Composting is as much an art as a science. If you moved to Colorado from a humid climate and have tried to set up a compost pile you may have begun to realize just how much climate affects composting success.
Environmental conditions on the Front Range make it more difficult to compost than in the Midwest or on the East Coast, where humid conditions lead to more rapid decomposition.
What is compost? Compost is the process of creating nutrient- rich planting media out of decomposed organic matter. You can turn yard debris and household food waste into a perfect vegetable and flower bed base.
You can purchase commercially produced compost at garden centers and home-improvement stores. But by understanding how compost is produced you can learn how to manage a compost bin in your own backyard.
Microorganisms require oxygen, moisture, heat, carbon and nitrogen in the correct ratios to produce compost. In other words, microscopic organisms convert leaves, wood chips, plant trimmings and other organic matter into “dirt.”
The recipe for success includes the correct ratios of air, water, leaf and other yard debris. Equal amounts of green plant material like weeds and brown plant material like leaves turned once a week (by folding the compost into itself with a shovel or hand trowel like you would fold bread dough) can lead to compost in a few months. Also, this “playing” in the pile regularly lets you monitor the moisture and temperature levels.
Microorganisms need water to function; too much encourages unwanted bacteria and fungi. A clue to this is if the compost is glistening and not staying above 120 degrees. If the compost pile is above 120 degrees, the microorganisms are most likely getting enough water.
Discourage furry vertebrate visits by keeping compost piles with food waste covered and sealed.
Another popular form of composting is called vermicomposting — using worms to recycle food waste. All you need is a shallow bin with a lid, red wiggler worms, cheesecloth, damp newspaper and raw fruits and vegetables.
“Composting with worms is easy and a lot of fun,” says Denise King, a master gardener in Douglas County, one of two local gardeners who started worm bins this past winter.
Place a mixture of 1 pound of raw fruit and vegetables like banana peels, lettuce cores and carrot shavings to 1 pound of worms. Moisten shredded newspaper and put it on top of the food. Finally, place red wigglers on the newspaper. Make small holes in cheesecloth covering the bin for air circulation or open the lid on it once a week and thoroughly stir. Feed once a week — the amount depends on how fast food scraps are decomposing.
Emily Coll is a Colorado State University horticulture extension agent in Douglas County. Info: lostate.edu
