What Are The Best Organic Composting Methods?

“I’m starting with a new backyard farm project here in Calgary, and I’m keen to build up a good source of organic compost without depending too much on outside resources. I’ve been doing some research, but I find the whole process of composting a bit overwhelming. With so many methods out there, I’m not sure which one would work best for such a small space. What are the best organic composting methods for someone just getting started? Any tips for troubleshooting common issues would be really appreciated!” Thanks so much, Doug, Calgary, Canada.

What Are The Best Organic Composting Methods?

You’re on the right path, Doug! Composting is one of the most rewarding and sustainable practices you can integrate into your backyard farm. Not only does it turn everyday kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil, but it also reduces your household waste significantly. However, choosing the best composting method can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. Let’s break it down into some more manageable pieces, so you can decide what fits your space, time, and needs the best.

Understanding What Composting Is

Composting is a natural process of decomposition. Organic materials like food scraps, yard waste, and even certain types of paper break down with the help of microorganisms, oxygen, and moisture to form humus. This dark, crumbly, and nutrient-rich material is what you’ll eventually add back to your soil to help your plants flourish.

The beauty of composting lies in its ability to recycle waste you’d otherwise throw in the trash. Whether it’s fallen leaves, vegetable peels, or grass clippings, nearly everything organic can be composted. But how you compost depends on various factors, such as space, time, available materials, and your climate in Calgary.

Main Types of Organic Composting Methods

There are several different composting methods you could try, depending on your circumstances. Here are some of the most popular systems for a backyard farm:

1. Traditional Pile Composting

This is the most straightforward and classic method. It’s as simple as creating a pile of organic waste in a shaded but easily accessible part of your backyard. The materials break down over time, thanks to microorganisms, worms, and other decomposers. Here’s how you can make the most out of this method:

• Location: Find a spot in your backyard that’s ideally close to your garden but out of direct sunlight. Shade provides optimal moisture retention, which is crucial in Calgary’s varying climate.
• Layering: Start by layering “greens” and “browns.” The greens are nitrogen-rich materials like kitchen scraps and grass clippings, and the browns are carbon-rich items like dried leaves, straw, and paper.
• Turning the Pile: At least once a month, use a pitchfork or shovel to turn your compost pile, mixing the materials to aerate it. This helps maintain balance and speeds up decomposition.
• Moisture Control: Your compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If too dry, add water (especially needed in Calgary’s dry spells); if too wet, mix in more browns to soak up excess moisture.

This method is best suited for those with a bit of space and patience, as it can take several months for the compost to be ready to use. However, the results are well worth it – you’ll end up with a generous supply of high-quality compost.

2. Compost Bins and Tumblers

Bins or tumblers offer a more controlled environment for composting and are perfect for urban settings or smaller backyards. Compost bins are stationary, while tumblers can be rotated to mix materials. These systems can also make composting more manageable if you have limited space.

• Material Breakdown: Similar to pile composting, alternate layers of greens and browns inside the bin or tumbler. Overfilling isn’t an issue, just keep layering and adding the materials as you go.
• Mixing: Tumblers have the added benefit of being easy to rotate, which makes aeration simple. If you’re using a bin, you’ll need to stir the contents occasionally with a garden tool.
• Temperature Control: Compost bins can get hotter than piles, which speeds up the composting process. However, watch the moisture levels carefully, especially in dry climates like Calgary. A bin or tumbler might require you to mist the compost lightly during particularly dry spells.

While compost bins and tumblers generally speed up the composting process, they do require a bit more management, particularly in terms of moisture. If you’re short on time or simply want the convenience of a tidy, easy-to-manage composting method, these might be perfect for you, Doug!

3. Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)

If space is severely limited, or you’re interested in a highly efficient composting method, vermicomposting might be just what you’re looking for. This involves using worms to break down organic matter – they do the heavy lifting! The best part is that it’s excellent for producing super-rich compost known as worm castings, which works wonders in the garden.

• The Right Worms: Red wigglers are commonly used in vermiculture because they thrive in confined spaces and are prolific breeders.
• Setting Up: You’ll need a worm bin. You can purchase one or make your own using plastic storage bins. Add bedding materials like shredded newspaper, cardboard, and some yard waste. Then introduce your worms into their new habitat.
• Feeding: Feed your worms with small amounts of kitchen waste – vegetables and fruit scraps (apart from acidic ones like citrus), coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells. Avoid dairy, meat, and oily foods as they can disrupt the system.
• Harvesting Castings: Every few months, you’ll need to separate the worm castings from the other materials. A simple method involves moving new food to one side of the bin, waiting for the worms to migrate, then harvesting the nutrient-rich compost from the other side.

