- Author: Amy Breschini
Join the UC Master Gardeners for their "Advice To Grow By" Workshop held every 3rd Saturday!
10am - noon
2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo
Bring a folding chair, sun hats/glasses and water bottles. One of our goals it do reduce wasted handouts and save resources. We will be posting any handouts or resources needed right here!
Please park in the lot next to the garden. Restrooms are located adjacent to the parking lot, through the glass doors on the lower level.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO FIND HANDOUTS- THEY ARE THE VERY LAST ENTRY, DIRECTLY BELOW THE TITLE "ATTACHED FILES" AND THEY ARE UNDERLINED.
- WHAT IS COMPOSTING: Controlling the natural recycling system of decomposition, which converts organic material into humus.
- WHY COMPOST:
- Produce valuable soil supplement
- Reduce amount of waste needing disposal by landfill or incineration
- save on disposal costs
- save on garbage bags and leaf bagsreduce pollution created by waste collection vehicles.
- WHO DOES THE MAJORITY OF THE WORK:
- Microorganisms (bacteria, molds, fungi), earthworms, insects
What |
Yes! |
No!!! |
Brown |
Green |
|
|
|
|
Fall leaves |
Grass Clippings |
Meat, bones, fat, grease |
Straw |
Weeds (without seeds) |
Peanut butter, oils |
Brown hay |
Fruit and vegetable scraps |
Dairy products |
Paper |
Manure (not dog or cat) |
Cooked foods w/butter or sauce |
Coffee filters |
Coffee grounds, tea bags |
Dog or cat manure |
Sawdust |
Egg shells |
Branches larger than 1 ½ “ |
Wood chips |
Bread and grains (if bin is rodent resistant) |
Diseased plants |
Wood ash (thin layers) |
Seaweed |
Weeds gone to seed |
|
|
Weeds which spread by roots or runners |
|
|
|
Other potential problems – rose thorns are very resistant to decomposition; pine needles will decompose but tend to create impermeable layers (best to shred first);
Air. Oxygen is needed by aerobic organisms. Anaerobic organisms produce gases that smell like rotten eggs.
Moisture. The organisms need a thin film of moisture to live in. Compost should be 40-60% moisture, about as moist as a wrung out sponge. Check with squeeze test.
Volume. Pile should be large enough to maintain heat, minimum of 3'x3'x3'
Bins - Help pile hold in heat and moisture
- Look neater than loose piles
- In urban areas, a rodent-proof bin should be used.
- Wide variety of styles to choose from
- HOW:
- Choose a shady location; if in sun, cover pile to prevent drying
- Use a bin - select a style appropriate for your situation
- Layer the materials in the bin in 2"-8" layers
- Sprinkle soil or finished compost between the layer
- Wet leaves and other material if it is not moist (should feel like a damp sponge) as you add them
- Try to build pile so air can penetrate inside
- If composting vegetable scraps, bury them in center of pile.
- Turn the pile occasionally to introduce fresh oxygen supply.
- WHEN:
- Compost ready in 6 months to a year (or more for leaves)
- Should look like dark brown, crumbly soil, can't recognize original ingredients
- Apply about 3" deep to soil and mix in with top 4" of soil, about a month before planting time. Or mix 1/3rd compost, soil and sand for a potting soil mix
- Or till under in fall, will break down over winter.
- Soil will be ready to grow great crops
Alternative: If no yard, try composting indoors using a worm bin.
TO PRINT THE ABOVE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE
This information above is derived from:
www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/compout.doc
REMEMBER TO SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OTHER ATTACHED DOCUMENTS.
Gardener’s Gold – Compost
By Maggie King
Q: I’ve been saving kitchen scraps and trying to make compost but I just end up with a big soggy mess. What am I doing wrong?
Rickie Buttman, Arroyo Grande
A: These days, responsible gardeners are more aware than ever of the importance of maintaining sustainable practices in the garden. Composting is one perfect example of this concept- recycling kitchen and yard waste to create what is often referred to as “nature’s gift to the gardener.” Well developed compost encourages earthworms and other beneficial organisms, provides nutrients to the soil, improves soil characteristics and drainage, and reduces landfill waste.
Creating a healthy compost pile, however, is not without its challenges. Improperly prepared, a pile of waste scraps can introduce weeds and disease into the soil, and can attract various pests. The pile must include the right proportion of nitrogen and carbon, be kept evenly moist, and be well aerated for the composting process to work.
The San Luis Obispo Master Gardeners are well trained in proper composting technique, and are enthusiastic about educating local gardeners. The next in the ongoing series, Advice to Grow By, will be a two hour, comprehensive discussion of the fundamentals of composting. Topics to be discussed include:
· The difference between compost and mulch,
· The benefits of composting
· Varied techniques of building a compost pile
· Worm composting
· Correct use of finished compost
· Appropriate materials to be included in compost
· Managing composting problems.
The seminar will be held in the Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden, at 2156 Sierra Way on Saturday, May 15, from 10:00 am to noon. There will be adequate time for your questions to be answered. Wear a hat, bring a friend, and join us for a morning of education and camaraderie!
Got a Question?
Contact the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners: at 781-5939 from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday and Thursday; at 473-7190 from 10 a.m. to noon in Arroyo Grande; and at 434-4105 from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday in Templeton. Visit the UCCE Master Gardeners Web site at groups.ucanr.org/slomg/ or e-mail mgsanluisobispo@ucdavis.edu.