Using compost can make magic happen in your garden! Compost contains major and minor nutrients, along with organic matter that increases plant growth and improves soil structure. The process of composting takes pieces of yard and kitchen waste and decomposes them down to their core. How does this happen? Initially helping the process are larger organisms such as worms, slugs, snails, and insects; they start by “biting” and breaking down the pieces. Then bacteria, fungi, and microbes “feed” on organic matter using the carbon and nitrogen it contains to grow and reproduce. The microbial activity causes heat, which aids in breaking down that material. The heat also kills off differing things that could be harmful to plants. To destroy fungi, molds, bacteria, let the pile reach 145 degrees; 180 degrees is needed to kill weed seeds.
When creating a compost pile, it is important to have the correct ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) to maximize the microbial activity. The ideal C:N ratio is 30:1, but ranges of 25:1 – 40:1 will work. Most organic materials don’t fit the 30:1 ratio by themselves, so a mix of differing materials is preferred. With the right combination, your compost will quickly start breaking down! Things that are good to include in compost are:
Carbon Sources
|
- Cornstalks & corncobs
- Dry leaves
- Newspapers
- Pine needles
- Straw & hay
- Sawdust
- Wood chips
- Tree and Shrub trimmings
- Shredded paper
|
|
|
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves
- Fruit & vegetable scraps
- Grass clippings
- Hay
- Animal manure
|
There are a few things that you don’t want to include in the compost pile:
|
- Large stems or branches (greater than 1 inch in diameter)
-
Meat, bones, oils, etc. (these often add smell and attract pests)
- Plant material that’s been treated with herbicides
- Plastic
- Milk or dairy products
- Synthetic fabrics
|
There are several different ways to compost:
|
-
Pile Method: Stack all your materials into a heap or compost bin and let it go. In time everything will decay, but to speed the process, water when dry and turn the contents periodically. The more oxygen that is incorporated, the faster the pile will break down.
- Sheet method — spread a thin (1-2”) layer of grass, leaves or other plant material over the soil surface. Time, weather and microorganisms will eventually turn this material into compost.
- Trench method — dig a trench, fill it with plant waste and cover with soil, the materials will break down over time adding organic matter to the soil.
- Compost barrels- These are available at most garden centers. Compost materials are loaded into a large opaque barrel that can be turned or spun to promote the process.
|
When compost is finished, it should be dark brown with a crumbly texture. It should no longer be steaming, or have large plant pieces left in it, and will be about half of its original volume. It can then be used in the garden around plants and added to soil during and after planting. Not only does compost add beneficial organic matter to the soil, it’s a great way to recycle kitchen, lawn, and garden waste. Composting is a fun, educational activity that the whole household can be involved with! Find more information here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/making-and-using-compost-in-the-garden/
|
Something eating your plant? Need help identifying a tree? Interested in the best way to care for your lawn? Submit your questions online!
|
Horticulture Education Needs Assessment |
Help shape the future of horticulture in our community! Share your thoughts in this quick, anonymous survey to guide Outagamie Extension’s educational efforts and future initiatives. Your input is vital and appreciated!
|
|
|
| Kaitlin Bricco, Horticulture Educator |
|
|
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
3365 W Brewster St None | Appleton, WI 54914 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
| | |
|
|
