Well, for a garden, that is. Compost is a natural, nutrient-rich soil enhancer in which fruit and vegetable plants thrive. It is the equivalent of a double-shot of espresso on a damp and rainy day. We all know how good that can be. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let us back up for a moment.
Composting is a form of recycling. Recycling is defined as making ready for reuse; passing through a series of changes or treatments. Composting is a cyclical process that converts a range of materials into one mixture consisting largely of decayed organic matter that is used for fertilizing and conditioning land. By composting, we are not only creating a nontoxic fertilizer, we are also reducing our waste stream. By recycling organic matter back into the soils, we are reducing the solid waste generated by our population while keeping our landfills from reaching capacity too quickly. Composting can actually save a person a great deal of money. Not only will you eliminate the need to buy fertilizer, but you won't have to pay to dispose of heavy, compostable matter in your trash, not to mention that your tomatoes will appreciate the RedBull-like boost.
Composting can save money, yes, but how does one go about starting the process?
For starters, you can buy an outdoor compost bin, such as the Home Composter. The Bennington County Regional Commission offers for sale these bins at a discounted price for area residents. Most compost bins are made of black, recycled plastic to retain heat and aid materials in the decomposition process. Bins normally come without bottoms, so worms and other organisms can assist in breaking down materials into compost.
Find a level area of ground, preferably in a location that receives substantial sunlight, and set the bin directly on the ground. No need to worry if you are in an area prone to bears; my compost bin has been tested by several bears, and even though it may look a little worse for the wear, it functions like new.
You might want to invest in a compost turner, which is a simple tool with a long handle and prongs on the end for turning the composting matter. Another inexpensive purchase is a kitchen collector that holds food scraps until you are ready to dump them into the outdoor bin. Tip: Purchase a good-quality kitchen bin with a filter in the cover. I hate to admit it, but sometimes on those wonderful Vermont winter days, I just don't have motivation to suit up and trudge through snow to dump the kitchen bin outdoors. Therefore, I can attest to the fact that a kitchen bin with a locking cover can be left full for days, if not weeks, with little to no odor. If not contained properly, the odor from decomposing matter leaves something to be desired.
By now, you are probably wondering what exactly goes into the compost bin. Almost anything: food scraps, leaves, grass clippings, manure (from large livestock only, domestic pet waste harbors harmful parasites,) sawdust, newspaper, tea bags, weeds, brush, egg shells, and so on. Do not include fish, bones, meat, dairy products, or anything that does not biodegrade. Be sure to add water now and then to keep the compost moist.
A successful recipe includes 75 percent brown organic materials for carbon, 25 percent green organic materials for nitrogen, just enough water for moisture, oxygen (a well-aerated and properly turned pile means less odor), heat, and microscopic and macroscopic organisms. A handbook of useful tips and step-by-step instructions comes standard with every outdoor compost bin. Happy composting!
Lissa serves on the board of supervisors of the Bennington County Conservation District, whose mission is to promote rural livelihoods and protect natural resources. Feel free to e-mail her at: bcrc@rpc.bennington.vt.us with comments or questions.
This column appeared in the Bennington Banner in September 2006, as one of the BCCD's Conservation Currents pieces, a bi-weekly feature written by BCCD board and staff members since August 2006.