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If you're new to composting, you need to know about compost etiquette. Part of this is etiquette towards the critters who live in your compost. You want to make sure that they stay happy. Some of this is also etiquette towards your neighbors. They need to stay happy too, and if they find composting inoffensive and useful, they may decide to do it too. What to do With Your Compost Bin What should you do with your compost bin? The worst thing that can happen to your compost is that it will start to stink. You don't want smelly compost. Make sure that when you design your compost, you allow for drainage. Fruit and vegetable peelings are full of water, and that water needs somewhere to go. Be Kind to Your Compost: Keep it Dry, Aerated, and at the Right Temperature You will also need to devise a way to aerate the compost. Whether this is through a compost design that integrates air holes, like a wire mesh bin, or whether this is using an aeration tool, adding air to the compost ensures that oxygen-loving bacteria get what they need. These are the bacteria that help compost complete its cycle more quickly. Shifting the balance from wet to moist and from low to high oxygen will make sure that the smelly byproducts of anaerobic bacteria do not take over the compost heap. Insulate the bin if it is required. In cold winters and hot summers, worm bins in particular require insulation, since there is less compost to cover the worms. Dead worms or unhappy worms mean that composting slows down. Use Greens and Browns in the Compost Another way to speed up the decomposition process is to use a good mix of materials in the compost bin. Add green materials like fruit and vegetables, but make sure that you add some carbon-rich materials like leaves as well. A good balance of nitrogen and carbon-rich materials helps compost form more quickly and creates a great environment for aerobic bacteria. Know when your compost is finished. Your finished compost should be dark, with a light earthy smell. It should be moist, but not wet. Compost that is finished should have no huge lumps in it, but it is all right if you can still see a few pieces of organic material. When your compost is finished, remove it and use it in the garden to make room for more organic material. Avoid Adding Items That Worms Dislike Worms are not very fond of eggshells, onion and garlic peels and citrus. This doesn't mean that you need to throw all of them out, but use moderation when placing them in the bin. Also avoid placing any dairy, meat, or grain products into the compost bin, since these attract rodents. Make Your Compost Pleasant to Look At While a pile of decomposing organic matter isn't always the most pleasing sight in the world, the compost bin should not be ugly and smelly, especially if it is an urban area. Choose a compost heap that is appropriate to your living situation. In an apartment, a worm bin or bokashi compost will do. In an urban or suburban area, a plastic backyard bin or sturdy wooden bin will suffice. If your compost bin produces excellent fertilizer and is pleasing to the senses, perhaps the neighbours will start to compost their food waste as well!
Lars Handley is a master composter based in Dallas, Texas. Visit his How to Compost instructional site to see text and video that teaches how to make compost. Don't miss the Composting Questions page where you can ask any composting question and get a personal response.
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