Composting for Beginners: An Introduction to Composting

Imagine the satisfaction of creating your own nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Our beginner’s guide to composting is here to help you turn that dream into reality.

This natural process, which is as old as life itself, allows us to recycle organic material and return it to the soil. Not only does composting reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, but it also improves the health and vitality of our plants.

In this guide, we’ll explore composting best practices, different types of composting, and various suitable containers for the compost.

Understanding the Science Behind Composting

What is Composting?

Composting is essentially nature’s way of recycling. It involves the decomposition of organic matter, including food scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and garden prunings, by vertebrates, invertebrates, and microorganisms. These organisms break down the organic material into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner known as compost.

A compost station can take the form of an upright bin, a bay made from timber retaining walls, or a bit of chicken wire held together with star pickets. You can make it yourself, or buy a compost bin from your local hardware store.

There are a variety of bin types on the market, including options that provide access to the oldest compost at the base as well as tumblers that make turning the compost a sinch.

There are two primary methods of composting—hot and cool. Hot composting is a faster process that requires more effort, while cool composting takes longer but involves less work. The type of composting container you choose can also influence the composting process.

Hot vs Cool Composting – Which is for Me?

Hot Composting

Hot composting is the fast-track route to composting. This method is a more active form of composting that requires regular attention and maintenance. It involves creating a large compost pile (at least 1 cubic metre) to generate sufficient heat, which in turn accelerates the decomposition process.

The increased temperature produced during hot composting (between 55°C and 65°C) not only speeds up decomposition but also kills weed seeds and potential disease-causing organisms. This results in a high-quality compost that’s ready for use within a few weeks to a couple of months.

To create a hot compost pile, one needs to:

• Gather a large amount of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. The ideal ratio is about 1 part green material to 25-30 parts brown.
• Mix the materials thoroughly and add them to the compost bin or pile all at once to generate enough heat.
• Turn the compost pile every few days to ensure even heating and provide oxygen for the composting organisms.
• Maintain the moisture level as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

Cool Composting

Cool composting, also known as cold or passive composting, is a slower and less labour-intensive method. It involves adding organic materials to the compost pile or bin as they become available, without worrying too much about precise ratios or turning the pile regularly.

While this method is easier, it does mean that the compost can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to be ready. The compost produced through this method is typically of a slightly lower quality compared to hot composting, as weed seeds and disease organisms may not be completely killed off due to lower temperatures.

To create a cool compost pile, one simply needs to:

• Add green and brown materials to the compost bin or pile as they become available. 4 parts brown to 1 part green is an ideal ratio.
• Occasionally turn the compost pile to help aerate it and speed up the decomposition process, although this is not as crucial as in hot composting.
• Ensure the compost pile stays moist but not overly wet.

The Role of Organisms and Microorganisms in Composting

The real heroes of the composting process are the myriad of organisms and microorganisms that break down organic matter. These include bacteria, fungi, worms, insects and insect-like organisms.

The availability of oxygen is crucial for these organisms to thrive and do their job. That’s why you should ensure your compost pile or bin is well-ventilated.

Getting Started with Composting

Necessary Materials for Composting

To start composting, you’ll need a mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Green materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. Brown materials are things like dried leaves, straw, paper, and wood chips.

The moisture content of your compost pile is also important. The compost pile should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge to provide the right conditions for decomposing organisms. An overbalance towards brown or green materials, or a mixture that’s too wet, can slow down the composting process, introduce pests, or cause odour problems.

Choosing the Right Location

Location is key when setting up your compost pile or bin. It should be accessible and in a well-ventilated area. Consider whether you want your compost pile to be a feature in your garden or hidden away.

Maintaining Your Compost Pile

The Art of Layering in Composting

Layering is an essential technique in composting. It involves alternating layers of green and brown materials, which provides a balanced diet for your composting organisms and helps to speed up the decomposition process.

Turning the Compost Pile

Turning your compost pile helps to aerate it, providing the oxygen that composting organisms need to thrive. It also mixes the materials, ensuring a more uniform compost.

You can use a compost turning tool or a garden fork to do this. There are also compost tumblers available on the market if you’d like to splash out to make life easier.

Monitoring Moisture and Temperature

Keeping a close eye on the moisture and temperature of your compost pile will help you to maintain the ideal conditions for composting. If the pile becomes too dry, decomposition slows down; if it’s too wet, it can become smelly.

If you need to moisten your mix, grab the hose but remember that green material will add more moisture than you’d think. If you need to dry your mixture, add drainage to your bin or add more brown material.

Troubleshooting Common Composting Problems

Composting is generally a trouble-free process, but occasionally problems can arise, such as bad odours, pests, or slow decomposition. Thankfully, most issues can be resolved easily by adjusting the balance of green and brown materials, turning the pile more frequently, or modifying the moisture level.

Utilising Your Compost in Gardening

Knowing When Your Compost is Ready

Your compost is ready to use when it’s dark and crumbly and has a pleasant, earthy smell. If you’re composting in a bin or pile, you can access the finished compost from the bottom while continuing to add fresh materials to the top.

How to Use Compost in Your Garden

There are many ways to use compost in your garden. You can dig it into new garden beds, place it on top of existing beds, or use it as mulch. Just make sure to scrape back any existing mulch before applying the compost, and then rake the mulch back over to retain that protective layer.

Daniel’s Wrap

Composting is a simple and effective way to recycle organic waste, enrich your garden soil, and contribute to a healthier environment. So why not give it a go? Your plants (and the planet) will thank you.