Composting

A T H O M E

Robert Rynk & Michael Colt

Introduction
Composting is a simple, rewarding way to recycle yard trimmings
and food scraps at home while creating compost, a valuable soil
amendment for gardens and lawns.
Food scraps and yard trimmings, such as leaves, grass clippings,
garden debris, and brush, make up over 20% of a typical
household’s solid wastes. When treated as trash, these materials
increase the cost of collecting and handling community solid
wastes. In the landfill, they consume valuable space and create
potential pollutants such as leachate and methane gas. By
composting at home, you help to reduce the cost and environmen-
tal risks of managing solid waste materials.
But equally important, yard trimmings and food scraps contain
valuable soil-building nutrients and organic compounds which
nature normally recycles through the decay process. By
composting organic materials, you can accomplish the same thing.
Compost is easy to handle and rich in organic matter. It is prized by
gardeners and landscapers as a soil amendment, mulch, and
source of plant nutrients.
Composting at Home explains the benefits and basics of backyard
composting. It covers the composting process, the ingredients and
methods for building a compost pile, how to manage it, and how to
use compost. You will find enough information here to start and
1
 manage a composting pile. A list of suggested reading and
Web sites is included if you wish to learn more about this
simple and beneficial process.

COMPOSTING Nearly anyone can practice composting—it is not just for garden-
FOR NON- ers. In fact, you do not need to use compost yourself to benefit
GARDENERS from composting. As long as you have food scraps or yard
OR IN trimmings, and you enjoy recycling, you will find composting
SMALL SPACES rewarding. Furthermore, composting can be done in small
spaces, as small as the corner of an apartment patio. Here are
some composting ideas for people who don’t have a garden or
large area for composting.

Other 9%
Plastics 9%
Paper 37%
Glass 8%

Metals 8%

Wood 7%

Food 7%
Yard trimmings 15%

Figure 1. Components of solid waste, percentage by weight (1993)

2
 If you do not have a garden:
• Reduce the amount of organic material to be composted by
practicing grass recycling, mulching, or another form of source
reduction.
• Use your compost in the potting soil for your potted plants.
• Apply compost to your lawn as a topdressing. A thin layer of
screened compost spread evenly over the lawn surface will
work its way into the soil and improve the turf.
• Use your compost to make “compost tea” to fertilize your house
plants or lawn.
• Give compost away to your gardening friends and neighbors,
or donate it to a community gardening project.

If you have little space for composting:

• Reduce the amount of organic material to be composted by
practicing grass recycling, mulching, or another form of source
reduction.
• Use a composting bin or tumbler that holds the material in a
compact area.
• Manage the composting process closely, and turn the material
frequently, to produce compost in the minimum time possible.
Faster composting will reduce the amount of the space
needed.
• If you have many food scraps but few yard trimmings, try worm
composting. A worm bin uses less space than a conventional
composting bin and generally produces less compost.
• Give some or all of the organic materials from your household
to a neighbor or friend who composts, or work with your
neighbor or friend to produce compost together, sharing
materials, labor, and space.

3
Compost Happens
Understanding the composting process
Composting is a natural biological process carried out by a vast
number and variety of decomposer organisms. Naturally occurring
microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, account for most of
the decomposition. Larger organisms, including insects and
earthworms, also break down the materials, especially in the later
stages of the process. The organisms responsible for composting
consume organic materials and oxygen in order to grow and
reproduce. In the process, they produce carbon dioxide, water
vapor, and heat. From start to finish, the composting materials
change from a diverse mixture of individual ingredients, such as
leaves, stems, and fruit, to a uniform soil-like material called com-
post (sometimes referred to as humus).
People intervene in this natural decay process to create and
maintain a good environment for the decomposer organisms, and
thereby accelerate the process. How well or how much you man-
age the process influences the composting time, the qualities of the
compost, and what problems may or may not develop. Therefore, it
is helpful to understand the factors that affect composting.

Factors that affect composting

Aeration and oxygen Composting is an aerobic process; that
is, it requires oxygen. The desired decomposers need oxygen to
work their magic. The oxygen consumed during composting must 5
 Heat

Water Carbon Dioxide

Organic
Ingredients The Compost
containing carbon,
nitrogen, other nutrients,
➤ Composting ➤ containing organic
matter, nutrients,
water, minerals,
Process minerals, water,
microorganisms, etc. microorganinisms, etc.

Air (oxygen)
Figure 2. Basics of the composting process

be continually replaced by aeration (air flow through the materials).

