Compost Basics Flashcards
The 5 elements needed for successful composting:
Heat, oxygen, moisture, carbon, nitrogen
Why is heat needed for a successful compost pile?
High temps + heat loving bacteria are needed to break down into organic matter, it’s also needed to destroy weed seeds + pathogens.
An active compost pile heats up to:
And peaks at:
then gradually cool off over time.
100 degrees
170 degrees
If the pile is cold, then do this:
Turn the pile to oxygenate.
Why is oxygen needed for a successful compost pile?
What can you put in to create oxygen?
Without oxygen, the pile will become smelly.
Straw and twigs, turn the pile from time to time.
Why is moisture needed for successful composting?
Encourages bacterial life and decomposition.
How can you measure the moisture level?
How can you avoid overwatering?
By picking some compost up and squeezing – more than a drop or two dripping out means there is too much moisture.
By keeping it covered and spraying with a hose when needed.
What are the two types of organic matter that will compose the layers of the compost pile?
Carbon + Nitrogen
Carbon Rich Materials:
Twigs, hay, branches, stems, dried leaves, peels, bits of wood, shredded brown paper bags, corn stalks, coffee filters, coffee grounds, egg shells, straw
Dry and called BROWNS
Nitrogen Rich Materials:
Fresh and moist and called GREENS
Carbon to Nitrogen ratio:
⅔ carbon to ⅓ nitrogen
Examples of browns:
Carbon rich + aged. Dry leaves, straw, hay, twigs, branches, wood chips
Examples of greens:
Nitrogen rich + moist. Fresh fruit, veggie scraps, garden trimmings, weeds, tea leaves, grass clippings, animal manures, urine.
How long does it take for a compost pile to be ready to use in the garden?
6 months to a year.
How can you tell a compost pile is ready to be used in the garden?
When it looks and feels like rich dark soil and neutral in smell.
