Composting Methods
There are several different composting methods , including cold composting , hot composting , vermicomposting ( worms ), in-vessel composting ( industrial ), Bokashi composting , high fiber composting , tunnel composting , and Windrow ( agricultural ).
The cold and hot composting methods are listed here .
Cold Composting ( Cool & Easy )
With this method , compost is ready in six months to two years . This practice does not destroy weed seeds , runners , or plant diseases .
Advantages
• Low maintenance
• Can add materials as they become available
Disadvantages
• Doesn ’ t heat up enough to kill weed seeds
• May create unpleasant odors if carbon / nitrogen ratio and the balance between wet and dry materials are not maintained
Tools
• Garden fork
• Water hose with spray head
• Compost bin ( optional )
• Burlap scraps or black plastic to cover top of pile ( optional )
Ingredients
• Grass clippings
• Brown leaves
• Twigs
• Water
Directions 1 . Set compost bin or start pile in an area where water does not puddle when it rains , preferably in a shaded spot near a water source . 2 . Put yard trimmings in bin or pile as collected from garden clean-up or mowing . Moisten dry materials as they are added . Mix grass clippings with leaves or composting materials already in pile . 3 . Chop or shred woody trimmings over ½ inch diameter if adding large amounts . 4 . Cover top of compost with burlap scrap or black plastic to keep pile moist but not too wet .
Your compost is ready when material at the bottom of the bin looks like dark , rich soil . When ready pull aside undecomposed materials to start a new batch . Harvest the finished compost to use in the garden or other yard areas .
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