Good aeration is encouraged by placing bulky composting ingredi-
ents in the pile to create pathways for air movement, and by
“turning” the materials to loosen and mix them. If oxygen becomes
scarce, anaerobic decomposition takes place. Anaerobic decom-
position is undesirable in a compost pile because it is slower,
creates unpleasant odors, and produces little heat.
Nutrients The decomposer organisms obtain many nutrients from
the composting ingredients, but carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are
particularly important. A well-balanced proportion of carbon and
nitrogen usually ensures a good supply of all nutrients and allows
composting to proceed rapidly. A balance of carbon and nitrogen
can be achieved by combining carbon-rich or “brown” materials
with nitrogen-rich or “green” materials (see “Recipes for Success”).
Degradability The speed at which composting occurs is largely
determined by the degradability of the materials, that is, how easily
they decompose. Microorganisms easily digest materials contain-
ing a high proportion of sugars, starches, and proteins, such as
6
food scraps, manure, and green vegetation. Straw, plant stems,
and, especially, woody materials take longer to decompose and
may even pass through the composting process with little change.
You will notice that many nitrogen-rich materials (greens) tend to
decompose quickly, while the carbon-rich materials (browns) are
less degradable. The degradability of a material is enhanced by
shredding and by ensuring that adequate amounts of nitrogen and
water are available.
Moisture Microorganisms need moisture to carry out their work. If
the materials are dry, the process slows down. On the other hand,
too much water makes the compost pile soggy and dense, which
hinders aeration. Composting materials should be moist but not
dripping wet.
Surface area The decomposer organisms work on the surface of
particles. Because smaller particles offer more surface area,
composting is generally faster when materials are chopped,
shredded, or cut into pieces. However, a pile with only fine particles
is dense and therefore does not aerate well. Particles in the range
of 1/4 to 2 inches usually compost well. As decomposition
progresses, particles shrink in size and tend to compact. Turning
helps to loosen the compacted particles and improves aeration.
Temperature Heat generated by the microorganisms during
composting raises the temperature of the composting materials.
The temperatures in a compost pile often rise above 120°F and
sometimes exceed 160°F. High temperatures (above 140°F) have
the advantage of killing pathogens (microorganisms that cause
disease) and weed seeds. Because backyard composting piles are
small, they may only sustain elevated temperatures for one or two
days. That’s OK. Good compost can also be produced by moder-
ate temperatures. Unless the material being composted is diseased
or contains many seeds, achieving high temperatures is not important.
Time Depending on the ingredients and conditions in a pile, it can
take several weeks to over a year to produce compost. Compost is
typically ready for use in three to six months, given regular turning,
adequate moisture, and a good mixture of materials. With daily
turnings and highly degradable ingredients, the composting time
can be reduced to less than one month. Methods that involve little
or no turning usually require more than a year to produce compost
that is ready to use.
7
What to Compost,
What Not to Compost
While most natural organic materials will decompose in time, not
everything belongs in the backyard compost pile (see Table 1).
Many readily available organic materials are good candidates for
the backyard compost pile. Garden vegetation, landscape trim-
mings, and most plant-derived food scraps can generally be
composted without concern. In moderation, you can also add
manure from livestock and poultry.
Avoid composting plant material that is diseased or that carries an
abundance of seeds and insects. You should also avoid
composting grass clippings that have been treated with persistent
herbicides (see “Managing Grass Clippings in the Compost Pile”).
Certain invasive weeds, such as morning glory (bindweed) and
quack grass, are best left out of the compost pile. Backyard com-
post piles do not reliably produce enough heat to destroy plant
pathogens, rhizomes, and seeds. For the same reason, cat and
dog feces, which can carry pathogens, should not be added to
compost piles. Fatty and oily foods should be avoided because
they are more likely to generate odors and attract animal pests,
such as flies, dogs, and rodents.

9
 Table 1. Materials that can be composted, and materials that
should not be composted
(Adapted from Composting to Reduce the Waste Stream)

Can be composted
Aquatic plants
Bread
Branches, chipped
Brush, chipped
Coffee grounds
Compost recycled from previous batches
Corn husks, stalks, and cobs
Cut flowers
Eggshells
Evergreen needles
Fruit
Fruit peels and rinds
Garden trimmings
Grass clippings
Leaves
Manure—cattle, horse, chicken, rabbit, etc.
Paper
Sawdust
Soil, garden and potting
Straw
Sod
Tea leaves and tea bags
Vegetables
Vegetable tops and trimmings
Weeds without seeds
Wood ash
Wood chips and shavings

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Should not be composted
Materials that produce odors
or attract pests (oily foods)
Butter
Bones
Cheese and other dairy products
Fish scraps
Lard
Mayonnaise
Meat and poultry
Peanut butter
Salad dressing
Sour cream
Vegetable oil

Possible sources of weeds and disease

Cat manure
Dog manure
Diseased plants
Plants with spreading rhizomes and invasive roots,
such as quack grass and bindweed
Weeds that have gone to seed

Possible sources of toxins

Plants or grass treated with persistent herbicides
Treated or painted wood, shavings, or sawdust
Walnut leaves

