As professional gardeners, we recognize the immense value of composting. Producing your own high-quality compost sustains the health of your garden and enriches your soil with organic matter. We’d like to share best practices for composting success.
When choosing a location, select a partially shaded spot with good drainage near your garden for convenience. Morning sunlight helps heat the compost but avoid full sun exposure. Position away from contaminants like pet waste and chemicals.
Gather nitrogen-rich “greens” such as grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds. Collect carbon-heavy “browns” like dried leaves, straw, sawdust, and shredded paper. The ideal ratio is 3 parts greens to 1 part browns. Introduce red wiggler worms to accelerate breakdown.
Your Professional Garden: Compost Guidelines
| Items | Category |
|---|---|
| What Enhances Your Professional Composting: | |
| Fruit and vegetable scraps | Absolutely Valuable |
| Coffee grounds and filters | Nourishing Boost |
| Tea bags (remove staples if present) | Worth the Effort |
| Fresh grass clippings (in moderation) | Dynamic Green Addition |
| Plant trimmings and prunings | Resourceful Recycling |
| Houseplant trimmings | Indoor Green Treasure |
| Weeds (avoid those with mature seeds) | Mindful Weed Management |
| Leaves (shredded for faster decomposition) | Nature’s Richness |
| Straw and hay | Soil Protector |
| Shredded paper (non-glossy) | Written to Improve |
| Cardboard (shredded or torn) | Sturdy Organic Bedding |
| Wood chips and sawdust (in moderation) | Art of Mulching |
| Dry, dead plants | Nature’s Renovation |
| Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to the compost. | Mineral Enrichment |
| Nut Shells: Crushed nut shells like walnuts and pecans can be composted, but they decompose more slowly. | Nutrient Storage |
| Natural Fibers: Cotton and wool scraps, as well as natural fiber clothing (cut into small pieces). | Eco-Textile Valor |
| Hair and Fur: From pets or yourself. | Organic Matter Power |
| Manure: Herbivore animal manure (cow, horse, rabbit, etc.) can be added, but avoid carnivore or omnivore animal waste. | Animal Input Balance |
| Food-soiled Paper: Unwaxed paper plates, napkins, and paper towels with food residues. | Kitchen Renewal |
| What’s Beyond the Bounds of Your Professional Composting: | |
| Meat and Dairy: These can attract pests and produce unpleasant odors. | Best Kept Away |
| Fats and Oils: Greasy or oily food waste should be avoided. | Not Compatible |
| Processed Foods: Highly processed foods may contain additives that don’t break down well. | Quality Matters |
| Bread and Pasta: These can attract pests and take a long time to break down. | Better Elsewhere |
| Diseased Plants: Plants with diseases can spread pathogens in your compost. | Avoid Risks |
| Weeds with Mature Seeds: These seeds might survive the composting process and end up sprouting in your garden. | Guard Against Growth |
| Invasive Plants: Seeds or plant parts of invasive species can spread when the compost is used. | Preserve Diversity |
| Pet Waste: Cat or dog waste can contain harmful pathogens. | Not Suitable |
| Plastic and Synthetic Materials: These don’t break down and can contaminate your compost. | Eco-Unfriendly |
| Glossy Paper: Paper with a glossy finish or colored ink may contain toxins. | Skip Them |
Your professional gardening journey embraces sustainability, community, quality, and passion. Every choice you make contributes to the thriving garden you nurture. As we journey together, let’s share knowledge, celebrate successes, and foster a community that cares for both gardens and the planet we call home.
Build an enclosure for your pile. Use wire fencing, wood pallets, or a lidded plastic bin to contain materials. Bins retain moisture and prevent pest access. Leave outdoor piles loose with breathable tarps.
Layer browns first, then greens in 2-4 inch increments, repeating layers. Bury food waste 10+ inches deep. Turn weekly using an aeration tool to mix and provide oxygen. Monitor moisture and keep the pile damp, not saturated.
Quality compost requires patience! Allow 2-4 months for full decomposition. Finished compost will be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling when ready to use.
Incorporate generous helpings of compost into planting beds and borders to boost nutrients. Or use it to make compost tea, a nutrient-rich foliar spray. Your plants will thrive with this “black gold”!
We hope these sustainable tips help you create excellent compost for your gardens. Please reach out if we can assist with your composting or any gardening needs!