Compost. A Primer.

I have read articles that lead you to think that making compost is a science and a complicated process.
This is very far from the truth.
Composting is a very simple process and anyone with a little bit of space can make it.

There are only 3 things needed to make compost.
1. Stuff to compost.
  This is any organic material (organic in the real sense as in anything not synthetic).
  All types of plants, sawdust, woodchips and most animal manures. (not meat. attracts rodents and could stink)
2. Water
  Without water the material will eventually break down but it could take many years.
3. A space to make it.

There is much talk about "Browns" and "Greens" and many people think that this refers to colours,
while it can refer to colour as in green grass and brown leaves, what it really refers to is
Carbon rich (browns) and Nitrogen rich (greens)

Then of course there is the ratio of browns to greens (about 70/30)
While this is good, it is not necessary. You can make compost with just grass or just leaves.
Having a good amount of nitrogen just speeds the process up.

The next point is Aerobic vs Anaerobic.
Aerobic compost is made by turning the compost regularly to incorporate air (oxygen).
Makes compost quickly but is labour intensive.
Anaerobic compost is made by piling the material and leaving it to break down naturally.
Makes compost slowly but needs minimal labour.

The way I make compost is with a 3 bin system.
In the 1st bin I pile all the garden waste. I don't sort or categorise, I just pile it in, watering each layer well.
Tip - The finer the material the quicker it breaks down so if you have a lot of leaves run the lawnmower over them to break them up.
     This is helpful especially with leaves as they form a mat that leads to water run off rather than absorption.
I have many BIG trees producing MANY leaves so on each layer of leaves I spread old compost, this holds the water and allows the leaves to soak slowly.
Since I like a "hot" compost I also spread a handful of water soluble nitrogen (Urea) on each layer.

Once bin 1 is full I (the gardener) turn the compost into bin 2. (I claim "Old Age" privileges)
This process both mixes and aerates the compost.
If necessary I add more water. The compost should always be damp but not soggy.

Then we start to fill bin 1 again.
When it is full
Bin 2 goes into bin 3 and
Bin 1 goes into bin 2
By this time the compost that goes into bin 3 should be ready to use.
I screen it to get all the big bits out, these go back into bin 1.

You do not need to use bins, a heap on the ground works just as well.
I use bins because it is neater and I have a dog that can't resist a heap of compost.
She thinks it is her job to help me spread it all around. :)

Final point.
Compost should never stink. If it does the main cause is that it's too wet.
This causes rotting rather than composting. Turn it to dry it.

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