Homegrown Gold

Over the years I’ve tried composting in various different ways. One year I tried it in an old garbage bin and seemingly only produced flies? But after moving to Colorado, it does seem a bit easier to create a good compost mixture here compared to my methods in the Sonoran desert. Composting always feels really worth it, because sustainable gardening suddenly feels more full-circle when you’re creating nutrient-rich compost on your own. I’ve learned there’s a bit of an art to composting and in the last 2 years I’ve gotten a lot better at turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into the black gold my garden craves.

First, you’ll need to repurpose a sturdy container or designate an area in your yard for a compost pile—or if you’re like me, both! Wooden pallets, trash bins with ventilation holes, or even a designated corner can serve as your composting space. For smaller/faster needs like potting soil, I use this rotating bin, which I highly recommend. I also have a pile that the previous owners of our home started a number of years ago for filling garden beds. When we first arrived I removed the garden bed soil and replaced it with compost, which proved to be a really good experiment. While physically exhausting, I now have birds nest fungus (a sign of very healthy soil) that has appeared in 3 of my 5 garden beds.

I cannot emphasize enough the need for a solid pitchfork. For the first couple of years here, I used shovels and rakes for everything, struggling through tasks and hurting my shoulders in the process. Until one day, my dad visited and said, “Why don’t you have a pitchfork?!” and I learned it’s essential for turning and aerating the compost—among many other uses. Regularly turn the compost with a pitchfork helps distribute moisture, incorporate air, and accelerate the decomposition process. If you notice an odor coming from your compost, this is a sure sign that it’s NOT aerated well and likely isn’t going to provide good soil for your garden. I also learned after our first year here, that turning your compost regularly prevents rodents from creating dens in your compost pile (ask me how I know!).

With Colorado’s arid climate, it’s also important to maintain the right moisture level by watering your compost regularly. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge – damp but not waterlogged. A well-moistened compost pile facilitates microbial activity. I have to admit, I don’t do this often enough, but regularly keeping track of the moisture level will speed up the decomposition process and make your compost easier to use. Any fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and non-greasy kitchen waste can be used. I also use a lot of leaves in my compost (only because I have a lot of leaves), but it’s best to avoid too much dry material. Chopping or shredding larger items slash materials can speed up decomposition. Compost piles can actually light on fire, and while that sounds absurd, it sure is possible. You can also layer newspaper or cardboard to balance the green and brown materials, however I don’t tend to do this, because I have so much yard waste as it is. However, this does provide structure, absorbs moisture, and introduces valuable carbon. It’s important to note that you should always avoid meat, dairy, and oily items.

If you’re starting from scratch with a compost pile or bin, start with a layer of coarse materials like small twigs or straw to aid aeration. This allows airflow at the bottom of the compost pile. Alternate “Green” (wet items, like food scrap) and “Brown” (leaves, for example) layers to achieve the right carbon-to-nitrogen balance. This diversity enhances decomposition.

Balance is the key here, for ensuring optimal decomposition. Composting is a gradual process. Depending on your temperature and materials used, your compost will be ready in a few months to a year. Once your compost has a dark, crumbly texture and an earthy smell, it's ready for the garden. Remove any remaining undecomposed materials and use the compost to enrich your soil. Composting works best in a warm environment. If you're composting in colder climates, consider insulating the pile with straw or even a tarp. As I’m in 5b, I (you know I’m going to say it again!) use LEAVES for virtually everything, which also make a great layer of insulation. Like anything in the garden, composting is an evolving process. Adjust your methods based on what works best for your specific environment and available materials. Transforming household waste into nutrient-rich compost is a rewarding and sustainable practice. Armed with basic tools and a commitment to the composting journey, you can cultivate healthier plants and contribute to a greener, more eco-friendly world.