Composting 101

There are many different methods to compost. This page will give a brief explanation of each. As I have time I'll dive deeper into the methods I have experience with.

The first method is the most commonly implemented method. Simply layer carbons and nitrogen sources in a pile and turn it occasionally.

Compost pile:

Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials such as leaves, paper, grass clippings, and food scraps into a product that is useful as a soil amendment.

Bacteria and fungi will grow in the compost pile which will feed tiny microbes. These microbes use carbon as an energy source, and the nitrogen is used for protein.

The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio suggested is different in almost every study I looked at.

The most important thing to me is odor control. If you have enough carbon in your pile and it is aerated, it will not stink.

We have a couple of piles that are just basic outdoor piles. We don't measure at all. If it isn't breaking down quickly enough we add more nitrogen. If it is slimy, stinky, or otherwise gross we will add more carbon.

What are carbon and nitrogen materials?

Carbons are sometimes referred to as browns. Materials like dry leaves, cardboard, paper, straw, sawdust, and woodchips are all good carbon material.

Nitrogen sources are green grass clippings, food waste (no meat or dairy), peels, rinds, weeds, vegetable plants