"I want to compost, how can I get started?"

We recently had our staff training at the OEC, where our program staff spent a few weeks rotating through the different academic areas that comprise our Science Camp curriculum.  I was especially thrilled to host our staff through the Life Science rotations in the Living Classroom.  Drastic changes have been made to the program area and the staff has been seeing it from afar.  Well, they finally were given the opportunity to check out the many exciting things happening!  Compost, Vermiculture, integrated pest management in the orchard, apiary, organic gardening, water resources and more.

Much to my delight, everyone's curiosity was peaked and most were engaged in the new curriculum.  The best part of the day was after our training was finished and one of our staff approached me to ask, "My mother has always managed a small little garden at our house where we have enjoyed lovely tomatoes every year.  I'd love to see her compost, how could I get her started?"  Naturally, my eyes grew wide and I gave out a loud "YEA, that's awesome! I'd love to help you!"

Here's what I told him and something you can use as well to get started on composting in your own home:

Find a good spot in your yard for either a single pile or three bay system or even a tumbler.  All you need to have for a successful compost pile are: greens, browns, air and water.  Greens materials such as veggie scraps, fruit, grass clippings and such provide nitrogen while the browns, straw, paper, wood shavings provide carbon.  You want to have a good balance of these two as too much nitrogen will make your pile more wet and too much carbon will dry it out.  You must turn and aerate your pile according to the design: single piles need fluffing or rotating once or twice a week, three bay systems are moved as they progress in decomposing and tumblers have their own directions.  Also adding water is necessary to ensure your compost feels like a damp sponge if you were to squeeze a handful of it in your hands.

The worry that compost is smelly and will attract vermin/bugs/pests is not accurate if you maintain your pile and keep it in good health.  Poorly managed piles will end up rotting instead of decomposing, thus attracting unfavorable creatures.  Do a little bit of research and you will find that composting is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment by reusing waste to regenerate the soil in your property.