Waste Not, Want Not
Composting turns trash into eco-friendly treasure

By Shelly Bokman

Between 23–30% of waste sent to U.S. landfills is organic material. That’s a lot of yard trimmings and food scraps going to waste! There is a green solution though—composting.

You can think of composting as nature’s own recycling process. When a plant dies, its remains are broken down by bacteria and insects. As if by magic, that plant matter transforms into a substance called humus, or compost. Compost is full of good stuff that sustains plant life. You can then use the compost in your yard as potting soil, topdressing for lawns, or a soil-improving additive.

It is almost as simple as it sounds and is a great experience for the little scientists who live at your house. You just need a space in your yard approximately 3’ x 3’ x 3’. Don’t go bigger than 5’x 5’ x 5’—a bin that is too small won’t retain enough heat, and a bin that’s too large won’t let enough air into the middle of the pile. You can build a compost bin yourself with chicken wire or wooden pallets. Or you can buy one at your local garden center. Some of these have attachments for turning and removing compost that are convenient, but they aren't necessary. Choose a spot out of direct sunlight and over soil so the worms can find their way there.

How to Make Compost
Start by making a layer of leaves, grass clippings and kitchen waste (banana peels, eggshells, old lettuce leaves, apple cores, coffee grounds, and whatever else you have). Pile it up until it is six inches high, then cover it with three to six inches of soil or finished compost. Keep alternating layers of organic matter and layers of soil until the pile is about three feet tall. A pile that is three feet tall by three feet square will generate enough heat during decomposition to sterilize the compost. You might want to try a compost activator like alfalfa meal, barnyard manure, bone meal, cottonseed meal, or blood meal to get your pile working and speed up the process. Each time you add a layer to your pile, sprinkle on some activator and water it well.

Here are few more tips:
• Keep your pile damp but not wet. If it’s too wet, it will start to smell.
• Make sure your pile stays warm. That heat means things are happening in there! When you dig a hole in the pile it should feel warm when you put your hand near it. If your pile is cool, add some more green stuff to it.
• Turn your pile periodically to mix in oxygen.
• Shred your compostable scraps or cut them into smaller pieces for faster, easier decomposition.

It might take a bit of practice to get it just right, but your kids will love watching “trash” magically turn into gardening gold. So try composting as a fun family activity and one more way to go green this spring.

Get a free compost bin when you attend the next composting workshop
offered by the Sacramento County Backyard Composting Program:
Thursday, May 15th
6:30pm-7:15pm
Carmichael Park (Veterans Building)
Free. No reservations required.
For more information, call 916-875-7165 or visit www.sacgreenteam.com.