Composting – Yard Waste to Yard Riches

Through the natural process of decomposition, leaves and grass clippings from your yard can be transformed into a soil-enriching substance called compost. When mixed with sandy soil, compost helps to retain and hold water. When mixed with clay soils, compost loosens the soil particles and improves drainage. Compost is known as gardener’s gold because it improves soil structure, retains water, encourages root growth, aerates soil, releases nutrients slowly, supports beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, and suppresses some soil-borne diseases.

Materials for Composting

Building the compost pile

To build the pile, follow these steps:

1. Start with a layer of organic materials such as shredded leaves, grass, or other garden debris. For an ideal composting mix use twice as much carbon material (leaves) as nitrogen material (grass clippings)

2. Water the layer until it is as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

3. Add 2"-3" of soil or compost — to provide microorganisms.

4. If possible, mix all materials together as you build the pile.

5. Continue the process of adding organic materials, soil, and water until the bin is filled. Add grass clippings in small amounts and mix in thoroughly.

6. Water each layer...and check moisture periodically. Build the pile to a size of 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet or slightly larger — or fill the compost bin.

Turning the pile

Turning and mixing the compost pile with a pitchfork or compost turner adds oxygen, prevents odors and accelerates the rate of decomposition. The pile may be turned once a week, once a month, several times a year, or not at all.  If the pile is turned over and mixed from time-to-time and kept moist, finished compost is usually available in six to nine months.

(Source: Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project)

For more information:

Compost Resource Page:

http://www.howtocompost.org/