Too Much Yard Waste?...
Try Composting!
What Is Composting?
Composting is the natural process of the decomposition of organic material into a rich soil amendment known as compost. Compost improves soil structure, texture and aeration as well as increases its water holding capacity.
What Can I Compost?
- fallen leaves
- fruit scraps
- grass clippings
- egg shells
- plant remains
- coffee grounds
- sawdust
- nuts
- vegetable scraps
- animal manure
Do not add meat, fish, bones, fatty foods such as cheese, peanut butter, salad dressing, cooking oil, decayed vegetable matter, household pet waste, plywood or pressure treated wood.
The Essentials of a Compost Pile
- Organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings, garden plants, straw, animal manure and vegetable trimmings. A good variety of these is important.
- The more surface areas microorganisms have to work on the faster materials decompose. Chopping your garden wastes will speed up the composting process.
- Moisture is necessary because the microorganisms that speed decomposition need a warm moist environment. The pile should be as wet as a wrung-out sponge.
- Aeration is necessary because bacteria needs oxygen to live and multiply. The pile should be turned approximately every four or five days and when new material is added.
How To Layer A Compost Pile
Compost piles can be made in many different ways. The choice of a bin or open pile is usually based on personal preference. Bins can be made of logs, cinder blocks, snow fence, chicken wire or purchased units. All bins should be easy opening for turning and adding materials.
| First Layer | 3"-4" of chopped brush or other coarse material on top of the soil surface allows air circulation around the base of the heap. |
|---|---|
| Second Layer | 6"-8" of mixed scraps, leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, etc. Materials should be sponge damp. |
| Third Layer | 1" of soil serves as an inoculant by adding microorganisms to the heap. |
| Fourth Layer | (optional) 2"-3" of manure. Sprinkle lime, wood ash, and/or rock phosphate over the layer of manure to reduce the heap's acidity. Add water if necessary. |
| Fifth Layer | Repeat steps 1-4 until bin is almost full. |
Compost Pile Problems
| Symptom | Problem | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Pile smells like rancid butter, vinegar, rotten eggs. | Not enough air. | Turn pile. |
| Pile is wet to touch. | Not enough air/ too much water. | Turn and add bulking. |
| Pile doesn't heat. | Too small and/or too dry. | Enlarge and/or add water. |
| Pile is damp, smells sweet but won't heat. | Not enough nitrogen. | Add grass clippings and/or other nitrogen source. |
| Center is dry/contains tough material. | Not enough water. | Add water and turn. |
| Pile attracts animals. | Meat/other animal products have been added. | Monitor what goes in pile. Enclose pile with wire. |
For more detailed information about composting, contact:
Ohio State University Extension Office
2900 Columbus Ave.
Sandusky Ohio, 44870
419-627-7631