginner composting soils that can help your compost bin flourish!

Step 4: Start Layering

Begin adding materials to your compost bin or pile:

First Layer (Browns): Start with a 4-6 inch layer of brown materials, like dry leaves or straw, and ~1 inch of soil or previously made compost, to provide aeration and drainage.

Second Layer (Greens): Add a 2-3 inch layer of green materials, such as fruit and vegetable scraps or grass clippings.

Alternate Layers: Continue layering browns and greens in alternating layers. Ensure that each green layer is covered with browns to reduce odors and deter pests.

Step 5: Maintain Moisture Levels

Compost should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge:

Add Water: If the pile is too dry, sprinkle it with water to moisten it.

Cover if Necessary: If your area experiences heavy rainfall, cover your compost to prevent it from becoming too wet.

Step 6: Turn the Compost

Turn your compost pile every 2-4 weeks using a pitchfork or shovel to aerate it:

Mixing: This helps to mix greens and browns, speeds up decomposition, and prevents odor.

Oxygenation: Aeration is crucial because composting is an aerobic process (requiring oxygen).

Step 7: Monitor and Troubleshoot

Regularly check the compost pile for:

Heat: A hot pile (between 120-160°F) indicates active decomposition.

Odor: A healthy compost pile should smell earthy. Foul odors suggest a lack of oxygen or excess green materials; add more browns and turn the pile.

Moisture: If the compost is too dry, add water. If too wet, add more brown materials.

Step 8: Harvest the Finished Compost

After 3-6 months (depending on conditions and materials), the compost should be dark, crumbly, and have an earthy smell:

Separate the Compost: Use a screen or sieve to filter out large, undecomposed pieces that can go back into the pile.

Use in Garden or Yard: Apply the finished compost to your garden beds, potted plants, or lawn as a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Tips for Successful Composting:

Avoid Adding: Meat, dairy products, oily foods, pet waste, diseased plants, and chemically treated wood as they can attract pests and introduce pathogens.

Chop Large Pieces: Cutting up larger pieces of organic material speeds up the decomposition process.

Balance the Greens and Browns: Keeping the right balance of green and brown materials ensures a healthy composting process.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create nutrient-rich compost at home, reduce waste, and improve the health of your garden or landscape.

Compost bins are perfect for transfering your kitchen food scraps to your compost pile! Here are our favorite and stylish compost bins:

How to Compost Indoors

Composting indoors is a great way to recycle organic waste, even if you don't have outdoor space. Indoor composting is perfect for those living in apartments or homes without yards! 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start composting indoors:

Step 3: Choose a Location

Find the right spot for your compost container:

Accessible: Place it in a convenient location, such as under the kitchen sink, in a pantry, or on a balcony.

Temperature Control: Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or areas with extreme temperatures. Room temperature (60-80°F) is ideal for composting.

Step 4: Gather Composting Materials

You’ll need a mix of "green" and "brown" materials for a healthy compost:

Green Materials Nitrogen-rich: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and crushed eggshells.

Brown Materials Carbon-rich: Shredded newspaper, cardboard, dry leaves, and paper towels (not used with chemicals or wax coating).

Step 5: Set Up the Compost Bin

Depending on your chosen method, set up the bin accordingly:

For Vermicomposting:

Prepare the Bin: Drill small holes in the sides and bottom of the bin for ventilation and drainage if your bin does not already have them. 

Add Bedding: Start with a 3-4 inch layer of damp, shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir as bedding.

Add Worms: Add red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida), which are ideal for composting.

Add Food Scraps: Bury food scraps in the bedding, covering them well to avoid attracting pests.

For Bokashi Composting:

Prepare the Bucket: Ensure it’s clean and has a layer of Bokashi bran at the bottom.

Add Food Scraps: Add food scraps in small batches, pressing them down to remove air pockets.

Sprinkle Bokashi Bran: Each time you add food scraps, sprinkle a handful of Bokashi bran to aid fermentation.

Seal the Lid: Close the lid tightly after each addition to maintain an anaerobic environment.

For Indoor Compost Bin:

Layering: Start with a layer of shredded newspaper or cardboard at the bottom for absorption.

Add Food Scraps: Add a layer of food scraps, then cover with a layer of browns (newspaper or cardboard).

Alternate Layers: Continue to alternate green and brown layers, making sure to cover greens to reduce odors.

Step 6: Maintain the Compost Bin

Regular maintenance will ensure a successful composting process:

For Vermicomposting:

Feed the Worms: Add small amounts of food regularly (about once a week), burying the scraps.

Keep Moist: Ensure the bedding remains damp but not soggy.

Harvest Worm Castings: After 3-4 months, the worm castings (finished compost) can be harvested.

For Bokashi Composting:

Drain Liquid ("Bokashi Tea"): Use the spigot to drain liquid every few days. Dilute this liquid and use it as a fertilizer for plants.

Fermentation Time: Once the bucket is full, let it sit for 2 weeks to complete the fermentation process.

For Indoor Compost Bin:

Mix Regularly: Stir or shake the compost once a week to aerate it.

Monitor Moisture and Odor: Keep the compost moist but not wet. If there is an odor, add more brown materials.

Step 7: Harvest and Use the Compost

After several weeks to months (depending on the method), the compost will be ready for use:

Vermicomposting: Harvest worm castings from one side of the bin, leaving the worms in the other.

Bokashi Composting: Bury the fermented material in soil to complete decomposition or add it to a traditional compost pile.

Indoor Compost Bin: The compost will turn dark and crumbly when ready. Use it to enrich indoor potted plants, garden beds, or planters.

Tips for Successful Indoor Composting:

Avoid Adding Meat, Dairy, and Greasy Foods: These can create unpleasant odors and attract pests.

Chop Up Food Scraps: Smaller pieces decompose faster, making the process more efficient.

Monitor Conditions: Check moisture levels and adjust as needed to prevent issues like foul odors or mold growth.

By following these steps, you can create a sustainable composting system indoors and recycle organic waste, even without outdoor space.