7 steps to make a compost at home
First, let’s talk about what a compost is… Take a look outside and around your yard, what do you see?
I’m sure you could see brown to green organic matter. Organic matter that is high in carbon — what composter’s commonly call browns — provides energy for decomposer organisms. Organic matter high in nitrogen — called greens — supplies the decomposers with protein. Both of these materials are used to help plant fertilize. Here is a list of a few ingredients that you should have available to you right outside your home.
Dry leaves Kitchen scraps (no meat, bones, fats, or dairy)
Woody plant trimmings Coffee grounds
Straw Leafy plant trimming
Pine needles Grass clippings
Paper products Feathers, fur
How can you make your own compost at home for a small garden?
1. Since this is probably your first compost, use a medium size bin, nothing fancy pancy. Keep in mind, this is only to keep the ingredients together to help breakdown good bacteria.
2. Start by going outside your home. Collect some of the ingredients that are listed above into one huge pile alternating layers from brown to green matter.
3. Make sure to store in a sunny location so that it has as much heat as possible. If it’s in the shade all day, decomposition will still happen, but it will take you forever!
4. Sprinkle water over the pile regularly so it has the consistency of a damp sponge. Don't add too much water -- otherwise,the microorganisms in your pile will become waterlogged and drown.
5. During the growing season, you should provide the pile with oxygen by turning it once a week with a garden fork.
6. The best time to turn the compost is when the center of the pile feels warm or the thermometer reads between 130 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Stirring up the pile helps it cook faster and prevents material from becoming matted down and have a foul smell.
7. When your compost is no longer heated and becomes dry, brown and crumbles, it is fully cooked and ready to feed your garden.
