Compost

Many organic materials including leaves, grass, straw, and non-woody plant trimmings can be composted. Kitchen wastes, such as vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be thrown in.

Sawdust may be added in moderate amounts if additional nitrogen is applied. About six cups of ammonium nitrate is required for 100 pounds of dry sawdust. Wood ashes act as a lime source, and if they're added, you need to add one cup of ammonium nitrate per bushel of compost.

Black and white newspaper can be composted. However, the nitrogen content will be low and will slow down the rate of decomposition. If newspaper is composted, it should be shredded and should make up no more than 10 percent of the total weight of your compost pile.

There are some materials that should not be used to make compost, including human and pet feces. Meat, bones, grease, whole eggs, and dairy products should not be added, because they attract rodents and may have an unpleasant odor.

The compost pile should be located close to where it'll be used, but where it will not offend the neighbors. Do not locate a compost pile near a well or on a slope that drains to surface water, such as a stream or pond. The pile will do best if it's located in full sun and protected from drying winds. The more wind and sun the pile is exposed to, the more water it'll need.

When making compost, organic wastes, such as leaves, grass and plant trimmings are put down in a layer eight to ten inches deep. Coarser materials will decompose faster if placed in the bottom layer. This layer should be watered until moist, not soggy. A nitrogen source should be placed on top of this layer. Use one or two inches of livestock manure or a nitrogen fertilizer, such as ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate at the rate of one third cup for every twenty-five square feet of surface area. If these nitrogen sources are not available, one cup of 10-10-10 per 25 square feet of surface area will do. Never use a fertilizer that contains an herbicide or pesticide.

Each pile ideally should be five feet high. If only tree leaves are composted, layering may not be necessary. Leaves should be moistened if they are dry. Dry leaves lack adequate nitrogen for rapid decomposition, so add a high-nitrogen fertilizer to speed the breakdown. You will need to add about 1/2 cup of 10 percent nitrogen fertilizer for each 20 gallons of hand compressed leaves.

To prevent odors and hasten decomposition, turn the pile occasionally. Generally, a well-managed compost pile will be ready in less than four months under warm conditions.

Consumer Horticulture | Quick Reference