White County
 Gardening
Podcast
October 26, 2011
Composting 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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