Compost

Composting in Small-Scale Food Gardens

Composting is the process of decomposing organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. Making and using compost is an essential practice for maintaining soil health, fertility, and structure in suburban gardens or small food-producing plots of 1 acre or less.

Benefits of Composting

Incorporating compost into a small-scale food garden offers several advantages:

• Soil health improvement: Compost adds essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to the soil, promoting healthy plant growth and development.
• Soil structure enhancement: Compost improves soil structure, increasing its ability to retain water and air, which is crucial for root growth and nutrient uptake.
• Microbial activity: Compost introduces and supports beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which help to break down organic matter, suppress plant diseases, and improve nutrient availability.
• Waste reduction: Composting diverts organic waste, such as kitchen scraps and yard trimmings, from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
• Cost savings: By producing compost at home, gardeners can save money on purchasing commercial soil amendments and fertilizers.

Composting Methods

There are several composting methods suitable for small-scale food gardens:

• Bin composting: This method involves using a container, such as a plastic bin or wooden box, to hold the composting materials. Bins can be purchased or built at home and are suitable for small spaces.
• Tumbler composting: Compost tumblers are enclosed, rotating barrels that allow for easy mixing and aeration of the composting materials. They are efficient and can produce compost quickly, making them ideal for small gardens.
• Vermicomposting: This method uses red wiggler worms to break down organic matter, resulting in a nutrient-rich compost called vermicompost. Vermicomposting is suitable for indoor or small outdoor spaces.
• Sheet mulching: Also known as lasagna composting, this method involves layering organic materials directly on the soil surface, allowing them to decompose in place. Sheet mulching is an easy way to create compost and improve soil health in garden beds.

Composting Materials

To create a balanced compost pile, use a mix of "green" and "brown" materials:

• Green materials: These are nitrogen-rich, moist materials, such as fresh grass clippings, kitchen scraps (excluding meat and dairy), coffee grounds, and tea bags.
• Brown materials: These are carbon-rich, dry materials, such as dead leaves, twigs, straw, sawdust, and shredded newspaper or cardboard.

Aim for a ratio of about 3 parts brown materials to 1 part green materials by volume.

Composting Process

To make compost in a small-scale food garden:

• Choose a composting method and set up your bin, tumbler, or vermicomposting system.
• Collect and prepare your green and brown materials, chopping or shredding them into smaller pieces to accelerate decomposition.
• Layer or mix the green and brown materials in your chosen system, ensuring good moisture levels (like a wrung-out sponge) and aeration.
• Turn or mix the compost regularly (every 1-2 weeks) to promote aeration and even decomposition.
• Monitor the temperature, moisture, and odor of the compost, adjusting the materials or turning frequency as needed.
• When the compost is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, it is ready to use in the garden.

Using Compost in the Garden

Compost can be used in various ways to benefit your small-scale food garden:

• Soil incorporation: Before planting, mix mature compost into the top 6-12 inches of soil to improve fertility and structure.
• Top dressing: Apply a 1-2 inch layer of compost around established plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and slowly release nutrients.
• Potting mix: Create a nutrient-rich potting mix by combining equal parts compost, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite or vermiculite.
• Compost tea: Brew a liquid fertilizer by steeping compost in water, then use it to water plants or apply it as a foliar spray.

Troubleshooting

Common composting problems and solutions:

• Odor: Strong, unpleasant odors indicate an imbalance in materials or poor aeration. Add more brown materials and turn the pile more frequently.
• Slow decomposition: If the composting process is slow, the pile may be too dry, too wet, or lacking nitrogen. Adjust moisture levels, add more green materials, and turn the pile more often.
• Pests: To deter pests, such as rodents or flies, avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to the compost. Cover the pile with a layer of brown materials or use a closed composting system.

By making and using compost in suburban gardens or small food-producing plots, gardeners can create a closed-loop system that reduces waste, improves soil health, and supports thriving, sustainable food gardens.