Conservation-Reduce your overall waste

by Anna Salzberg, JRA's Outreach Intern

SPRING- It’s never too late to start composting

Composting is a term used in many circles concerned about living sustainably, but never really discussed in great detail. I, myself, am located in the James River watershed and always aspire to be more environmentally conscious in my daily life. However, I had a feeling that when it came time to start composting that I could end up with a really smelly mess that attracts urban wildlife. That’s not the desired result! Therefore, I want to share some easy ways to ensure that you start your composting this spring without disturbing neighborly relations.

1. Location, location, location

As with real estate decisions, the decision on where to locate your compost pile is essential to its success. You want your pile convenient, so you are not walking miles to your pile, as this will lower overall enthusiasm for the project. Do a bit of research concerning the laws or homeowner association regulations in your area to discover if there are any restrictions concerning location and management of compost. You want the location to have a good level foundation with good drainage and partial sunlight. Be sure to be respectful of any neighbors because, let’s face it, the pile won’t smell of roses. The solution is to plant roses all around your pile! Surround that compost pile with diverse plants and flowers, and this will decrease the amount of complaints or ugly looks you receive from neighbors.

2. Size matters

I recommend your first pile be in the area of 3’ x 3’ x 3’ or 5’ x 5’ x 5’ feet. One of the most important actions taken in managing your compost pile is being able to physically turn the pile. So unless you are Superman, keep your pile on the smaller, more manageable size. Use some type of simple containment walls around your pile to keep things neat. Consider recycling an old wooden pallet. They’re usually free.

3. Time to start layering

Layer #1 should be added to bare ground unless you have a problem with standing water or tree roots, and then you can put a layer of material down first. Dump your vegetable waste, sod, grass clippings, leaves, hay, straw, chopped corncobs, corn stalks, untreated sawdust, twigs less than ½ inch in diameter, or garden debris onto the pile and spread evenly -- don’t compact. Do not add pet waste to your pile! Layer #2 should be some composted cow manure or a commercial compost starter to increase the heat and speed up decomposition. If this is not available, add one cup of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 commercial fertilizer per 25 square feet. If using a commercial compost starter, follow label directions. Layer #3 is some fresh garden soil or any top soil will work just fine. Be sure to add about 2 inches of soil.

4. Give your pile some TLC

Your pile needs heat to decompose faster (approximately 110°F), which is usually attained once the pile has had a chance to sit for 2 weeks. Once you start adding to your pile, make sure you keep turning the pile so you mix in the fresh material with the older. Turning adds air to the pile and allows you to add water. You want the pile to remain damp, but not dripping more than a few drops when squeezed. In the winter when the temperature is too cold to increase decomposition, you can winterize you compost pile by covering it with a tarp to help keep the temperature high.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/building.html is an excellent resource for composting information.