11
MANAGING The easiest way to manage grass clippings is to leave them on
GRASS the lawn to decompose and recycle their nutrients (see “Alterna-
CLIPPINGS tives to Composting”). However, when clippings are collected,
IN THE they can still be recycled by composting.
COMPOST
Generally, grass is a good ingredient for a backyard composting
PILE
pile. Grass clippings decompose rapidly and add needed
moisture and nitrogen. Compost piles begin to heat soon after
grass clippings are added. The resulting higher pile temperatures
destroy more weed seeds and plant diseases and generally
speed the composting process.
There are a few cautions to observe when composting grass
clippings. Grass quickly consumes oxygen in the compost pile.
Also, grass clippings tend to stick together, forming clumps and
mats which air cannot penetrate. Unpleasant odors could de-
velop if a large amount of grass is composted. The remedy is to
mix grass clippings with other materials that are bulky and
decompose more slowly. In general, grass clippings should make
up no more than one-third (by volume) of the material in the pile.
A compost pile containing a large proportion of grass should be
watched and then turned if the pile begins to compact or emit an
odor.
Another concern is herbicide. Most herbicides and other pesti-
cides decompose in the compost pile, but certain long-lasting
herbicides used on grass can remain in the compost (see Table
2). Sensitive plants may be damaged by herbicide residue in the
compost. To be cautious, avoid putting grass clippings from
lawns treated with long-lasting herbicides in the compost pile.
Leave herbicide-treated clippings on the lawn. If you do add
herbicide-treated grass to the compost pile, use the compost as
a topdressing for the lawn or extend the composting time. After
12 months of composting, herbicide residue should not pose a
problem. If you use a lawn care company, find out what chemi-
cals they use on your lawn. Contact your local Cooperative
Extension System office for questions about herbicides or other
pesticides.

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Table 2. Persistence of common herbicides in soil
(Reprinted with permission from Composting to Reduce the Waste Stream)

Common name Trade name Longevity in soil*

(months)
Benefin Balan, Balfin 4–8
DCPA Dacthal 4–8
Bensulide Betasan, Prefar 6–12
Glyphosate Roundup, Kleenup <1
2,4-D many formulations 1–2
MCPP many formulations 1–2
Dicamba Banvel 3–12

* The speed at which herbicides decompose depends on the soil conditions,

including temperature, moisture, and aeration. Herbicides last longer if soils are
cold, dry, dense, or compacted. Decomposition will probably be faster in the
compost pile than in soil.

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Recipes for Success
Combining ingredients for faster composting
Composting can succeed with a wide range of materials. In fact,
once you start piling any moist organic materials, composting will
start on its own. But by paying attention to the combination of
materials that you add to the pile, you can make composting
happen faster, or hotter, or you can avoid occasional problems (see
“Troubleshooting”).
The mix of materials or ingredients used for composting is often
referred to as a recipe. Composting recipes attempt to provide a
balanced amount of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). If there is too little
nitrogen, composting takes place slowly. However, too much
nitrogen creates ammonia gas, leading to nitrogen loss. A ratio of
20 to 50 parts of carbon to 1 part of nitrogen usually results in
relatively rapid composting. You can achieve the desired balance
by combining the right amounts of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich
ingredients.
In backyard composting, it is not practical to follow a precise
recipe. Perhaps the easiest approach is to think of organic carbon
sources as “browns” and organic nitrogen sources as “greens,”
and then combine brown and green ingredients in rough propor-
tions. A mix of 2 to 3 volumes of browns to 1 volume of greens often
produces a C:N ratio in the 20:1 to 50:1 range. Examples of brown
materials are dried leaves, straw, corn stalks, and woody materials
15
 Table 3: Examples of browns and greens: typical carbon to
nitrogen ratios of selected backyard composting ingredients

C:N Ratio*
Browns Dry leaves 60:1
Carbon-rich Corn stalks 60:1
Straw 80:1
Shrub trimmings 50:1
Waste paper 400:1
Wood 500:1
(sawdust, shavings, etc.)

Greens Grass clippings 17:1

Nitrogen-rich Kitchen scraps 15:1
Vegetable culls 12:1
Horse stable manure 25:1
Cattle manure 18:1
Chicken manure 8:1

* Note: The C:N ratio of all materials varies considerably from one source to the
next and as the materials age.

such as paper, sawdust, wood shavings, branches, and shrub

trimmings. Commonly available green materials include grass
clippings, green vegetation, food scraps, and livestock manures
(horse, cattle, chicken, rabbit, etc.).
Inorganic additives, such as lime and wood ash, are rarely helpful
to composting, though moderate use will not hurt. Because back-
yard composting piles often lack nitrogen, adding synthetic chemi-
cal fertilizers or organic nitrogen sources, such as manure or blood
meal, can speed the process and increase pile temperatures.
However, such fertilizers are not necessary. Microbial inoculants,
activators, or compost starters are also unnecessary. Yard trim-
mings, food scraps, compost, soil, and the general environment
contain ample quantities of the desired composting organisms.
Finally, don’t worry about following the right recipe. Almost any
combination of organic ingredients will compost well if moisture is
available. In general, composting happens faster as the ingredients
become more diverse.

