The UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County released on May 4 a guide describing how to generate compost in three steps for home gardeners.
Composting helps reduce waste and creates nutrient-rich soil, which can improve gardens and landscapes. The guide details how to gather yard waste, start a compost system, and maintain it over time.
According to the article, gardeners should combine fresh and dry yard waste in equal parts to encourage decomposers. Food scraps such as fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, tea bags, and egg shells can also be added. However, meats, dairy products, pet feces, large amounts of paper or ash, diseased material or weeds that have gone to seed should not be included. Materials break down faster if they are cut up before being added.
Once materials are gathered and layered with water between each layer—and optionally some finished compost—the system requires periodic aeration every ten days with a pitchfork. Composting materials should remain moist like a wrung-out sponge; adjustments may be needed if the pile is too wet or dry. Food scraps should be buried within the material to mask odors that might attract pests. As decomposition continues and the material appears about half broken down, new additions should stop so the process can finish fully.
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs; it promotes sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems and economic vitality; it utilizes nine research centers representing California’s diverse ecosystems; it has gained recognition for linking research with community needs; it manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system; and conducts more than 33,000 educational events annually while engaging over 18,000 volunteers in its initiatives—all according to the official website.
Finished compost will look dark like dirt with an earthy smell after resting two weeks post-processing. Screened compost is then ready for use in gardens.