Successful Gardener Information

Composting

Darrell Blackwelder

June 30, 2004

     The leaves of autumn not only provide beautiful color, but can also be a source of plant nutrients through composting. Composting leaves and other plant material also aids in conserving moisture, improves the physical properties of the soil and reduces weed competition. Leaves and other yard wastes are banned from most landfills making composting a viable alternative for homeowners.

     Composting is actually the decomposition of organic materials including: leaves, kitchen scraps, grass clippings spent vegetable plants and other organic material.  Avoid composting pine needles.  Pine needles break down very slowly as well as citrus rinds, corn cobs and pecan shells. Meat scraps should not be used in a compost pile because these attract unwanted animals such as skunks or opossums.

    Spent leaves and other organic material, along with soil and fertilizer are piled into a large compost "sandwich". A layer of leaves 10 inches or more is followed by an inch of soil and a sprinkling of fertilizer. Microbes within the soil accelerate the decomposition of leaves and other material. Organic fertilizer companies have packaged bacteria and other microorganisms that specifically break down organic materials. 

     Fertilizer supplies nitrogen, feeding the microbes breaking down organic matter. Lime may also be added when the composting operation is completed.  Avoid adding lime at the beginning of the operation since lime converts the nitrogen to a non-usable form that cannot be used by microbes.

     Leaves shredded through a mower expedite the decomposition process.  Shredding large leaves such a maple and some oak leaves break down quicker when shredded.    

     Compost material can be held in different types of structures during the decomposition process.  The structures can be as simple as a piece of wire or pressure treated lumber to electric drums which automatically turn composting material. Most home gardeners locate compost piles or bins in low visibility areas readily accessible to the family vegetable garden.

     Compost piles should be turned occasionally to prevent unpleasant odors and hasten decomposition.  Turning also exposes unwanted weed seeds, insects and pathogens to high temperatures.  The center of an actively decomposing pile should reach 150-160 degrees to complete the process.  

     The final product from the compost pile should be brown and earthy, similar to peat moss.  Composting usually takes a year to complete, depending on weather conditions, material to be composted, etc. Homeowners should use the material as soon as possible to make room for more composting material from the upcoming season. More complete information on composting can be found at this web site: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/hortinternet/compost_mulch.html

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.