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What is Composting?
 Composting
is the biological decomposition, or breakdown, of organic
material by bacteria and other organisms. The result of
this organic breakdown is compost, or humus; a dark, nutrient
rich soil conditioner.
Why Compost?
Composting is an effective and inexpensive
way of reducing the amount of garbage we send to landfills.
Approximately 35% of household waste is organic material;
that is kitchen and yard waste that could be diverted from
landfills.
Composting not only helps reduce the amount
of waste going to landfills, it creates an excellent soil
conditioner for home landscaping and gardening. When used
as a mulch around garden plants compost will help protect
root systems from heat and water loss.
1. Place suitable compost
materials in layers 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) thick.
2. Sprinkle some soil or composted material
between layers.
3. Stir thoroughly 1-2 times per week.
Add moisture if necessary.
4. Use finished compost in garden or
planters. |
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How do I compost?
All organic material is composed of carbon
and nitrogen and a balance of the two is essential for effective
composting. A ratio of 30 parts "brown" material
(carbon) to 1 part "green" material (nitrogen) will
result in the quickest breakdown of organic material. Dry
leaves, sawdust, straw and paper are high in carbon, while
fresh grass clippings and fruit and vegetable scraps are high
in nitrogen.
The Basics
Most materials don't fit the ideal carbon
to nitrogen ration, but you can balance the mix. When adding
carbon rich materials (browns) make sure that you add equal
amounts of nitrogen rich materials (greens). For example,
if you add a bucket of vegetable scraps, add a bucket of
dried leaves.
As seasons change, available ingredients will
change. In the fall, when there is an abundance of carbon
rich material, such as leaves, your compost pile may begin
to "slow down". To supplement low nitrogen levels
in the fall, add nitrogen fertilizer (46-0-0) to ensure
faster breakdown of organic materials.
In the summer, when carbon rich material is
harder to find, add dried leaves (collected and stored from
the previous fall). Soil and shredded newspaper can also
be used to supplement a low carbon ratio. Remember, too
much nitrogen will result in a smelly (ammonia) and slimy
pile.
Successful composting is easy! Just follow
these simple guidelines:
- mix wet and dry materials
- mix carbon rich and nitrogen rich materials
- keep well aerated
Think ahead! Successful composters
collect and store leaves and soil to cover kitchen scraps,
ensuring effective composting all year.
Compost Chart
| Fruit/Vegetable scraps |
- nitrogen rich materials
- decomposes faster when chopped
- dig into center of pile and cover with carbon
rich material or soil
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| Coffee grinds/Tea bags |
- nutrient source for the compost
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| Grass clippings |
- use in moderation
- mix with brown material to avoid odour and matting
- DO NOT use grass treated
with pesticides
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| Leaves |
- an excellent source of carbon material
- collect in the fall to supplement low carbon ratios
throughout the year
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| Weeds |
- only if they are green and have not gone to seed
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| Egg shells |
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Materials not for composting:
- barbeque ashes
- dairy products
- meat and bones
- fat
- grease and oils
- kitty litter
- dog and cat feces
Troubleshooting
Bad odour
(rotten egg smell) |
- not enough air
- pile too wet
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- turn pile
- add course material (straw, leaves)
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Bad odour
(smells like ammonia) |
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- add carbon rich material (leaves, newspaper, dried
grass)
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| Dry throughout |
- not enough water
- too much woody material
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- turn pile and moisten materials
- add fresh waste
- cover pile
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| Damp and warm in middle but nowhere
else |
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- collect more material and mix with old ingredients
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| Damp and sweet smelling but will not
heat up |
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- mix in fresh grass clippings or nitrogen fertilizer
(46-0-0)
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Pest infestation
(dogs, rodents, insects) |
- improper food scraps added
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- don't add meat, fat, bones or other animal waste
- use rodent resistant compost bin
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| Flies |
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- place fruit and vegetable scraps in middle of
pile
- cover with soil or other carbon rich material
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For more information on waste reduction
tips such as recycling, grasscycling and composting
contact the
Regional District of North Okanagan.
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