IV. Systems
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| Yard wastes can be composted using a varity of
systems including holding units, turning units and mulching.
Food composting systems include incorporation, vermicomposting
(composting by earthworms), and turning units. |
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| Many different options are available to contain
your compost. One option is a holding unit in which wastes are
accumulated. After materials are added to the holding unit they
are left undisturbed to slowly decompose. Snow fence can make
a simple and movable holding structure. |
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| Another option is a wire cage made from fencing
or chicken wire. This bin works well for light materials like
leaves. |
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| Used pallets are often available for free from manufacturers.
Tied or nailed together, they effectively contain compost in a stable structure. |
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| A wooden frame lined with hardware cloth is lighweight
and attractive. As with other holding units, the frame can be
removed from the completed pile and used for the next material
to be composted. (Special thanks to Seattle Tilth Association). |
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| Moving compost from bin to bin on a weekly basis
will make rapid compost and provide considerable strenuous exercise!
The turning unit method is used to make compost quickly and is
more suitable for food wastes. Compost is turned frequently to
provide aeration. |
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| Rotating drums take some of the work out of turning,
and are available from garden supply stores. Such units often
represent considerable investment for the volume of material
composted. |
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| Perhaps the easiest way to compost food waste
is to bury it in the garden or yard. Bury food waste at least
six to eight inches deep to keep animals from digging it up.
Care should be taken not to damage the roots of nearby plants. |
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| Recycling food and yard waste can provide a host
of benefits for the garden. Compost incorporated in the soil
provides limited nutrients to plants. However, the organic matter
it provides can significantly improve soil structure, allowing
better drainage in heavy clay soils and improved water retention
in light sandy soils. (Special thanks to Seattle Tilth Association). |
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| Screened compost can be blended with soil and
peat and used as a growing media for containerized plants. A
simple screen can be made with hardware cloth and a wood frame. |
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| Coarse, partially decomposed compost can also
be used as a mulch. Mulches are useful for water retention and
weed control, but have a cooling effect on soil and will delay
maturity of warm weather crops. |
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| Fresh compost should not be used for germinating
seedlings. The use of sterilized soil is preferred because many
seedlings are susceptible to disease pathogens. Compost that
has aged for at least a year is less of a problem, and may prove
beneficial in preventing damping off disease. (Special thanks
to Nancy Trautmann). |
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| Home composting provides households with the
opportunity to efficiently convert waste material into a valuable
soil amendment. The ultimate result of the process is a healthier,
more productive and easier to maintain garden. Our challenge
is to change residents' values toward waste disposal and make
them aware of alternative disposal practices. Home composting
offers the opportunity for residents to contribute to the solution
themselves and receive a beneficial product for their own gardens. |
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| Authors |
 |
| Sponsors |
 |
| Credits |
Credits for Web Slideset |
Credits for Slideset Purchased from Media Services |
|
Seattle Tilth Association |
Seattle Tilth Association |
|
David Emerson |
David Emerson |
|
Nancy Trautmann |
David Dindal |
|
David Stern |
David Stern |
