COMPOSTING TRICKS

COMPOSTING TRICKS
Since compost is such an important aspect of organic gardening, lets take a look at some more ideas.
What is the exact definition of composting? Composting is the microbial decomposition of organic wastes under controlled conditions. The end product should be artificial manure, acceptable for use in the garden as a soil amendment and nutrient source (fertilizer).
In today’s environment, all gardeners should make and use compost to help recycle yard waste, thus producing a free-energy source while keeping these wastes out of over-burdened landfills.
Making Compost at Home
There are many systems for constructing and managing a compost pile. To make ideal compost, the composter should strive to reach a correct balance of air, water, and temperature in the compost pile.
A small compost pile measuring 3′x3′x3′ (1 cubic yard), called a “compost unit,” is easily made.

* Build larger piles by putting together several units into a single bin.
* Construct a bin with sides made from untreated lumber, concrete blocks, wire or other durable materials.
* Make successive 12 thick layers of plant waste such as leaves, lawn clippings, shredded branches, and wood chips.
* Distribute one cup of dolomite and 1 qt chicken litter per unit onto each layer.
* Moisten each layer, then keep pile moist.
* Thoroughly mix the compost pile after 3 to 4 weeks, and every week thereafter.
* Compost should be ready for use in 2 to 12 months, or when plant parts are decomposed.

How to Apply Organic Soil Amendments
Animal manures, fresh with minimum litter

* Annually spread 1 lb/sq ft within the bedding area, mix in soil to 6 depth. Wait 10 to 14 days before planting.
* Semi-annually if a garden is to be planted in a successive season, reapply at the reduced rate of ½ lb/sq ft; mix and wait as before.
* Side-dressing Add the solid form or manure tea as a side-dressing at mid-season on long season crops like tomato. Manure tea is made by mixing up to equal amounts of poultry manure and water.
* Plant hole application For single plant application, thoroughly mix the manure in the planting hole 10 to 14 days before planting to prevent burning the roots. Adjust amount according to size of plant grown; for example, tomatoes – 4 lbs per hole; herbs – 1 lb per hole.

Note. Plant injury due to fertilizer root burn may be greatly reduced or eliminated by mixing the animal manure with compost prior to planting (1:1 ratio). In this manner, you may apply and plant immediately.
Composted yard waste
Annually spread and mix well into soil up to 2 lb/sq ft. Supplement with animal manure at rate of 1 lb/sq ft. You may plant immediately or wait a few days.

Semi-annually if a garden is to be planted in a successive season, a second application of composted yard waste may be applied, but at the reduced amount of 1 lb/sq ft. Supplement with animal manure as before (1 lb/sq ft).
Note: Side-dressing is not suggested for adding to a growing crop.
Note: If composted yard waste is used alone, plant stunting will occur. Following 2 to 3 years of “aging” in the soil, however, plant growth should improve noticeably. For best results, always supplement your composted yard waste with organic garden fertilizer.
Should you use Oak Leaves?
Certain plant residues may be mixed into the garden soil as a soil improvement practice. Woody residues such as sawdust rot very slowly and are low in nitrogen content. For every cubic yard of sawdust applied, add 150 lbs of animal manure. The use of oak leaves as a soil amendment was observed over a 4-year period. The conclusion was that seasonally raked oak leaves may be piled onto the garden site, mixed with the soil, and allowed to decompose. Shredding speeds up breakdown and results in better growth and yields of vegetables. Add animal manure (1 lb/sq ft) to hasten decomposition and minimize nitrogen depletion. Even without manure supplementation, good yields of such crops as cucumbers, tomato and greens can be expected after 2 to 3 years of applications of at least 20 tons per acre annually.

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