How to compost

Tip: Earth Friendly Tips Written by Roxanne Vigos

COMPOST!!!

I just love compost, I love seeing how nature works at breaking down green waste!  I have two compost bins and here are a few things I have learned over the years. The basic formula is 2 parts brown to 1 part green. I would like to have you remember volume, normally browns are lighter in weight so awareness of this will help find the balance between the two. I mostly have veggie and fruit scraps in my compost, tea, and coffee grounds. I turn my compost frequently and have learned that shredded paper works great as a source of browns and also provides space for air to circulate (aeration) paper egg cartons also work great for this if torn up.

I have two bins, one that is raised and rotates, this one is super easy but usually more expensive to purchase but quite user-friendly, and my second one is a box-style unit with a lid. The added benefit of the rotating style is that it will not become a food source for unwanted visitors due to being secure off the ground. You can add a screen to the bottom of the open box-style units to keep out unwanted visitors You can even make a bin out of lumber or repurposed materials. If you choose the open pile variety keep in mind you may attract critters if you add anything but yard waste.

Another way I have been using yard waste is the “chop and drop” method and sheet composting or lasagna beds. There are just so many ways to use green waste in a beneficial way! You can even compost with worms, not something I have done but I find it fascinating as well. I am adding a link to a wonderful resource that contains more in-depth information on compost. Make sure to look up water-wise plants when you are on the site as well. https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/backyard-composting-in-utah

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