Composting 101

Soil is the foundation behind a healthy garden, orchard, or food forest. You can baby your plants and give them TLC, but all that effort will yield minimal results without a healthy base to build upon. Before we proceed, I know some of you are in a panic because your plants are already in the ground, and you think you've made a mistake. It's okay. There are still ways to help your soil while your plants are in the ground. We will start at the base and work our way to that!

When people ask what I wish I had started first, my response is fruit trees and composting! Most people are deterred from composting because they think it is difficult. However, most of the time, that's because they don't understand how the process works. I'm going to break it down into manageable steps!

What is composting? Essentially, you are recreating the natural process that happens on the forest floor. You will create this ecosystem element and add it to your system (garden or landscaping). Compost benefits include improving the existing soil and enhancing water-holding capacity or drainage in clay soils. Once you start adding compost to your garden areas, you'll see an increase in earthworm and microorganism populations. Composting is a slow, nutrient-releasing source. It is also a money saver; it keeps you from having to buy store-bought amendments.

Step 1: Select a suitable location, preferably near the center or rear of your yard. Composting is a system that doesn't require daily attention, so it doesn't need to be located right next to your house. Overly shady spots where plants struggle to grow would make an excellent area for your composting pile. Your composting station can be as big or as small as necessary.

Step 2: Getting the right Composting Mixture. 3 Part Brown to 1 part green, add water and air. What is brown & green? Here is a basic list of the brown and green items you can add to your composting mix.

Step 3: Continue mixing the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. Take your 3-part brown to 1-part green, combine them, keep the mix moist, and add air by turning the pile twice a month. Let the natural microorganisms do their job! Continue doing this.

When is it ready? Your compost will be ready when it has a rich, dark color, is crumbly to the touch, and has a distinct, earthy smell. Your compost should not smell bad. If it does, ensure the 3-to-1 ratio is balanced, that you don't have too much water in your pile, and that you don't add any items that will create a smelly rot. Compost can take a few months to a year, depending on how often you add material and tend to it. Not only will it improve the soil quality in your garden, but you'll also find that it changes your mindset about the materials and foods you use around your home. You will start to create a cycling system that runs from your composting pile to your garden, to your kitchen, and back to the building of soil.