Vermicomposting is perfect if you want a compact, odorless system that produces rich compost quickly. Plus, the worms themselves help reduce household waste, which is always a plus!

4. Bokashi Composting

Bokashi composting is a bit different from the other methods because it’s an anaerobic process, meaning it doesn’t require oxygen. What makes Bokashi particularly appealing is that it allows you to compost almost all food waste, including items like meat and dairy that would normally be a no-go in traditional composting methods.

• Bokashi Bran: This system revolves around inoculated bran that’s full of beneficial bacteria. It ferments the food waste without creating the unpleasant smell associated with anaerobic decomposition.
• Using a Bokashi Bin: This system typically starts with a special Bokashi bin, which has a spigot at the bottom for draining off liquid (often called ‘Bokashi tea’).
• Layering Process: Place food waste in the bin, press it down to remove air, sprinkle the Bokashi bran, and then tightly seal the bin. Repeat this process until the bin is full.
• Fermentation Period: Once the bin is full, it needs to sit for 10-14 days to fully ferment. Afterward, the contents can be buried in your garden soil. Here, the waste will decompose further and become compost in a matter of weeks.

Bokashi might be a great option for Doug if he’s looking for a way to compost a broader range of food scraps efficiently in Calgary’s cold climate. The fermentation process is quick and because it doesn’t rely on external heat, it can work well even in colder environments.

5. Trench and Pit Composting

This method involves digging a trench or pit in your garden and burying organic waste directly in your soil. Over time, the materials decompose underground, enriching the soil naturally without the need for tending or turning.

• Choosing a Spot: Dig the trench or pit in a garden bed area or somewhere where you plan to plant in the future. The deeper you dig, the more effective the composting is because it’s safe from scavengers and retains moisture better.
• Adding Waste: Place food scraps and yard waste in the trench or pit, making sure to mix in the soil as you go. Cover the waste completely with soil when you’re done.
• Timing: Depending on the type of waste and the season, it could take a few months to a year for everything to decompose fully. The deeper the pit, the slower the process.

This method is perfect if you want a low-maintenance solution or are looking to compost directly where you intend to plant. The time to decomposition might be a bit longer, but there’s almost no work involved once you’ve buried the material.

Troubleshooting Those Common Composting Challenges

Doug, every composting method has its quirks, and you’re bound to face challenges along the way. Here are some of the common issues you might run into and how to troubleshoot them:

Bad Smells

If your compost starts to emit an unpleasant odor, it could be due to improper aeration or the presence of too many “greens” and not enough “browns.” To fix it:

• Turn your compost pile more frequently to increase oxygen levels.
• Add more brown materials to balance out the nitrogen-rich greens causing the smell.
• If you’re using a Bokashi system, ensure that the bin is sealed tightly to prevent anaerobic breakdown outside the bin.

Pests Invading the Compost

Rodents and insects can be attracted to compost piles, especially when meat or dairy products are involved. Here’s what you can do:

• Make sure to bury food scraps deeper into your compost pile.
• Avoid composting meat, dairy, or any fatty foods unless using a Bokashi method that seals them away.
• Consider using a fully enclosed tumbler or bin that can be sealed to keep pests out.

Compost Not Breaking Down

If your compost isn’t breaking down efficiently, insufficient heat, moisture, or improper balance of materials might be the issue. To troubleshoot:

• Ensure there’s a good mix of greens and browns to create the right balance of carbon and nitrogen.
• Check the moisture level and add water if it’s too dry. Remember the ‘wrung-out sponge’ texture!
• Turn the pile more frequently to introduce more air, especially if things are moving slowly.

Compost is Too Wet or Too Dry

Climate plays a big role here. Given Calgary’s climate, you might need to adjust moisture levels more frequently:

• If too wet, add dry materials like shredded paper or straw, and cover the compost during rain.
• If too dry, water it lightly and consider covering the compost with a tarp or lid to preserve moisture during dry spells.

Comparing Different Composting Methods

Let’s take a quick look at the advantages and drawbacks of the various composting methods to help you make a more informed choice. This table will give you a snapshot of the differences:

Final Thoughts…

Doug, it sounds like you’ve got a fantastic project underway. Whatever composting method you decide to implement in your backyard farm, you’ll quickly discover how rewarding it is to give back to your garden. Remember, the best method is the one that suits your space and commitment level. It’s all about finding a good balance that will work well with your lifestyle and backyard space.

If you run into any problems, just revisit the troubleshooting tips. And don’t be discouraged by the learning curve – even the most seasoned composters face challenges along the way.

Thanks for reaching out with such a thoughtful question, Doug. Best of luck on your backyard farming journey in Calgary!