BACKYARD COMPOST CLASS

What is “COMPOST”?

COMPOST:  “Soil amendment, or a Universe of Life?”

“Greens” & “Browns”, What compost is used for by people vs. its function in nature, “Aerobic” (hot) vs. “Anaerobic” (cold) compost methods & consequences, Worm composting, bacteria & the critters of the pile...

The focus of this class is on backyard-scaled, “hot” composting. Therefore, even though any “organic” (previously alive) material can become compost-- we want no meat, dairy, oils, animal waste, diseased plants, weeds, etc. in a backyard pile.

When in doubt... keep it “nearly vegan”. (Materials like egg shells & pet hair are ok though!)

Why COMPOST?

Water conserving, fertilizing, pest-controlling, soil structure-enhancing... even serves us as an anti-depressant! Global-level, community-level, & individual-level benefits… -So, why waste such an amazing resource?

Where can you COMPOST?

Not just for farms… Commercial/industrial and city-scaled composting down to apartment-scale vermicompost (worms), bokashi (anaerobic) & other methods…

Who can do it?                -You can!

Quick & Dirty: HOW TO BUILD A COMPOST PILE

• Placement of the pile: 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet (at minimum), with plenty of space to move around it. Semi-sunny spot is ideal but not necessary.
• Recipe:

• 2 parts chopped “Browns” & 1 part chopped “Greens”...
• Build an 8” layer, then “mix the salad” & water
• Sprinkle of soil
• Repeat until 3 feet tall (at least)
• Cover with black plastic (with holes), an old tarp or some other material to help keep moisture in

• Maintenance:

• “Mix the salad” every 1-2 weeks, maintain moisture by watering
• Should get very hot (140-145 degrees, hot to the touch!) within 1-2 weeks... and will then cool down somewhat after a few days.
• Re-mixing the pile every 1-2 weeks will add oxygen for the bacteria and they will re-heat the pile again (this is good!). After about 3 or 4 rounds of this, over an 8 week period or so, pile will no longer heat up very hot (will stay just about 90-110 degrees, warm to the touch). Active processing phase is complete!

• Let it Cool...

• Allow compost to cool down, or “cure”. Otherwise will be too intense for plants. This process takes about 3-4 weeks.

• Use it!

• Add 2” of finished compost anywhere you want plants to thrive!
• Till the finished compost down a few inches into the soil, so sun doesn’t degrade it and so roots can directly access it.   
•  ~  Job well done!  ~

Problems/Questions? Or want to know more about Denver Compost Collective?

Feel free to contact us (contact info at top of page).