Composting is the controlled natural decomposition of organic material such as leaves, grass, fruit, and vegetable remains. In addition to these items you can also compost hair, manure, tea bags, coffee filters and grinds, egg shells, straw, paper, and cardboard. Micro organisms break down the materials into nutrient rich soil called compost or humus. Essentially it is nature's way of recycling.
Composting basics
What is Composting?
The Ingredients
The most important part of a successful compost is the ingredients that go into it. The four components are greens, browns, water and air.
Greens
The greens are the organic material such as fruit and vegetable remnants, fresh cut grass or leaves, garden debris, coffee grinds and manure. The greens are nitrogen rich materials that when combined with carbon (found in the browns) allow for efficient decomposition.
Browns
Browns consist of dry dead leaves, twigs, and yard trimmings as well as wood chips, tea bags, egg shells, carboard and paper. The browns are carbon rich materials that balance out the nitrogen and also help with decomposition.
Water
Water is extremely important for the decomposition of material. A warm moist environment is necessary for the micro organisms to do their job effectively. The perfect consistency occurs when you squeeze a handful of the material and a couple drops of water seep out like a wrung out sponge. Too much water will cause the material to rot and too little causes the process to grind to a halt.
Air
The organisms that break down the waste in your compost pile need air to survive. Aerating your compost pile by turning it will reduce odor and make the waste decompose faster, which mean's your compost will turn into fertile soil sooner.
County of San Diego's Guide to Backyard Composting
Please click here to view the County of San Diego's Guide to Backyard Composting.
