Compost: How to Make It, Bins, Piles and More
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 07.19.07
Ed. note: This is the second post (read the first one about biodiesel) in the Green Basics series of posts that TreeHugger is writing to provide basic information about important ideas, materials and technologies for new greenies (or those who just need a quick refresher). Read on, about compost and stay tuned!
What is compost?
Compost is the "aerobically derived remnants of organic materials" (thank you Wikipedia), meaning its what you get when you combine the leftovers of plant and animal-based stuff, add a little air, water and nitrogen. The decomposition is performed primarily by aerobes (organisms with oxygen-based metabolism), although larger creatures such as ants, nematodes, and worms (this process is also known as vermiculture) can also contribute. This decomposition occurs naturally except for in extreme anaerobic conditions, like in landfills, very arid deserts or cold weather such as boreal winters or polar regions, which prevent the microbes and other decomposers from thriving. Decomposition happens even in the absence of some of these ingredients, but not as quickly or as pleasantly. Compost is used most often at the consumer level in gardening and agriculture as a fertilizer-type soil additive, and can also often replace commercial fertilizers.
Keep reading to learn techniques and tips for how to compost.
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composting is great we all should do it it makes great potting soil
Composting is one of the most important civic acts we can have. Industrial agriculture is depleting our soil many times faster than nature can replace it, and the soil in most cities is too many toxins to safely grow our veggies. The best way to move beyond petroleum- and petrochemical-hungry industrial farms is to make as much healthy soil as we can, and start farming it right in our cities!
Awesome post...
Does anyone have experience composing in a very hot, dry area? I'm looking for a good compost bin/solution for the desert - it's over 100 (at least) most days here. Is it possible to use by-products of composting (such as the "tea" which I've read about) to help grass? Most of my garden is native plants, but we do have a bit of lawn and it would nice to help it out by composting instead of using chemicals. Any ideas or references much appreciated!
I live in military housing on a base in Idaho. There are many rules here about what you can and cannot do in your garden, so I compost indoors. The NatureMills Auto Composter is awesome and my only choice since my husband is anti-worms.
I live in Chicago and therefore I don't have much room to garden and therefore compost. I use the Urban Compost Tumbler that I bought from www.organic-composter.com. I throw any kitchen waste, garden trimmings and the grass from my very small yard in to compost. Works great, and my heirloom tomatoes are better than ever.
intested in compost you must checkout a product called natures mill.
Hi -- would you be interested in adding one of these youTUBE videos about how to make the best fertilizers you can imagine safely, easily and automatically. It IS the best fertilizer because not only does it contain N,P,K in proportions roughly similar to commercial fertilizer but it also contains the micronutrients that give veggies and fruit good nutritional value and flavor (which repeated use of commercial fertilizer prohibits...)
1. Introduction to sanitation without sewers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glss90478Zc
2. Function:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y52Lmv_qw-0
3. Archipelago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO6QeF3VPR8
4. Beaches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1-_WPki84k
5. Highway E6 in Sweden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4XRDYnIf0U
6. Vision of no flushtoilets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTAiyilYkR4
All the best
Carl Lindstrom
www.compostera.org
Check out Hornby Island B.C. Canada and island of fanatic recyclers and composters since there is no garbage pickup on the small island the community got together and developed a recycling center and FREE STORE on Crown land the Free Store works on the principle if you don't need it leave it if you need it take it away all for FREE. Most of the islanders compost at home but if you don't want to do this you can take your composting stuff to the recycle center where it will be done for you. Non recyclables charge of $5 per bag for anything that has to be taken off the island
composting is cool, my family started a while ago but we have to keep remembering not to throw everything that can go into the compost bin in the trash
I have a compost bin and it seems to be doing well but I have a lot of worms in it and they are not earth worms but look like a meal worm. Is this normal?
Those little red worms are normal. They are eating your micro-organisms, though, since it is a natural food for them. To make your compost pile more efficient, and a better home for both the worms and bugs, add more new material to compost. The number of worms in your compost will give you a good snapshot of how well your pile is doing as well.
I have been composting quite some time but this summer I had worms that looked more like a maggot. Anyone ever have them?
thanks.
thanks
Restaurant
"aerobically derived remnants of organic materials"
sounds so complex.
I live in Iowa and am composting with bins; now that it is too cold and my pile is frozen, can I still add to it and what is the best way to be doing this? Should I look into purchasing an above ground tumbler like the urban composting tumbler or what? Thanks
This decomposition occurs naturally except for in extreme
The best way to move beyond petroleum
castle crashers
Composting is a green activity that I have been thinking about. Thank you for giving me the basics. I will look into it in more detail.
I am in england an have an allotment or plot where me and my ex girlfriend have built a big cabin, insulated and double glazed all from materials found in rubbish skips. I have also made a solar hot water system and am working on a wind turbine made from re-cycled rubbish to provide power. one of my greatest pleasures, however is my compost. i never thought i'd get such joy from composting. I have four bins and may use a couple to rotate stuff one for new and one left full finishing off. I use shears to chop stuff up small, layer different things, use rabbit bedding and droppings and paper which i tear into small strips. the resulting compost is lovely and is so good for replacing nutrients into the soil. I also urinate in the bins as this is great for the compost.
I have been trying to find out about heating my compost bucket with the dryer vent hose. Compost does best with heat and moisture, right? Well, why not the dryer vent? I can't find Any info anywhere. Hope it's not dangerous, 'cause I'm doing it as we spe...................................
Kidding. I am, but I've not blown anything up yet. *crossing toes*
I have a compost bin and it seems to be doing well but I have a lot of worms in it and they are not earth worms but look like a meal worm. Is this normal?
I live in military housing on a base near LA. There are many rules about what you can and cannot do in your garden, so I compost indoors. The NatureMills Auto Composter is awesome and my only choice since my husband is anti-worms.