16
Some composters follow well-defined recipes with the goal of GOURMET
consistently producing compost that is rich in nutrients, or COMPOSTING
exceptionally high in organic content, or that has particular
qualities for particular uses. A few popular approaches include
the biointensive, biodynamic, and Rodale methods of
composting. Typically, these methods prescribe specific ingredi-
ents along with procedures for building and managing the
compost pile. Several recipes call for the addition of soil, com-
post, inoculants, specific herbs, manure, or minerals. There are
advantages in adding certain ingredients. For example, soil
contributes microorganisms and nutrients and adds bulk to the
finished compost. Returning compost to a pile improves aeration
and supplies microorganisms. However, composters disagree
about the benefits of some recommendations, such as supplying
inoculants and herbal mixtures. Nevertheless, close attention to
what goes into the compost pile and how the process is man-
aged usually results in high-quality compost. The trade-off, of
course, is that gourmet composting recipes require more effort
from the composter.
If your goal is to make a superior-quality compost or compost
with particular attributes, learn more about the various ap-
proaches to composting. The Rodale Book of Composting (see
“Suggested Reading”) provides a good review of several meth-
ods. Talk to other composters, and don’t be afraid to experiment
with composting ingredients and techniques yourself. You may
discover a valuable technique, yet you are unlikely to fail at
composting.
Finally, remember that gourmet composting recipes and proce-
dures are merely attempts to fine-tune the composting process
and product. They are not necessary! You can make excellent
compost simply by gathering together your yard trimmings and
following the basic principles related to aeration, moisture, and time.

17
Backyard Composting Methods
Heaps, bins, and tumblers
Backyard composting involves mixing ingredients together, keeping
them moist, and turning the materials occasionally to improve
aeration. What differs from one method to the next is how the
materials are contained and turned. Options include heaps, bins,
ventilated containers, and rotating tumblers.
Heaps, or freestanding piles, are the simplest form of composting,
and they work very well. Materials can be added to the pile as they
become available, or stockpiled until you get enough to make a
good-sized heap. Either way, it is helpful to have two or three piles,
one for fresh ingredients, another in the active composting stage,
and possibly a third for maturing the compost. The pile is typically
turned with a pitchfork, although you can use any tool that helps to
lift and loosen the pile.
Composting bins work in nearly the same manner as heaps.
However, bins more neatly confine the composting materials and
allow them to be stacked higher. Certain types of bins also shelter
the materials from the weather and animal pests. Just as it is helpful
to have two or three compost heaps, using more than one
composting bin can help you manage the progression of materials.
A variety of bins can be used. You can make bins from circles of
wire fencing, wooden pallets, snow fencing, or wire mesh framed in
wood. These enclosures can be taken apart and reassembled 19
 Figure 3a–g. Examples of composting bins

a. Wood and hardware screen three-bin composting unit.

b. Cement block three-bin composting unit.

c. Wooden pallet d. Wire-fencing

composting bin. composting bin.
20
when you are turning or harvesting the compost. Stationary bins
can be made with wooden posts and planks, or by stacking land-
scape timbers, concrete blocks, or rocks. All bins should allow air
flow through the sides and back.
If you plan to turn your composting materials frequently, use a bin
that provides easy access to the materials, such as those shown in
Figure 3a, b, and c. Bins that are convenient for turning are often
referred to as turning units. If you simply want to contain the materi-

e. Snow-fence f. Commercially manufactured

composting bin. composting bin.

g. Drum-type compost tumbler.

21
 als and turn them only occasionally, then an enclosed type of bin,
often called a holding unit, will work as well (Figure 3d, e, and f).
The distinction between turning units and holding units is merely in
ease of access. Bins considered as turning units do not have to be
turned. Similarly, holding units can be turned frequently, if you wish.
Some bins are essentially closed containers with air vents in the
bottom and top of the bin. Many are designed especially to com-
post food scraps. Fresh ingredients are added at the top and
compost is removed from the bottom. Little or no turning takes
place. These bins are not intended to maintain fully aerobic condi-
tions. They control odors by enclosing the materials, and the odor,
inside the container.
Tumblers are rotating barrels or drum composters which turn the
materials inside as they spin like a clothes dryer via a hand crank,
or are tumbled end-over-end. The idea behind tumbling
composters is to make turning easier so the materials will be turned
more frequently and consequently compost faster. Some drums
and multi-sided tumblers are designed to be rolled along the
ground. Several manufactured models of tumblers are available,
though you can also build your own rotating barrels. All of these
composting units include some means of ventilation, along with
loading/unloading features. Because the barrels must be loaded in
batches, you will either have to store fresh materials or use two
drums, one for composting while the other is being loaded.

