How Does Composting Work?

  1. We are the key to composting. Normally, we live in the soil and eat small tidbits of organic matter such as leaves and twigs that nature provides. We'd like to have more to eat. A lot of the things you call waste - for example, banana peels, rotten apples, brown wilted lettuce, fallen leaves and weeds from your garden - are food for us.

  2. We need a balanced diet ! We need carbon for energy and nitrogen to help build our bodies. Some of your wastes are high in carbon. These include:

    paper
    sawdust
    wood chips
    straw
    leaves

    Other wastes are high in nitrogen. These include:


    food
    grass clippings
    manures

    Be sure to include a mixture of wastes high in nitrogen in your compost pile.

  3. Don't smother us!! We need air to survive. Be sure your compost container had holes to allow air to get into the compost pile. If possible, stir or turn your compost pile every week or so to let in more air. If we don't get enough air, many of us will die, and other microorganisms that don't need air will break down the waste in your compost pile. These organisms give off a nasty smell and are slow workers. I think you'd prefer us in your compost pile!

  4. Don't let us dry out! We need water. Your compost pile should be about as moist as a sponge that has just been wrung out. If there is not much rainfall, add water to your compost pile.

  5. Don't let us get cold! We like temperatures of about 90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 to 60 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too low in your compost pile, many of us will die, and other microorganisms that work more slowly than we do will come into your pile.

    If your compost pile is too small, we'll feel the cold air coming in from the sides. The best way to keep us warm is to build a pile at least 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet ( 1 meter x 1 meter x 1 meter).

  6. We must be able to get to our food! It's harder for us to eat large pieces of food than to eat small pieces of food. For example, if you throw a whole apple into your compost pile, only a few of us can eat it at a time. If you cut up your apple into small pieces, then a lot of us can get to eat at once.

  7. If you supply all these things - food, air, and moisture in a good-sized pile - we'll be glad to make compost for you. Our job can take from six weeks to three years, depending on how you care for us. When we have completed our work, the compost will be ready to help your plants grow.

    Did You Know?
    Compost
    What is Compost?
    Why Compost?
    Materials To Avoid
    Best Ever Compost Recipe!!
    Directions
    Troubleshooting
    What Can I Do with My Compost?


    [Composting Demonstration Project] [Worm Composting] [Aggie Horticulture]

    Source: TNRCC Environmental Tips That Help You Take Care of Texas. Let It Rot! Compost
    TNRCC Environmental Bulletin, Mulching and Compost
    Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Backyard Composting Wastes to Resources     Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Backyard Composting Wastes to Resources