7 Things To Remember When Composting

These easy compost do’s and don'ts can save you a world of trouble in terms of contaminating your food crop and extending the six to eight weeks it should take to produce usable compost to the longer period it takes when composters fail to do things properly. Follow these easy compost tips to achieve better compost results today.

1. Do use manure

Manure is not only packed with compost microbes, it is also nitrogen-rich, which means rapid decomposition and easy compost. The best kind of manure comes from herbivores, such as cows, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, etc. Even bird (e.g., pigeon, duck), bat, or pig manure will do. Stay away from carnivores and even household dog or cat manure since these may contain organisms that cause disease.

2. Do age manure

Fresh manure is so nutrient-packed it could turn the compost heap too hot, causing helpful bacteria and worms to die. So, for easy compost, age and rot it before adding to the heap. To create the ideal nitrogen-carbon mix, alternate layers of manure, which is rich in nitrogen, with straw and dry leaves, which are rich in carbon.

3. Do shred, chop, chip, and wet

One of the first things a composter learns is that speeding up decomposition is of primary importance. Rapid decay will not only eliminate stench, it will also allow you to reap the benefits of composting faster. If you have dry leaves, crush them with the lawnmower; newspapers, shred them; eggshells, crush them; wood materials, chop or chip them. And then soak them all before tossing them into the pile.

4. Do use a compost thermometer

If your pile's temperature it too low, it will delay decomposition. If it's too hot, compost microorganisms will die – delaying decomposition as well. Beneficial compost bacteria thrive within 105°F to 140°F. Therefore, turn if the temperature falls below 100°F or above 150°F.

5. Don't use sawdust of unknown origin

Sawdust is a great composting ingredient and, depending on its origin, it can either decompose rapidly (conifers) or slowly (broadleaves). However, never use sawdust from wood that has been treated with chemicals. Even the innocuous-sounding “pressure treated wood” has actually been treated with copper, chromium, and deadly arsenic!

6. Don't use just any ash

If the ash is from a natural wood fire, it's safe; but use sparingly since too much will turn the pile alkaline and delay decomposition. A basic rule of thumb is this: if it is unacceptable to compost unburned, then it will remain unacceptable even as ash (e.g., charcoal, treated wood, etc.).

7. Don't use human feces

If you aren't on a farm, it may seem like an easy compost solution to dump a baby's feces in the pile instead of having to look for farm manure. But unless human feces are maintained at a high temperature, it will contaminate your pile (and your garden!) with disease-bearing bacteria. If you can't find farm manure, settle for commercial fertilizer instead for easy compost.

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