ALTERNATIVES Composting is not the only way to make good use of kitchen and
TO garden residues. Grass recycling, mulching, and soil incorpora-
COMPOSTING tion recycle garden and food residues without the management
demands of composting. Worm composting produces a high-
quality soil amendment through a different biological process
Grass recycling Usually, the compost pile is not the best
destination for grass clippings. The simplest way to recycle grass
clippings is to leave them on the lawn, which benefits from the
nutrients and organic matter returned to the soil. This alternative
also keeps herbicide-treated grass out of the compost pile. Grass
recycling works best with proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering
practices (see CIS 1016, Don’t Bag It!).
22
Mulching Organic mulches placed on the soil surface control
weeds, reduce evaporation and erosion, and keep the soil cooler
in the summer and warmer in the winter. Grass clippings, leaves,
pine needles, chipped branches, and shrub trimmings are all
suitable for surface mulching around trees, shrubs, and other
perennial plantings, with a few precautions. Large branches and
other shrub trimmings must be chipped or shredded. Leaves
should be shredded, because unshredded leaves tend to mat,
preventing water and oxygen from moving into the soil. Fresh
grass clippings should be applied in layers 1-inch thick or less.
Otherwise, they become slimy, stick together, and limit air movement.
Soil incorporation Mixing food scraps deep into the soil is an
alternative way to recycle non-fatty foods (Figure 4). Within one
month to one year, the food material will decompose and fertilize
the neighboring plants. Food scraps should be chopped, mixed
with the soil at the bottom of an 8- to 12-inch deep hole or trench,
and completely covered with clean soil. You can work the trench
into the garden rotation by shifting its location. Food scraps can
also be deposited in a container with the bottom cut out and set
over a hole in the ground. When the hole is full, cover it with soil.
The container can then be moved to another location. Soil incor-
poration is difficult, if not impossible, during the winter when the
ground is frozen or snow-covered.
Worm composting Worm composting, or vermicomposting,
relies on specific types of earthworms to digest food scraps,
paper, manure, and vegetation. In the process the worms leave
behind castings, which form a high-quality soil amendment called
vermicompost. Red worms, rather than common nightcrawlers,
are used in vermicomposting. Because worms need a dark, cool,
moist, and aerobic environment, mixtures of food and bedding
are composted in shallow layers in closed boxes or bins. The
bedding provides an airy habitat for the worms. Typical bedding
materials include shredded paper, straw, peat moss, and saw-
dust. Worms work best at temperatures between 50° and 70°F,
which makes a basement a good year-round location for a worm
bin. If the bin freezes or gets too hot, the worms die. The compost
can be used after several months, when the bin contents become
fairly uniform, dark, and soil-like in texture.

23
 Lid for access

Portable barrel
or garbage
can with the
floor cut out

Hole:
12 to 18
inches
deep

A B C
Food and Soil
in Trench
Walking
Plants
Space

Food and Soil

in Trench
Walking
Plants
Space

Food and Soil

in Trench
Walking Plants
Space

24 Figure 4. Soil incorporation of food scraps with covered container

Composting Management
Making it work for you
Composting will happen almost by itself. Nevertheless, good
management helps the process along and minimizes nuisances.
Your level of management also determines how soon the compost
will be ready for use. Things to pay attention to include where to
place the pile and how to build it, when to turn it, preventing odors,
and troubleshooting various ailments. Managing moisture is par-
ticularly important.

Location, location, location

The ideal location for your compost pile or bin provides sunlight in
the winter, shade in the summer, and as much shelter from the wind
as possible. Wind robs the composting materials of heat and
precious moisture. Direct sunlight provides needed warmth in the
winter but it otherwise dries the pile. In arid climates, open bins and
piles that are exposed to summer sunlight will require diligent
management of moisture. An area of the yard shaded by a decidu-
ous shrub or the canopy of a deciduous tree can be a good site,
providing both summer shade and winter sunlight. Shelter from
sunlight and wind are less important if you are using closed
composting bins.
The location should also provide easy access to water. Even
shaded piles will need water during the summer. The piles are more
25
 likely to be kept moist if the water source is convenient; for in-
stance, if they are within reach of a garden hose. With open piles
and bins, you may also wish to choose a spot that is shielded from
view. Finally, the location should provide enough space to turn the
pile and to stockpile raw materials and finished compost. In locat-
ing your compost pile, avoid:
• poorly drained spots that gather standing water.
• contact with trees, wooden fences, and buildings, since moist
composting materials hasten decay and corrosion.
• close proximity to buildings and combustible materials—
spontaneous combustion (a self-ignited fire) within a backyard
composting pile is a remote yet possible danger.
• areas near neighbors who might object to the sight or smell of a
compost pile.

