Compost Gardening Requirements

All gardeners have day dreamed about the perfect garden and know of the magic ingredient for gardens called compost. Some call it "black gold." Anyone who has ever used compost in his or her garden can attest to the value. Compost is nutrient rich and adds soil structure to garden beds. Get the garden you dream about with the seven key compost gardening requirements.

Compost Size

Regardless of what type of compost structure you choose, you need seven cubic feet as a minimum. Size is important because it affects the decomposition rate using air, moisture and heat factors. Too large of a structure is not advisable because besides affecting these factors it can take longer to compost and it is difficult to turn properly.

Fragment Sizes

The smaller the size of fragments (natural materials) used in your compost pile, the faster it will break down and turn into finished compost.

Moisture

Achieve moisture balance. During the hot seasons of the year compost must be kept moist. Many people water their compost pile about once a week. However, too much water is not good either. Protect compost piles with a tarp or other cover type to prevent important nutrients from escaping out when there is too much rain.

Air

As unbelievable as it sounds, air is actually one of the most important requirements of composting. Ventilation or air, works to create rapid decomposition of composting materials. Turning composting materials with a pitchfork keeps the materials loose, reduces compaction and adds air flow.

Green Composting Materials

The composting process is made up of green composting matter and brown matter. You need to strike a good balance of each type of material for composting to occur naturally. You can find natural composting ingredients from sources around your home.

Use green ingredients (nitrogen based) in your compost pile including fresh green leaves, grass clippings and weeds. Animal manure from dogs, cats and reptiles should not be used. Use organic nitrogen based manures of horse, cow, rabbit or pigeon. Toss in scraps from the kitchen including tea, coffee grounds, eggshells, vegetable and fruit scraps. Spent garden plants such as lettuce, peppers and tomatoes are also allowed in the pile.

Brown Composting Materials

Brown materials are primarily carbon based and aid in moisture retention and soil structure. Use shredded dry branches, sawdust, dry leaves, wood shavings or prunings, dry twigs and rodent bedding.

Heat

Heat is important to help sterilize compost and kill weed seeds. If you do not already have a composting cover, try a plastic tarp, preferably black to add additional heat to your pile.

Recipe

Mix composting materials together, water weekly, turn periodically and wait for materials to decompose. Composting time varies and can take as little as two months to six months or possibly a year.