What iscomposting?
CompostConsidered a soil
amendment more than a fertilizer
Key benefit: Restores soil biology
Well decomposed compost is best» Reduces tie-up of N» Reduces potential for
soil-borne diseases
Typical analysis:N – 1.5 to 2%P – 1.5%K – 1.5%
Water air
Organic waste
50% green, 50% brown
(by volume)
C:N ratio 30:1
Finished Compost
C:N ratio 10:1
CO2, H2O
Microorganisms
You can control how fast compost happens – cold vs. hot composting
Feed ‘em …
Vegetable trimmings
Fruit pulp / rinds
Egg shells
Coffee grounds
Coffee filters
Banana peels
Apple cores
Potato peels
Tea bags
Red Wiggler worms live in compost, not in the soil per se
Mix in compost before planting
Vegetable and annuals beds: 2-3” compost
Containers for vegetables and annuals: use finely textured, mature compost. No more than 1/3 by volume.
Amending Soil with Compost
Helps form soil aggregatesImproved air and water movementImproved soil structure and soil tilthReduced surface crusting and soil erosionTurns soil into a “sponge” – helps absorb and infiltrate
onsite water
In clay soils – increases aeration, water infiltration
In sandy soils – increases water holding capacity, helps hold nutrients
Amending Soil with CompostHow Does it Help?
It’s dinner for your garden!
Composting is nature’s process of recycling living and nonliving
material to fertilize soil.
Why do we compost?
• To reduce the amount of garbage we throw away.
• To recycle plants, food, and other materials to feed plants.
How does composting work?
• The combination of air, water, brown and green materials break down into very small pieces and create food for plants in your garden.
Composting Recipe:
•Water• Air• Green material• Brown material
Brown Composting Material:
• Brown composting material are items that are dead and high in the element carbon.
• This includes:– Dried plants– Leafs– Pine needles
Green Composting Material:
• Green composting material are items that are alive and high in the element nitrogen.
• This includes:– Grass clippings– Vegetables– Fruit
What can you compost?• Apples• Bananas and Banana Peels• Other Fruits• Vegetable Peels and Scraps• Bread and Noodles (that are not too greasy)• Nut Shells• Rice• Coffee Grounds and Filters• Egg Shells• Flowers• Grass Clippings• Leafs• Tea bags & filters
What not to Compost:• Do not compost:– Meat– Fish– Greasy Foods– Fried Foods– Cheese– Milk– Yogurt– Oils– Bones– Animal droppings
What can you do?
• Compost your cafeteria and school snacks into one of our many school compost bins.
• Encourage your classmates and your teacher to do the same.
• Encourage your family to compost at home!