Building and feeding the pile

The most important task in constructing a pile is blending the
ingredients, including water. Brown and green ingredients should
be well distributed within the pile. Usually, materials are added
without mixing and then blended by subsequent turnings. Some
composters place brown and green materials in alternating layers,
3 to 6 inches thick, sometimes interspersed with layers of fertilizer
or manure. Although layering provides an easy way to proportion
materials, the layers actually make a poor blend of materials.
Turning is necessary to mingle the brown and green layers together.
Compost piles can be constructed gradually from the ground up by
adding materials as they become available, or by stockpiling
ingredients until the desired amount accumulates, or by a combina-
tion of both. Adding fresh ingredients in large quantities is more
likely to produce high temperatures, but it increases the chance of
odors. In many cases, brown ingredients, such as dry leaves, are
scarce when green materials, such as grass clippings, become
available. You can mix the greens into the existing composting pile,
or stockpile brown ingredients and use them gradually as the green
ingredients are generated. When adding food scraps or other
materials that might attract flies and pests, bury them 6 inches
beneath the surface of open piles and bins or cover them with
several inches of soil or compost. If the pile is not dry or frozen, the
26 material will partially decompose in about one to two weeks and the
pile can then be turned. If food materials are added in large quanti-
ties, they should be mixed into the pile, covered, and then turned a
week or so later.
A pile or bin should be large enough to generate and hold in heat,
yet small enough to allow air to reach its center. As a rule of thumb,
the pile or bin should be at least 3 feet by 3 feet at the base and 3
feet high. Larger piles lose less heat in the winter, but piles larger
than 5 feet high or 8 feet wide are a challenge to turn and aerate.
Place a layer of dry leaves, straw, wood chips, compost, or other
coarse material at the base of piles and bins. This layer enhances
aeration, insulates materials from the cold ground, and absorbs
liquids which may drain from above. You can improve air circulation
by placing aeration aids such as pallets under piles and bins, or by
inserting branches, perforated pipes, or tubes of rolled-up wire
mesh into the composting materials.

The whys and whens of turning

Turning the compost pile gives you a window into the composting
process. You get to see what is happening inside the pile—if the
material is too wet or too dry, what ingredients are or are not
decomposing, and how well composting is progressing. Turning
performs several functions. It charges the pile with fresh air. It
improves aeration by fluffing the materials and creating air chan-
nels. It blends together materials, breaks apart particles, and
removes heat, water vapor, and other gases contained in the pile.
Turning exchanges material at the cool, dry, oxygen-rich pile
surface with the material at the warmer and moister core. Overall,
turning speeds the composting process and helps manage tem-
perature, moisture, and odors.
Few hard-and-fast rules exist for turning composting materials. The
pile can be turned on a regular schedule, weekly, for example; or
occasionally at the composter’s convenience; when fresh materials
are added; or in response to conditions in the pile. The following
guidelines may help you decide when to turn your pile.
To speed the process Generally, the more often a pile is turned,
the faster it composts. However, turning has only a limited effect on
materials that naturally decompose slowly, such as wood.
To promote high temperatures Frequent turning leads to
faster composting, which increases the pile temperature.
27
 To blend materials Turn piles when materials are poorly mixed,
or when different sections of the pile differ in consistency, color,
moisture, temperature, or odor.
To cool the materials Turn piles if temperatures rise above
140°F, the point at which the microorganisms begin to suffer.
To aerate materials Turn piles when odors begin to develop or
when other signs of anaerobic conditions appear, such as com-
pacted, matted, or slimy-looking materials.
To add moisture Turn piles when adding water. Repeatedly wet
and then turn the material. Water is otherwise difficult to distribute
throughout the pile.
To drive off moisture Turn piles when the materials become
saturated from rain or the addition of wet materials.

Preventing odors
Although most backyard composting materials present little risk of
odor, odors can still occur through neglect or from the wrong
combination of ingredients and conditions. The best way to man-
age odors is to avoid anaerobic conditions—keep the pile from
becoming overly wet, turn it at the first hint of odors, and maintain a
mix with at least as many brown ingredients as green. Highly
degradable materials like grass, manure, and food scraps require
particular attention. These materials should be thoroughly mixed
within the pile. If they are added in large quantities, the pile should
be turned regularly.

Troubleshooting
The most common problem in backyard composting is slow de-
composition. The first suspected cause should be excessive drying
of piles, followed closely by a lack of nitrogen (not enough fresh
green material). Poor aeration due to wet or compacted materials
can also hinder the composting rate. In this case, the problem may
be accompanied by odors. Other occasional difficulties include
pests, ammonia-like odors, and extremely high temperatures. Table
4 provides general guidance for troubleshooting these conditions.

Judging when composting is finished

Composting does not stop at a particular point. Biological decom-
28 position of the raw materials and the compost continues almost
indefinitely. However, the compost becomes usable, and the
process is considered finished, when decomposition slows to the
point where odors are no longer a concern and plants will not be
harmed (see the following section, “Using Compost at Home”).
Judging when compost has reached this point is part of the art of
composting. Signs of finished compost include:
• You would expect the compost to be finished by now—a suffi-
cient amount of time has passed since materials were last added
to the pile (see “Factors That Affect the Composting Time”).
• The pile of compost has developed a dark brown color, consis-
tent crumbly texture, and earthy odor.
• There should be no ammonia or rotten odor in the compost.
• Except for pieces of wood, the compost shows very little evi-
dence of the original yard trimmings and food scraps added to
the pile.
• The moist pile remains cool and does not become warmer after
turning.
• Moist compost, stored in a closed plastic bag at room tempera-
ture for one week, does not develop offensive, stale, or ammonia-
like odors.
Some of these properties can be seen in unfinished compost, so
several of these signs should be evident before the compost is
harvested—the more, the better.

