Composting

Composting is a useful tool for any garden as it adds the nutrients the plants require, back into the soil. Making a compost heap is easy to do, and isn't as smelly as you might think! The rule of thumb is fairly simple. Virtually any entire organic substance can be composted. There are about 6 important essentials to having a good quality compost heap. Those essentials are; Air, Nitrogen, Lime, Water, Heat, and Bacteria.

Air circulation is very important, without it a different group of micro-organisms, known as Anaerobic Bacteria, works the soil turning it into stinking slime, which is not the type of compost you want to have. So make certain you turn the compost and keep it aerated.

Nitrogen is a required fuel you will need to add a certain amount to the heap to have a healthy compost pile. Use a very small amount, a fine dusting every 12 inches will suffice.

Lime will keep the compost heap smelling sweet and will help neutralize any acidity within the compose pile. Apply at the same time you apply the Nitrogen, only spread a heavier dusting of Lime then the Nitrogen every 12 inches.

Water is an essential ingredient to a successful compost heap. Generally there is enough moisture in the green organic mater you put into your compost heap to keep it healthy. However, in the Arizona summer with the humidity in the single digits often times, you will need to apply extra water to keep it moist.

Heat is another important element to a successful compost pile. It helps the decompose the organic matter into an nutritious additive for your garden soil. To heat the compost pile, you may use something like black plastic, such as a garbage bag, to help keep the heat in and prevent the heap from becoming too wet during the monsoon season. I recommend using a carpet when it rains to protect your compost pile. This will allow more air into the heap as well as limiting the amount of moisture seeping into the pile.

Finally, bacteria is needed. The bacteria is what helps to break down the organic matter and transform it into the nutritious element you are seeking to produce. There are millions of bacteria in just one crumb of soil, especially clinging to any weed roots you might pull up. If not, just add a fine dusting of soil to the compost heap to add the bacteria you will need.



Things to stay away from when building a compost heap.
• Any material diseased or infested with pests.
• Potato tops
• Woody plants
• Cooked kitchen scraps, bones or grease
• Any weed seeds
• Oleanders
• Cedar
• Tomato's and tomato plants
• Cat or Dog fecies



To build a good compost heap, layer your items like illustrated below, then mix together. Make certain the heap does not go over 3 feet in height to insure a good healthy compost heap. It is recommended you turn the compost heap every 3 days.



Note: Diagram not to scale

If you have questions about composting you would like to ask, please me. I will respond with an answer either same day, or within a day of receiving the question.

This page was created and developed by Debra Davidson. Should you have any questions or comments regarding the development of the page itself, please contact me at tril1@hotmail.com.