Yard waste can contribute to a successful compost pile
Q. Can weed parts, grass clippings, etc., be composted? Can these items be put in city compost bags, or in the regular garbage?
A. Many gardeners consider compost to be "black gold" since it provides many benefits to the garden. These benefits include improving the soil organic matter, soil structure and water holding capacity as well as adding essential nutrients to the soil. Recycling yard waste and leaves saves you money by eliminating the need to use compost bags and the expense of pickup fees many municipalities charge for "green" waste.
Materials that can be used for composting include: leaves, grass clippings, weeds (before they go to seeds), thatch, remains of garden plants, wood ash, kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells, and coffee grounds. Avoid composting meat, bones, and fatty foods such as cheese, dairy products, salad dressing, and cooking oil. These foods cause odors and attract rodents and other nocturnal animals to the compost pile.
To get started, first choose an out-of-the-way location in your yard that is easily accessible, away from foot traffic and near a water source. A partly shady location is preferable. While there are many varieties of commercially available compost bins made of plastic, metal or wire mesh, an old trash can that has been punctured with holes will work just as well.
For a compost pile to be successful, four components are required: organic matter, moisture, oxygen, and bacteria. Organic materials for compost should include a mixture of brown organic materials such as dead leaves, wood chips and twigs combined with green organic materials such as grass clippings and vegetable peelings. By chopping, or shredding these materials into smaller pieces, your composer will perform more efficiently and the composting process will be faster.
To enable the decomposing process to proceed effectively, moisture is necessary. Check moisture levels periodically. Compost should be damp. If the pile becomes too dry, the decomposition process slows down significantly. Water should be added during dry periods as well as when adding large amounts of brown materials. Do not let the pile become too wet. Turning the pile with a pitchfork or shovel and mixing the materials occasionally helps to increase the oxygen amounts necessary for material breakdown by the bacteria and other microorganisms. This speeds up the composting process and controls odors. As bacteria decompose material they release heat which is concentrated in the center of the pile. Turning the pile every two weeks will speed the composting process.
These materials will decompose over time, turning into rich, dark, earthy-smelling compost within three to four months (a shorter time when the weather is hot). When compost is dark brown, crumbly and fluffy, and has an earthy odor, it should be ready to use.
Ask a Master Gardener iswritten by Anne Gachuhi,Universityof Illinois ExtensionHorticulture Educator andExtension Master GardenersMaryMoisand and MaryBoldan. Send questions to Aska Master Gardener, P.O. Box280, Arlington Heights, IL60006, via e-mail toagachuhi@uiuc.edu.