MANAGING
In arid regions, a dry compost pile is the most common problem
COMPOST
that backyard composters encounter. Without adequate moisture,
PILE
the composting process slows to a crawl and eventually stops. In
MOISTURE
the absence of regular soaking rains, water must be added to the
IN ARID
pile frequently to replace the moisture lost to drying winds,
CLIMATES
sunlight, natural evaporation, and the pile’s own heat.
How much moisture is right? Generally, the composting material
should feel moist to the touch but not dripping wet. The
“squeeze” test is an easy way to gauge the moisture level of
composting materials. Squeeze a handful of composting material.
If no water oozes out, the pile is too dry. If water drips without
squeezing, the pile is too wet. 29
 Table 4. Troubleshooting guidelines for home composting piles
Problem Possible Causes

Rotten odor Anaerobic conditions due to

excess moisture or food scraps

Anaerobic conditions due to

poor porosity and compaction

Ammonia odor Too much nitrogen (greens);

not enough carbon.

Slow Not enough moisture

decomposition

Not enough nitrogen; OR

slowly degradable materials

Not enough oxygen

(anaerobic conditions)

Pile is cold; small volume

Pile is totally frozen

Compost is mature

Pile does not reach Small volume

high temperatures
(over 120°F) Not enough nitrogen

Cold weather

Pile is too hot Pile is too large

(over 140°F)
Not enough air flow
(poor ventilation)

Pile is becoming too dry. Not

enough evaporative cooling

Pile attracts pests Exposed food scraps

(flies, bees, dogs,
cats, rodents,
skunks, etc.) Meat, fish, or oily foods
in the pile
30
Clues Remedy

Pile feels and looks soggy Turn pile and/or mix in dry materials

Pile looks dense, matted, or slimy. Turn pile and/or mix in coarse
Few or no large, rigid particles brown materials (straw, chipped
wood, etc.)
More grass, food, and manure Mix in more brown, carbon-rich
visible than brown ingredients ingredients (leaves, straw, etc.)

Pile is barely damp to dry inside Add water and/or wet materials
and turn pile

Abundance of brown materials Add green material or nitrogen

in the pile (wood, leaves, etc.); fertilizer; OR shred materials;
AND the pile is not dry OR be patient—it will happen

Pile is dense, looks matted Turn pile. Add coarse or dry

or slimy. Hint of rotten odor material as needed

Pile is less than 3 ft high and Add fresh material and turn pile
the weather is near freezing Increase pile size

Frozen clumps within the pile Wait for spring, and then turn

Pile conditions are good None needed

Pile is less than 3 ft high Increase pile size

Pile is more than 3 ft high Add green material or

and outdoor temperature nitrogen fertilizer
is above freezing

Pile is more than 3 ft high Insulate surface of pile

and outdoor temperature with compost, straw, leaves, etc.
is above freezing
Pile is more than 5 ft high Divide into smaller piles

Pile is less than 5 ft high but Turn pile; decrease pile size
fairly dense and moist

Pile is less than 5 ft high and Add water and turn pile
only slightly damp

Food scraps at or near the Bury food 6 inches beneath

pile surface the pile surface

Evidence of digging in Remove food from pile, or turn

the pile into the pile center; OR use a
pest-proof composting bin 31
 How often should water be added, and how much? In the
summer, when moisture loss is greatest, water should be added
at least weekly to keep the process going. The amount of water
needed depends primarily on the pile size and how dry it has
become. For a typical 3 ft wide x 3 ft long x 3 ft high pile, an
average of 5 gallons of water per week is a reasonable estimate
to start with. This is about the amount of water provided by 1 inch
of rain. More water will be needed if the pile is frequently turned
or exposed to sunlight and wind. Less water will be needed for
sheltered piles, and for compost contained in composting bins
with small ventilation openings.

Tips for maintaining pile moisture

• Check the moisture level of the pile frequently. The surface of
piles will nearly always appear dry but the material a few inches
below should look and feel damp. Use the squeeze test to
determine if water should be added. Meters designed for mea-
suring soil moisture have not been widely used for compost, but
you might find them convenient if you can obtain meter readings
that consistently match the squeeze test results.
• If the pile needs water, add it with a bucket, hose, trickle hose, or
sprinkler. However, because water moves slowly through the
mass of composting materials, it is best to turn the materials
while adding water to distribute it throughout the pile.
• Make sure the pile has easy access to a water source—locate it
within reach of a garden hose, for instance. Piles are more likely
to be kept moist if water is convenient. If possible, locate the pile
in an area that is also sheltered from wind and summer sunlight.
• To conserve fresh water, routinely add “used” water from certain
household and garden activities, for example, water from wash-
ing or cooking vegetables or water used to rinse the bucket
holding kitchen scraps for the compost pile.
• Add high-moisture ingredients to the compost pile such as
kitchen scraps, fresh grass clippings (if you collect them at all),
and leaves from gutters and storm drains. Collect and add
leaves and other yard trimmings before they dry.

