Six Rules to Compost Food in the Backyard

Six Rules to Compost Food in the Backyard

Linda J. Brewer, Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University

A well-managed backyard compost operation is a fine way to manage kitchen scraps - well-managed being the operative phrase. I’ve been teaching backyard composting for more than 30 years. Here are some rules I’ve developed to improve management of kitchen scraps in a backyard composting operation. These are aimed at reducing wildlife and insects in the compost pile.

Rule #1: Never put kitchen scraps in direct contact with the soil.

I prefer to compost kitchen scraps in a hard-sided black plastic composter. It contains the compost, keeps pets out of it, and reduces wildlife visits. Burrowing rodents can get to the contents through the bottom, so I like to set my composter on a piece of hardware cloth – the smaller the mesh the better.

Rule #2: Never have kitchen scraps as the top layer of a compost pile.

A compost pile is not a slops heap! Leaving food waste uncovered on the top of the pile is a direct invitation to insects, pets, and wildlife. I keep a covered trash can of autumn leaves beside the composter so I can cover Kitchen scraps immediately upon adding them to the pile. Note, if you do this, you should turn the whole compost pile within a day or two. Alternatives are to bury to kitchen scraps in the compost pile.

Rule #3: Layer kitchen scraps with plenty of absorbent carbon sources.

Think of your kitchen scraps as green stuff and your carbon sources as brown stuff. Deciduous leaves and shredded paper are two of my favorites. Because I have a large and active garden, I also have stalks and stems to add into the mix. Hay and straw are other good sources of brown stuff but can introduce seeds that might sprout where you spread the compost.

Rule #4: Compost kitchen scraps aerobically in a hot, active compost pile.

A well-managed compost pile that has enough moisture and a good balance of green stuff to brown stuff could heat up to 130-160 degrees Fahrenheit. These higher temperatures will discourage rodents and other mammals. They may also disrupt the development of insect eggs and larvae.

Rule #5: Turn the whole pile when you add kitchen scraps.

I read once somewhere that the most important ingredient in the garden is the gardener’s shadow. If so, then the most important ingredient in the compost pile is the composter’s shadow. Turning the whole compost pile when you add kitchen scraps has a couple of advantages:

• It ensures that the new scraps are well-mixed into the compost;

• It aerates the compost pile;

• It allows you to monitor for sufficient moisture, developing insects, and any rodent activity.

Rule #6: Turn frequently, for the reasons noted in rule #5.

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