White County
 Gardening
Podcast
October 21, 2008
Composting - Part 2 of 2 (2:12 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
Hello this is Sherri Sanders, County Extension Agent - Agriculture in White
county.
Compost can be made in a simple pile or "heap", a homemade container, or a
commercial composter.
Although commercial compost bins are available, they are expensive. You can
construct a container from logs, exterior grade plywood, railroad ties or
heavy-duty wire netting lined with polyethylene sheeting to prevent the outside
of the pile from drying out.
Place the materials to be composed on the pile or in the container in even
layers. Every so often add a thin layer of garden soil. The soil will provide
the microorganisms needed for decomposition of the vegetation. If reasonably
fertile garden soil is unavailable or you wish the process to be speeded up, a
commercially prepared compost activator may be used; follow the instructions on
the label.
Along with the layer of soil, a handful of a high nitrogen fertilizer may be
sprinkled evenly over the pile. The nitrogen will be used as a source of energy
for the microorganisms which decompose the vegetation.
If the compost pile is located adjacent to the garden area it can be easily
watered every time the garden is watered. This will produce a fairly even rate
of decomposition during the growing season. As the pile builds up the bottom
layers will begin to decompose. Decomposition is most active during the warm
weather of summer when bacteria are most active.
Late summer or early fall is a good time to begin a compost pile. Leaves,
garden and border refuse, and kitchen waste from canning and freezing are
readily available and cooler temperatures make the compost construction more
comfortable. Continue to add to the pile through the winter, spring, and
following summer.
If the compost bin is located adjacent to the garden, remove or rake aside
the undecomposed top layer, and incorporate the finished compost into your
vegetable and flower beds. It should be dark brown and look like soil and not be
offensive to feel or smell.
For additional information contact your local County Extension office. This
has been Sherri Sanders in Searcy.
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