"The gardener knows how to turn garbage into compost. Therefore our anger, sadness, and fear is the best compost for our compassion."

What is compost?   Composting is a natural process that turns organic material into a dark rich substance. This substance, called compost or humus, and is a wonderful conditioner and is an essential foundation for healthy and vibrant plants.  Compost is made from organic wastes like kitchen scraps, paper, and yard clippings.  This is a great way to recycle (reducing landfills) while creating a valuable byproduct that feeds plants for healthy growth.   

How does it work? Compost breaks down by microorganisms that feed on the waste, breaking them down and releasing valuable plant nutrients. As the microorganisms feed, the temperature of the pile rises to 130°F or higher during peak decomposition. As more material breaks down, the temperature of the compost pile will decrease to ambient air temperatures. At this point, the pile cures and is ready for use as a soil amendment. 

Composting requirements:  The four components to make compost are: 1. Water, 2. Oxygen,     

3. Nitrogen, and 4. Carbon.   

• Water is necessary for sustaining the microbial life in the pile and oxygen maintains aerobic conditions.
• Nitrogen-rich materials, commonly referred to as “greens,” are typically moist and contain a higher ratio of nitrogen to carbon. Greens are food wastes, grass, coffee grounds, and others.
• Carbon-rich materials, or “browns,” help balance the green materials and are typically dry, brittle materials like leaves, straw, newspaper, and wood chips.

How to make compost?  The usual way is to place a layer of browns. If you have a lot of coarse organic materials, you may want to chop or shred them into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces decay faster.  Next add a layer of green materials. Maintain a ratio (approximate is ok) of one part greens to three parts browns.  Then add a couple shovelfuls of soil or finished compost. (This adds extra bacteria and fungi to get your pile off to a faster start).  

Mix the layers together and then check for proper moisture. (To check for proper moisture take a handful of compost material and squeeze it as tightly as you can.  If you cannot get one drop of moisture to squeeze out, it is too dry.  If you get more than one or two drops, it is too wet.  If you get one or two drops, it is the appropriate moisture level).  Add water or additional dry material when necessary. 6. Continue to build layers until the bin is full.  

After one week check for proper moisture and then aerate the pile. Move coarse or less decayed material from the outside to the center. Adjust the moisture by sprinkling with water or adding dry material. Steam may be seen when you mix the pile. . Continue mixing the pile every week or two. Check for proper moisture. During this time the compost will begin to look uniform and dark brown in color. The pile will shrink as the composting process takes place. 

When the pile does not heat up after turning, is neither too wet nor too dry, and most of the original materials are no longer recognizable, it is now ready for curing.   Allow the pile to cure for at least a few weeks, until it looks mostly dark and crumbly and has a pleasant earthy odor. It is now ready to use as a soil amendment.