32
• Too much water is a less common problem in arid climates. In
the winter, or during periods of frequent precipitation, prevent the
pile from getting saturated by rain or snow by using a covered
bin or a plastic tarp over the pile. Be aware that the tarp will
decrease aeration. Piles that are too wet should be turned both
to distribute water within the pile and to encourage evaporation.

33
The Payoff
Using compost at home
Compost makes a good soil amendment, mulch, and topdressing
for many gardening applications. When mixed with a sandy soil,
compost increases its ability to retain nutrients and moisture. In
heavy clay soil, compost particles bind with clay particles to form
loose pellets of soil which drain better and resist surface crusting
and erosion. Compost contains minor and major plant nutrients
which will become available to plants gradually over several
growing seasons. Annual or regular additions of compost will
increase the organic matter and fertility level of your soil and help
sustain the long-term productivity of your garden.
Although most composts will greatly benefit plants, unfinished
compost or compost stored under anaerobic conditions can harm
seedlings or sensitive plants. Anaerobic conditions and the con-
tinued decomposition of unfinished compost can create partially
decomposed compounds, some of which may injure plants. An
unfinished compost may also tie up nitrogen in the soil as it con-
tinues to decompose. Therefore, pay attention to the quality and
condition of the compost that you use. It should look, feel, and
smell like rich soil, with absolutely no ammonia or sour, garbage-
like odor.
Because compost is not a concentrated source of plant nutrients, it
is commonly used as a soil amendment or mulch, rather than a
35
 primary fertilizer, though the nutrients provide a valuable bonus. To
use compost as a mulch or topdressing for gardens and lawns,
apply it uniformly in thin layers. The organic matter and nutrients
will gradually work their way into the soil. When using compost as a
soil amendment, add it during preparation of the garden bed or
lawn surface before planting. As a rough rule, mix the compost with
soil to a depth equaling at least three times the thickness of the
layer of compost applied. For example, a 1-inch thick layer of
compost should be mixed into the top 3 to 4 inches of soil; a 2-inch
layer should be mixed to a depth of 6 inches or more; and so on.
Small amounts of compost can be mixed into seed furrows or
transplant holes, again following the rule of 1 volume of compost to
3 volumes of soil. In a potting mix, compost should not make up
more than one-third of the mix by volume. A popular compost-
based mix is 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite or perlite, and 1
part compost, by volume.
Compost contains only moderate quantities of major nutrients, and
only a portion of these are usable to plants in the first year. If you
wish to use compost as the main source of nutrients for your plants,
you will need a large amount, at least in the first few years. Eventu-
ally, as you continue to add compost to the garden, the soil fertility
will build to a fairly constant level. At that point, less compost will be
required annually. The amount of compost needed to supply
adequate nutrients depends greatly on the compost ingredients,
the crops grown, the soil, and the climate. The book How to Grow
More Vegetables (see “Suggested Reading”) provides guidance for
using compost as the sole source of fertility.
Another way to use compost is to make “compost tea,” a liquid
nutrient source for your plants. There are many recipes for making
compost tea, ranging from directly mixing compost with water to
continuously passing water through a container of compost. One
common method involves filling a burlap bag with five to six shovel-
fuls of compost and then soaking the bag in a 50-gallon drum of
water for two to three days. The water becomes the compost tea.
The spent compost from the burlap bag can be still used as a soil
amendment. As a general guide, apply the tea to the base of your
plants every one to two weeks. However, using compost tea can be
tricky. Its nutrient content and strength will vary, depending on the
compost used and how the tea is made. Recommendations for
using compost tea come from individual experience, so experiment
36 with it before using it extensively on your plants.
General guidelines for using compost are given in Table 5. Vary the
amount of compost you add as a soil amendment according to the
current condition of the soil. As a general rule, use more compost
for poorer soils.

Table 5. Guidelines for using compost

Approximate
Application Rate Thickness
Use (lb ⁄ 1000 sq ft) of Compost Comments
Soil amendment for 3000 to 9000 1 to 3 inches Mix with soil to a
establishing depth of about
gardens and lawns 4 to 9 inches.
Use more
compost for
poor soils.
Soil amendment for 3000 to 9000 1 to 3 inches Mix with soil
planting trees and over an area
shrubs of 2 to 5 times
the root ball
width and to a
depth of 6 to 10
inches. Use
more for poor
soils.
Topdressing for lawns 400 to 800 1/8 to 1/4 inch Broadcast
evenly over
lawn surface.
Best applied
after thatching
or core aeration.
Topdressing for gardens 400 to 1500 1/8 to 1/2 inch Spread evenly
and shrubs then lightly work
into the soil.
Landscape or 1500 to 6000 1/2 to 2 inches Spread evenly
garden mulch over surface.
Use the higher
rate with
coarse, woody
composts.
Potting mix Not more than Blend with
1/3 by volume peat moss,
is generally sand, perlite,
a safe amount. vermiculite,
or bark.

Helpful numbers: A 1 inch layer covering 1000 square feet requires about 3
cubic yards of compost. Most compost weighs 30 to 40 pounds per cubic foot, or
about 800 to 1000 pounds per cubic yard.
37