From The Ground Up: Compost reduces volume of trash, benefits your garden

Admittedly, my initial interest in composting was less about saving the environment and more about avoiding additional garbage bags. We are a family that rarely eats out, and we consume a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and coffee. So instead of buying bag tags we decided to invest in a small compost bin. I would guess the small bin cost about $50 purchased at a big box store back in the day. It is small but mighty. I am constantly amazed at how much waste we add, the bin never seems to get full, and there is never a smell. What works for us is to have a small coffee container (with a lid) that is stored underneath the kitchen sink. We add smaller items to the coffee container throughout the week, such as apple cores, coffee grounds, eggshells and banana peels. This container works as our mini compost container until it is added to the compost bin.

Aside from the kitchen compost, yard and garden residues can be added, such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, hay, sawdust and finely chopped or shredded tree/shrub pruning. It's better to remember what not to add, such as meat scraps, bones, grease, whole eggs and dairy products. Also, do not add dog or cat feces or diseased plant materials or weeds that have gone to seed. If you're composting correctly your compost bin will not smell. You also need good aeration, which can be accomplished with regular turning of the materials in the pile, a pitchfork works well. The more the pile is turned, the more rapidly the heat builds and the faster the organic material composts.

Compost location is important. My dad placed his compost bin as far away from the house as he possibly could. He has nearly 2 acres. On a beautiful 70 degree day, we all enjoy the walk to the compost bin, but six months out of the year, the walk isn't so friendly. Do yourself a favor and place the compost bin in your yard where the trek isn't so far from the kitchen. Also, remember that the hotter the temperature, the faster the compost. If compost is in a shady spot it won't break down as fast as one in a sunnier location.

Compost can change the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Adding compost to garden soils can help increase the moisture holding capacity for sandy soils and improve drainage and aeration for clay soils. It also adds organic matter to your soil. Continue to add compost to your soil and you'll be changing the soil structure, making the soil easier to work. Improving soil is the first step in helping improve the health of your plants. Healthy plants help clean our air and conserve our soil.

l For questions, call the Linn County Extension Master Gardener Hortline at (319) 447-0647.