Composting is a process by which organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, decomposes into soil. It adds rich organic matter to soil. It can help conserve moisture, provide aeration to plant roots, suppresses some diseases, and supplies some essential nutrients.
There are 2 types of composting: cold and hot.
Cold composting takes longer. Leaves are piled in a 3 to 4 cubic foot pile. When adding food scraps, they need to be buried deep inside the leaves to keep pest out. This type can take up to a year to decompose. There is no bin required for this type. Disadvantages include the length of time, the possibilities of pests, and pathogens not being destroyed by high temperatures.
Hot composting will produce a higher quality more quickly. It involves aerating the pile, checking temperature and moisture levels, and getting the correct mixture of materials and particle size.
A bin isn’t needed but is helpful in keeping the pile neat, helps retain heat and moisture, and keeps out pests. Bins can be made of concreate blocks, wooden pallets, mesh fencing, or 55-gallon drums.
There are 2 basic types of hot composting: single batch and continuous. Single batch is adding all materials to the pile at one time. Continuous is adding materials as they are available.
Water each layer as it is added to keep it moist. Top with some soil. Turn weekly with a shovel or digging fork. Turn material from the outside to the inside.
Try to select an outdoor location with partial shade and plenty of drainage. It’s also important to pick an area that’s easily accessible but removed from animals, including pets and wildlife. Size is important for maintaining heat. The pile should be 3 feet wide, deep, and tall. It should be set up over 6 feet away from the home or other wooden structures. It should be downhill and as far away as possible from the garden for food safety.
The best time to start composting is in the spring or early summer. The process will be much slower in cold weather, though an insulated holding bin can keep things going somewhat.
Keep a small container in your kitchen to easily collect green food scraps, so you don’t have to run outside to your larger bin every time you peel an orange or crack an egg. Amazon has several composting bags that can be used in the container. You can find them here. There are many to choose from so pick the one that is best for you. Storing the bag or container in the freezer will keep smells and flies at bay.
What you can compost
What not to compost
| fruit and vegetable peels and scraps | Pet waste, such as feces or litter: may contain harmful bacteria or parasites |
| rotten fruit and veggies | Bones or scraps from meat, fish, and poultry produces an odor and attracts pests |
| houseplant trimmings | Dairy products: produce odor and attracts pests |
| coffee grounds and paper filters | Leaves or twigs from black walnut trees releases a compound that’s toxic to plants |
| tea leaves | Walnuts: releases a compound that’s toxic to plants |
| eggshells | Coal ash or charcoal contains compounds that may harm plants |
| nutshells (apart from walnuts) | Large pieces of wood: may take a long time to decompose |
| hair and fur | Fat, cooking oil, and grease produces odor and attracts pests |
| paper, cardboard, and shredded newspaper | Pesticide-treated lawn trimmings: may kill microorganisms needed for the composting process |
| napkins, paper towels, and unused toilet paper | Coffee pods: most contain plastic and don’t break down naturally |
| grass clippings | Baked goods: may attract pests and increase the growth of harmful bacteria |
| leaves | Plants that are diseased or infested with insects: may spread disease |
| flowers | Yard trimmings treated with chemicals which could kill beneficial composting organisms |
| sawdust | |
| wood chips |
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