Recipe for Compost

What Exactly Is Compost?

Compost is organic matter that has decomposed into a dark, crumbly substance called humus. Humus smells sweet and earthy, and contains no identifiable pieces of matter.

A good example of this is the rich soil that covers a forest floor. Plant and animal matter that settles in layers will break down over time down into smaller pieces. Worms and insects feed on this material, creating even smaller particles. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi then break down these particles on a molecular level until the original matter has been transformed into humus.  And the whole time, rain and warm weather provide seasons for these organisms to survive and thrive.

Humus seen on the Tiger Mt forest floor.

When we create an environment that mimics the forest floor and provides the ideal conditions for these organisms, we can speed up this natural process.

Recipe for Successful Compost

Successful compost needs just four ingredients:

o   1 Part Greens (Organic matter high in nitrogen.  Examples include vegetable and fruit scraps, flowers, green plants, and grass clippings). 

o   1-2 Parts Browns (Organic matter high in carbon.  Examples include dried leaves, paper products, wood shavings, and straw).

o   Air

o   Water
 

 

Basic Instructions:

1. Combine greens and browns in a prepared bin or pile.
2. Add water until the contents have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
3. Ensure that air can circulate through the materials.

Most of the problems associated with home made compost can be prevented or alleviated by ensuring the ratio of these four ingredients is on track.

A Variety of Methods

There are many, many ways to prepare, mix, contain, and introduce air and water into your compost pile.  Some methods produce compost faster than others.  Some methods are better suited to those who live in small spaces or have no yard.  Some bins are better at helping to maintain good air flow or moisture levels than others.  Larger piles require more space but generate more heat, which breaks things down even faster.  Starting with smaller-sized materials means they will break down faster.  Finished compost can be obtained in 3 -18 months, depending on the conditions provided and how much time you are able to spend maintaining them.

This YouTube video by OklahomaGardener provides a great introduction to starting a compost pile and maintaining the ideal ratio:

 

If you want to get an idea of the types of bins out there, see A Bevy of Bins from PlanetNatural.com.

Whatever method, bin, or time you are able to devote to your pile, following this basic recipe will ensure that common problems are minimized, and that microbes and other wanted organisms will flock to your bin and stay there to produce lovely compost.