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Anne Kolaczyk
Purdue University Master Gardener
2006Anne Kolaczyk
Composting
Composting is the transformation of
organic material (plant matter) through
decomposition into a soil-like material
called compost.
Invertebrates (insects and earthworms),
and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi)
help in this transformation.
Kinds
Bin composting
Tumbler composting
Sunken pail composting
Sheet composting
Anaerobic composting
Vermicomposting
Why do it
Environmentally responsible
Saves money
Learning tool
What it involves
Adding ingredients
Maintaining proper temperature
Turning
Maintaining moisture
Harvesting
Bin composting
backyard composting
Composting bins
Ready made
Homemade
Bin-less pile
Ready made
Expensive
Limited capacity
Good if space is an
issue
Homemade
One to fill
One thats cooking
One to turn others into or to draw from
Bin-less pile
Yard waste
Kitchen scraps
Newspaper
Cardboard
Meat scraps
Bones
Dairy products
Pet waste
Diseased plants
Invasive weeds
C:N ratio
Whats what
Brown (Carbon)
Leaves
Dirt
Grocery bags
Bird seed hulls
Wood chips
Green (Nitrogen)
Grass clippings
Plant clippings
Fertilizer
Coffee grounds
Care of compost
Passive
Let sit
Takes months and months
Active
Turn often
Keep moist (H2O 40-60% of weight)
Have proper ratio of C:N (30:1)
2-6 weeks (depending on ingredients)
Solutions
Use commercial bin
It smells
Attracts animals
Uses
Resources
Bin
Just do it!
Anaerobic
Tumbler
composting
Vermi
Pail
Sheet