

These things are rich in nitrogen, and compost bacteria need nitrogen to synthesize proteins. Green materials are fresh trimmings like fruit and vegetable rinds, kitchen scraps, and grass clippings.

The ecosystem of a compost pile functions best with a balance of materials often called “greens” and “browns.” In aerobic composting, the microbes take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide and energy as heat, which further softens the material and serves as a good indicator of how much activity is going on in your compost pile.


Many people build compost bins from pallets, barrels, or chicken wire, and most garden stores sell plastic tumblers. This way may result in fast composting, but it’s also smellier because the bacteria release methane and sulfur, making aerobic composting is more popular.Īn aerobic composting system can be with open-air compost piles, compost bins, and ventilated drums. There are two types of these microbes, and so two types of compost piles: aerobic and anaerobic.Īnaerobic means the microorganisms don’t require oxygen to live, so decomposition can occur in completely sealed containers. No wonder so many gardeners call compost piles “black gold!” How Does the Composting Process Work?įirst, organic matter breaks down as microorganisms from the air, the surrounding soil, and the brown material itself eat through it. Making compost with your neighbors on your block, in your building, or at your community garden can be a wonderful way to build lasting relationships. Contrary to some myths, the decomposition squashes pests and weeds. Growing vegetables using soil from your compost pile begins to make a closed circuit for what you eat, and because of this, composting is an integral part of projects working towards zero-waste living.īut even if you’re not growing food, soil from a healthy compost pile supplies rich nutrients for flowers, decorative plants both indoors and out, and even greener lawns. The majority of kitchen scraps and grass clippings we produce are compostable, so using them in the garden reduces the waste we send from commercial agriculture to landfills. Composting is that process, from getting all the organic material together to harvesting. It’s an especially dense amalgamation of organic matter that you can make yourself. What is Composting and Why is it Important?Ī compost pile is a mixture of natural materials, mostly plant matter, that has decomposed together into a dark, crumbly material.
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Working with the science of how organic materials become soil, gardeners have figured out how to speed up composting with just a little extra dedication and attention. And whether you’ve just started saving those onion skins from dinner or you’ve had a flourishing compost bin forever, speeding up decomposition in your compost pile is a game-changer for what you can grow in your garden or the amount you can contribute to your local farming project.īut it can be frustrating to change the pace of a natural process. Compostable products are popping up everywhere, from earth-conscious beeswax wraps for our food to compostable dog waste bags.Ĭomposting doesn’t just happen at industrial facilities it can be a revitalizing part of any home garden.
