Composting – A Simple Way To Recycle Yard Trimmings
by: Joanne Curley
Did you know that George Washington, America’s Founding Father, was “an avid
composter” and James Madison, America’s 4th president, stressed the
“importance of returning fertility to the soil…equivalent to that which had been
taken from it?”1 Among other interesting facts, Compost Magazine reports that
he had great appreciation for the soil and performed experiments to find the best
way to compost. Another interesting fact is that earthworms in your compost pile
can “eliminate harmful bacteria such as e-coli and other diseases.” 2
“Simple composting is both good for the environment and good for your garden,”
says Ross Penhallegon, horticulturist with Oregon State University’s Extension
Service.3 It is a sustainable system that truly involves minimal effort and yet, the
benefits are tremendous!
It’s this easy: As leaves pile up, you can just rake them into a pile and begin to
layer them with other “extras” such as grass clippings and any other garden
leftovers. (Do not use plants that have evidence of disease or evidence of pests.)
All you have to do is water it, cover it with plastic or even scrap wood, occasionally
turn it and leave it. It will decompose and turn back into nutrient-rich organic
material that you can add back to your garden come Spring.
The simplest method for beginners is the one-third ratio: one-third carbon,
one-third nitrogen, and one-third soil. Carbon includes things like leaves, twigs,
sawdust, and other “brown” stuff. Nitrogen includes grass clippings, coffee
grounds, and manure. Soil is just the soil you already have in your yard.
Things to remember when setting up your compost system:
Well-drained areas work best. Too much moisture or water will prevent
decomposers from doing their work. If your pile gets too wet, just add some dry
material and mix it in.
3 Clueless about Compost? Expert shares timely tips. OSU Extension Office.
2 22 Fascinating Facts About Composting , Composting Tips, Advice and Science
1 22 Fascinating Facts About Composting , Composting Tips, Advice and Science
You can purchase composting containers or build your own, but making a pile in a
well-drained area of your yard will work just as well. (Note: If you are going to add
kitchen scraps, this may attract unwanted pests and a container may be more
desirable. This would also likely be something to consider when determining the
location for your compost area.)
Maintenance: When using a “pile” your entire pile should be about 3 feet tall to
begin with. As things break down, the pile will reduce in size. It is a good idea to
turn the pile every 1-2 weeks to keep air circulating throughout.
“Composting is a resourceful way to recycle yard trimmings and manage waste
sustainably. It is one of the eco-friendliest ways of getting rid of yard waste and
anyone can do it.4”
What have you got to lose? Composting is a great way to clean up your yard for
winter and be ready with some fresh organic soil come Spring. You will be amazed
at the process as you watch it happen!
4 environment.co online article by Steve Russell, Feb 11, 2022. Is Composting Worth It?