Waste Not, Want Not!: The ABCs of Composting
by Anna Ribbeck
“Waste not, want not!” The many times I heard that saying as a child resulted in my adopting it as the mantra of my life. It is even more applicable today, as our water, air and even the earth beneath our feet are just about saturated with our waste. What can we on the northshore do to help with the problem of waste? Composting is one answer.
The dictionary defines compost as “brown manure, the aerobically decomposed remnants of organic matter. It is commonly used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer.” Modern composting originated in European organic farming in the early 20th century. These thrifty farmers realized the importance of reusing something already at hand to improve the growth of something they needed. Even so, it took directives from European landfills to pressure the general public to get on board with composting and recycling. Belgium, Austria, Holland and Germany have fulfilled the European objectives to reduce the disposal and treatment of organic materials, thereby reducing landfills. Other countries like the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy have not. The United States has become interested in reduction of landfills as well, and though not mandated, many Americans have begun their own programs of composting organic substances.
One of the easiest ways to compost is to mix “brown” and “green” biodegradable waste with garden soil. “Brown” refers to old straw, leaves, tough vegetable stems and hedge or bush clippings from the garden. “Green” refers to organic waste that breaks down faster. This includes cut flowers, coffee grounds, paper filters, fruit, cooked veggies and grass clippings. These items can be turned directly into the garden soil or deposited into a holding area and mixed with materials such as vermiculite, sand, bark chips, top soil, etc.
It is easy to prepare an area for composting. Old garden timbers nailed in a square at least three high are a good way to start. If you have no old ones, timbers can be purchased inexpensively at your local hardware store. The area does not have to be huge—use the length of the timber to create your square and make it easy on yourself. Place the square in a convenient area that is not in direct sunlight or in direct view. A compost heap is not an aesthetic addition to the garden—practical is a better description. When planning the location, remember that the heap will produce heat and, at times, unpleasant aromas.
You can find ready-made containers that promote success with composting at local stores or online. Old garbage cans will work, too. The process will usually remain the same—add and turn. Whatever makes you comfortable and enthused about your composting project is the way to go.
After the area is prepared, use what you have on hand. Begin with a layer of shredded leaves or grass clippings. Add the daily kitchen toss-outs and keep on building. Those bush trimmings will look a little dry and funny at first, but as you keep building and turning you will be amazed at how quickly the heap begins to break down. If you have animal manure on hand, don’t be afraid to add that to the heap. Make sure to let nature aid in the decomposition. Earthworms, pill bugs, fungi and bacteria all love to live in and process organic matter. Do not fear these helpers—welcome them! They will help with the decomposition and enrich the soil you are striving to create. Diversity and care make compost so much greater than any of its parts! Do not add things that have been chemically treated. Keeping this space organic will help later in the garden. Covering the heap with black plastic may help during this initial phase; later it will be unnecessary.
Because we have daily leftovers—peelings from fruit and vegetables, coffee grinds, teabags, dead leaves—feeding the heap should not present a problem. Shredding leaves with a lawnmower helps quicken the rate of decomposition. The decaying leaves also provide a source of moisture that adds in nutrient collection.
Turning this decomposing matter on a regular basis is very important. It must breathe, stay moist but not soggy and be fed. Turning keeps a balance throughout the decomposition process that will ensure the “freshness” of your finished product.
Once the compost mix begins to break down—turn, turn, turn. Don’t forget to add sand if the mix is too moist or peat, vermiculite and perlite if the mix is too dry. When the color is a rich dark brown, begin shoveling the compost here and there in the garden. You can also use the finely decomposed matter for houseplant potting soil. Your mix will add magic to your garden.
Once you begin a project like this, you may be amazed at the uses you can find for other throw-aways at home. If we each recycled or reused just one item a day, imagine the impact we could make on our environment. Waste no more time.
What you want can be achieved with what you waste! Happy composting!
