What Materials Can I Compost?

“Hi, I’ve recently started a backyard farm and I’m keen to begin composting to enrich my garden soil naturally. I have a variety of kitchen scraps and yard waste, but I’m unsure which materials are safe to add to my compost heap. Could you provide a detailed list of what I can and can’t compost, including any tips for maintaining a healthy compost pile? Thanks for your help!” Thanks, Emma, Tasmania, Australia.

What Materials Can I Compost?

Composting is a fantastic way to recycle organic waste and return valuable nutrients back to the soil. Understanding what can and can’t be composted is key to maintaining a healthy compost pile. Here’s an extensive guide to help you out, Emma.

What Can Be Composted?

Compostable materials are generally divided into two categories: browns and greens. Browns are rich in carbon, whereas greens are rich in nitrogen. A good balance between these two is necessary for a thriving compost pile.

Browns (Carbon-Rich Materials)

These materials help to add structure and aerate the compost pile:

• Dry Leaves: A common and beneficial brown material, they add needed carbon and break down quickly.
• Cardboard: Shredded cardboard (avoid glossy or heavily inked ones) is excellent for composting.
• Paper: Newspaper, paper towels, and non-glossy paper can be composted when shredded.
• Sawdust and Wood Chips: These can be added in smaller quantities; make sure it’s untreated wood.
• Straw and Hay: Both provide carbon and help with aeration and moisture balance.
• Pine Needles: They break down slower but are good for adding carbon.

Greens (Nitrogen-Rich Materials)

Greens are essential for the microbial activity that heats up the compost and accelerates decomposition:

• Vegetable Scraps: Almost all vegetable peels, scraps, and leftovers can be composted.
• Fruit Scraps: Any fruit peel or scrap works, although avoid larger quantities of citrus if possible due to acidity.
• Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and can go directly into your compost.
• Tea Bags: Make sure they don’t contain plastics; if compostable, the tea leaves are great for compost.
• Grass Clippings: Fresh clippings are nitrogen-rich but should be mixed well to avoid clumping.
• Garden Waste: Green trimmings, plants, and leafy materials add valuable nitrogen.

Materials to Avoid

Some materials should be kept out of the compost for various reasons, including attracting pests, introducing diseases, or taking too long to decompose:

• Meat and Fish Scraps: These can attract pests and create odor problems.
• Dairy Products: Similar to meat, dairy can attract pests and create bad smells.
• Oily Foods: Oils can slow down the composting process and shouldn’t be included.
• Pet Waste: Animal feces can contain pathogens harmful to humans.
• Coal or Charcoal Ash: Contains substances that can be harmful to plants.
• Treated Wood: Chemicals from treated wood can be toxic for composting.
• Inorganic Materials: Glass, plastic, and metal do not decompose and should never be composted.
• Diseased Plants: Can introduce pathogens that survive the composting process and harm your garden.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Compost Pile

A successful compost pile involves more than just throwing organic matter into a heap. Here are some key tips:

Balance Browns and Greens

A good compost pile has a ratio of 3:1 browns to greens. This balance ensures a good decomposition process.

Monitor Moisture Levels

Compost should be moist but not waterlogged. Aim for the consistency of a wrung-out sponge. Covering your pile with a tarp can help regulate moisture during rainy spells.

Aerate Regularly

Turning your compost pile with a pitchfork every couple of weeks introduces oxygen which is crucial for aerobic decomposition. It also helps to mix the materials and speeds up the process.

Chop Materials

Smaller pieces break down faster. Chopping or shredding larger materials, like branches or melon rinds, will help speed their decomposition.

Location

Choose a well-drained spot with good exposure to the sun, as warmth helps the decomposition process. Also, keep it close to where you’ll be using the compost to save effort.

Additional Tips for Backyard Farmers

Considering specific needs and constraints of backyard farming, Emma, here are tailored tips just for you:

Consider a Compost Bin

If space is limited, a compost bin might be more practical than an open pile. It can also help to keep pests out and maintain hygiene.

Watch Out for Weeds

Weeds can be a tricky addition; only compost them if your pile heats up enough (above 140°F/60°C) to kill the seeds, otherwise you may end up spreading them all over your garden.

Seasonal Adjustments

During dry seasons, like your Australian summer, you’ll need to pay extra attention to moisture levels. Conversely, during wet winters, ensure your pile doesn’t become too waterlogged by covering it or adding more browns.

Embrace Worm Composting

Also known as vermicomposting, using worms can help process food scraps more efficiently and produce nutrient-rich compost called worm castings. This might be perfect for your backyard farm if space is tight.

Compost Tea

This nutrient-rich liquid, made by steeping finished compost in water, can be an easy way to give plants a quick nutrient boost. Simply use it as a foliar spray or soil drench.

Common Misconceptions

There are quite a few myths and misconceptions about what can and can’t be composted. Let’s clear up a few:

• Eggshells: Some folks think they can’t compost eggshells, but they can! They add calcium, just crush them up to speed their breakdown.
• Citrus Peels: As mentioned, citrus is compostable, but in moderation due to its acidity.
• Biodegradable Plastics: Though labeled as biodegradable, they often require industrial composting conditions and aren’t suitable for home compost heaps.

Pest-Prevention Tips

Keeping pests out of your compost pile can be a concern. Here are some strategies to minimize this issue:

Bury Food Scraps

Cover food waste well with a layer of browns to deter pests from sniffing out your compost pile.

Avoid Meat and Dairy

These items are notorious for attracting pests and should be kept out of the pile entirely.

Proper Bin Management

Using a closed compost bin with a secure lid can help reduce the likelihood of pests getting into your compost.

Use Mesh Wire

Surround your compost pile with mesh wire to prevent larger animals like rodents from getting in.

Final Thoughts…

Emma, diving into composting is such a rewarding endeavor for your backyard farm. Keeping a good balance of carbon-rich browns and nitrogen-rich greens, monitoring moisture and aeration, and being mindful of what materials you include are all essential for creating rich, nutrient-packed compost. Embrace the process, and soon your garden will thank you with vibrant growth. Thanks for sending in your question—you’re well on your way to sustainable gardening success!