What is the first rule of composting?
Rule 1: Start with the End in Mind With composting, it helps to have a vision of what the entire process will look like. Most of our clients use their finished compost back on their pastures or in their gardens. Others see themselves selling their compost to cover some of their operating expenses. An essential tenant of composting is getting the right brown to green ratio in the pile. Composting is most effective when there are 30 parts brown to every 1 part green. This ratio is on a weight basis, not volume.Having the right proportions of ingredients in your compost pile will provide the composting microorganisms the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture they need to break down the materials into finished compost.Materials such as wood and leaves are high in lignin, which is harder to break down, especially when this material is large in size. Other materials, such as grass clippings, compost a lot faster. By ensuring you include some easily digestible materials, you can speed up composting.Though you can buy a simple bin or tumbler that makes turning your compost a breeze, you can also compost directly on the ground. Some recommend adding a base layer of mulch, woody or bushy material, to promote aeration, but that’s optional.To achieve the perfect balance in your compost pile you need to adhere to a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. A 3:1 ratio of carbon to nitrogen is most efficient, speeding up the decomposition process by providing the correct balance of carbon, nitrogen and water to the microbes.
What should I put in my compost first?
Build a base layer of straw or twigs. A few inches will help provide good drainage. Add layers of materials to be composted one at a time, alternating between brown and green materials. Incorporate a nitrogen source to start decomposition. When you first set up your compost bin, follow these steps: Begin with a layer of small twigs, old mulch, or potting mix for good airflow and drainage. Add alternating layers of green and brown materials until the bin is about one-third to half full. Sprinkle some water after each layer to keep it moist.
What veggies should not be composted?
While it may seem counterintuitive, certain plants are detrimental to compost. This is because compost needs to have certain microorganisms and insects present to rapidly and adequately break down. Onions, garlic, citrus fruits, and even some vegetation and leaves can kill off a healthy population inside the compost. Compost keeps the soil healthy, which means plants will likely thrive in your garden without any additions. The downside is that compost releases nutrients slowly over time, while chemical fertilizer provides a boost and accelerates growth in a short period.In conclusion, composting is a superior option to burning leaves, both for your garden and for the environment. It produces a valuable soil amendment, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves soil health.High Salinity (Salts) — High salinity may be the most frequent cause of compost problems. Plants obtain nutrients from soils in the form of dissolved salts, but too high of a concentration injures plant roots. Symptoms of salt damage include rapid wilting of the plant and yellowing of leaves.While it may seem counterintuitive, certain plants are detrimental to compost. This is because compost needs to have certain microorganisms and insects present to rapidly and adequately break down. Onions, garlic, citrus fruits, and even some vegetation and leaves can kill off a healthy population inside the compost.