Composting 101 - Building Black Gold Soils

Black gold, soil, compost...whaaaat? 

What is Composting all about? 

In a nut shell, it's a process that breaks down natural materials at an accelerated rate that brings gold to the garden!  While compost isn't a fertilizer, it greatly reduces the need for one by improving soil fertility & structure.  It adds organic material to your garden, and inoculates the soil with microbial life!  I'm short-changing the benefit list.  For a more in-depth compost experience see our Winter Workshop Bundle!

So how does it work?  Composting uses a combination of microbes, water, air (oxygen), carbon (dead/brown materials), and nitrogen (living/green materials.)  When managed properly, the original ingredients will become unrecognizable upon completion.  

What are carbon examples?  Sticks, straw, saw dust, dried leaves, pine needles.

What are nitrogen examples?  Raw veggies scrapes, yard litter, grass clippings, flowers.  (don't use animal products, cooking oils, processed foods, rices, bread, etc.)

If you want to compost successfully, listen up. 

The secret to composting success is using the correct ratio of ingredients.  You need about a 30:1 carbon:nitrogen ratio.  This is because the carbon materials are so much lighter by weight, that it takes more volume to balance your breakdown.  The nitrogen materials are more water saturated and heavy by weight, and therefore will be less volume.  

Next, it's important to chose a container that allows for ventilation.  You can string together wooden pallets, fencing, or use a plastic receptacle.  You must predrill holes for ventilation when using plastics.

Then comes the layering by ingredient ratio.  Visualize a carbon sandwich.  You must start and end your compost heap with carbon materials.  This traps the heat and allows it to cook properly.  

Using sticks on the bottom layer allows for the oxygen to move freely and create an aerobic condition.  If your airflow is stifled, your heap will start to stink and not breakdown.  (too much nitrogen can be smelly, too but we'll discuss that later.)

Layer the sticks about 4-6" deep.  Then add a thinner layer of nitrogen materials, about 2-3 inches.  Next add a thicker layer of carbon.  THEN about midway through, it's helpful to ADD a Compost Starter.  This could be compost from a finished batch, composted animal manure, or something else with a bit of nitrogen in it.  Continue layering, alternating between nitrogen & carbon materials.  Build heap to a manageable size for you, and then cap it with a carbon layer on top.  Think sandwich.

Woohoo!  Now you are close.  Water lightly, and cover with a tarp or lid for TWO WEEKS.  Begin turning, stirring, or tumbling your heap as often as once a day.  The more often you stir it, the more oxygen moves through, and the quicker breakdown will occur.

In it's later stage, the heap will reduce by half and the contents won't be recognizable.  Allow it to cool internally before using it in the garden.

Spread liberally for a happy garden!