December 1st, 2010 
Tushar Mathur Good compost is something every gardener covets. It acts as a wonderful fertilizer for plants and shrubs of all types and can be tilled directly into soil for amazing growth rates and results. Many gardeners find compost to be so useful in their gardens that they produce it themselves using food scraps and yard trimmings. To that end, we’ve put together a list of five easy steps that will help you make great compost effectively and efficiently.
1. Aerate the compost regularly. A compost pile that is aerated regularly will break down quickly and produce little to no odor. Conversely, if you don’t turn and aerate the material to be composted, it will break down slowly, sometimes even taking three to four times as long to decompose), and it will begin to produce foul odors. This is because of the type of bacteria present in the waste. A pile that’s aerated regularly will encourage growth of aerobic bacteria, which break down waste very efficiently. Anaerobic bacteria tend to develop in piles that are not aerated, and not only are they slow to break down organic matter, but they also give off methane and sulfate gasses as a byproduct of the decomposition.
2. Chop up large pieces. When adding items to your compost bin or pile, make sure they are finely chopped. The larger the items you add, the longer it will take to break down into finished compost. For example, if you are adding lawn clippings, take your lawn mower and run over the pile, mulching it well, before adding to the compost bin. If using kitchen scraps, chop up things like banana peels, pepper tops, and melon rinds before throwing them into the bin.
3. Maintain a good balance of nitrogen and carbon. Items high in nitrogen break down quickly, whereas items high in carbon break down without producing a lot of odor. The key to a compost bin that produces compost quickly and without excessive odor is finding the right balance of nitrogen and carbon. If your compost pile gets smelly, add some carbon rich items, like dry leaves, dryer lint, and sawdust. If the compost pile is dry and isn’t breaking down, add some nitrogen rich item, such as green grass clippings, vegetable peelings, and egg shells. An approximate 2:1 ratio of carbon to nitrogen is usually ideal for most compost bins.
4. Avoid adding meat and dairy products. These items will break down into compost; however, they will produce a lot of odor in the process, and may also potentially attract pests and wildlife. In addition to avoiding meats and dairy, it’s also a good idea to steer clear of adding eggs (though egg shells are fine).
5. Avoid adding fats. Adding fatty substances such as butter and oil to a compost bin will significantly slow the composting process. Furthermore, you should not add any items that may be contaminated with fats. For example, leftovers from your vegetable stir-fry dinner might not contain any meat or dairy, but if you stir fried the veggies in oil, then it’s best to dump the leftovers in the garbage rather than in your composter.
By following these five simple steps, you will find that your compost pile will turn over finished compost in record time, and it will be great quality organic matter that your plants will love. Not only is composting great for your garden, but it’s great for the environment, too, because it keeps waste out of landfills and naturally recycles nutrients back to the earth, where they belong. So what are you waiting for? Get started composting today!
About the Author:
Ellen Bell is co-owner of the Composting Toilet Store. Did you know that a composting toilet is another great way to make your own compost at home? Composting toilets are odorless, require no water, septic, or sewer connections, and they produce clean and dry finished compost that can be used on trees, shrubs, and flowers. For more information, or to request a free catalog, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/
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