Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of October 17, 2005
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

Now is the time of year when you have gold in your yard in the form of leaves. Turn them into soil to be used in your yard and garden.

Just think of all the money you can save by not buying organic material and the landfill will last longer without your organic matter in it. Composting is an efficient method of breaking down organic materials into an end product that is beneficial to soil and plants. Composting can result in increased infiltration, better drainage, and greater water-holding capacity; this usually occurs more rapidly when composted materials are added. In the heat of summer compost can be a lifesaver for your plants by holding in the extra water.

Compost bins can be made from a variety of materials from simple to very complex -- you be the judge of what you want. A compost bin can be small or large depending on your needs. You can use a barrel or drum as long as it has not been used to store toxic chemicals, a cylindrical wire bin, a three-chambered bin, or you can purchase compost bins at the store.

The compost bin should be located near the place where the compost is to be used, such as the garden or service area. Partial sunlight is needed to help provide heat as the compost needs to “cook.” Most plant disease organisms and weed seed are destroyed during the composting process because temperature in the center of the pile reaches 150 or 160 degrees. So that all compost can reach the desired temperature, it is necessary to turn the pile.

To start your compost, layer it with dry and wet materials. Do not put into the compost items such as bones, meat, whole eggs, or dairy products – they will invite unwanted guests. Some items such as corn husks, corn cobs, citrus rinds, charcoal, etc., take a long time to decay. If you wish to compost those materials, start a separate bin just for them. For rapid composting, shred the material: mow leaves before you rake them up and chop up bulky materials such as heavy stems.

When compost is added to soil such as we have here in Brunswick County it will improve drainage, aeration, and create a better environment for root growth. The activity of earthworms and soil microorganisms which are beneficial to plant growth is improved. If compost is added to soil over the years it will create a more workable soil and your plants will appreciate it and reward you for the time you have spent composting.

Most of the time compost from a well-managed bin with shredded materials under warm conditions will be ready in two to four months. When the compost is ready it will have an earthy smell and be about half the size as when you started.

For more information on composting, access publication AG-467 Composting – A Guide to Managing Your Organic Yard Waste through the Cooperative Extension Service Web site www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/ag-467.pdf or stop by or call the Cooperative Extension Service for a copy (910.253-2610; Brunswick County Government Complex, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, Bolivia) Start now so you will have a bin of gold next year!

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

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Date Created 10/6/2005