Backyard Composting

The value of composting is evident all around us. Washington is the Evergreen State because nature's fertilizer is constantly working to create vibrant living plants and trees. Composting is defined as the natural breakdown of organic materials into a dark, rich, fertile soil
amendment known as compost.

Why should you compost?

• Home composting recycles organic material which otherwise would be disposed of in our waste stream.
• Composting allows our community to conserve landfill space, extend the life of our local landfill, and keep our monthly garbage rates more affordable.
• Composting gives you a valuable commodity that can be used to improve the quality of your soil.
• By mixing compost into your soil, you loosen clay and compacted soils and/or increase moisture retention in sandy, porous soils. Your potted plants will look better than they ever have, and your garden will produce a higher yield of produce!

Using Compost

Mixed with sandy soil, compost holds moisture and inorganic minerals. The addition of compost increases soil porosity so plant roots can more easily penetrate the soil. In heavy clay soil, compost particles bind with clay particles, allowing surface water to drain.

Compost also attracts earthworms, the tunnels they create will aerate the soil and improve drainage. Their burrowing also brings up minerals from the subsoil, which feeds the plants.

The thickness of compost is determined by landscape use. For general soil enrichment, turn the soil thoroughly and mix compost into the top 4" to 6" layer.

Compost applied as a surface mulch provides nutrients that will gradually work their way to the roots. It also protects from temperature extremes and rain erosion.

When applying compost as a tree or shrub mulch, first remove the grass mat from the trunk or base to several feet beyond the dripline. Work compost into the upper 2" of soil to help reduce moisture loss and keep the soil cool. Use this handy reference for your applications:

• Lawns 1" to 2"
• Trees 1/16" to 1/4"
• Potted Plants 1/3 volume of the pot

Definitions

Browns: Carbon-rich, organic material such as dry leaves or straw.

Greens: Nitrogen-rich, organic materials such as grass, garden cuttings or food scraps (not meat or dairy).

Aerobic: Oxygen-rich pile of organic material which creates the optimum environment for composting.

Anaerobic: Limited oxygen flow coupled with overly saturated green material. Note the foul methane-type odor.

Seeding: The use of natural activators such as soil or manure to bring up the nitrogen level and increase the composting process.