Compost. The earth returning what it is to where it came. It is a glorious wonderful organic dirty business. A diverse, all consuming, melting pot of organisms coexisting and getting hot together. Pieces from different backgrounds all coming together to contribute what they have to offer in a beautiful mix of elements.
So begins my training of becoming a master composter. A class of 20 specimens of diversity, coming together into a ‘people pile’ on Tuesday nights in a San Diego classroom. Letting science take its hold and return us to our more natural state. Talking, sharing, learning and creating.
One of my classmates (fellow organism) said how cool composting was, like playing God. Taking leftovers and turning them into soil. We can make dirt. That’s a cool trick. Magicians the world over strive to create life but we are doing it every day and guess what? We want to share, no secret tricks here.
For me the backgrounds of my fellow students were the most interesting component of the class. It was the first day, so we did those standard, around the room introductions. “Hi, my name is…” kind of stuff. Biologist, biochemist, mom, horticulturist, gardener, rancher, farmer, doctor, professor, student, small business owner, daughter, veteran, teacher, backyard gardener.
We all came together in a course of events, ready to learn and break down in our own kind of organic way. Like a pile, in need of a little activity, perhaps some stirring up. Recognizing what we have to offer. Ready to get wet and a little dirty.
I can’t wait till next week. We have to work together to start our compost piles. I’ve been collecting all the compostable things I can find. Dryer lint is compostable and uhh, to say we have a lot of organic cotton dryer lint is an understatement.
Insider tip of the week:
What you need to have an active, hot compost pile.
There are 4 ingredients. Dried up brown stuff-leaves, twigs, newspaper, cardboard, egg carton, etc.
Fresh green stuff- yard clippings, food scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds, grass.
Water-from a hose or the sky, works the same. Not too much, we are making compost here people, not a swamp. Look for the wetness of a rung out sponge.
And lastly air. So you’re gonna need to get air into that pile somehow. You can turn it, stir it up, poke holes in it….move it around, however you choose.
That’s it. 4 things. Browns, greens, water, air. Start with about 50/50 ratio of browns and greens. Mix them up, keep them damp. In a week or so get some air throughout your pile. And repeat. Pretty basic. You want the pile to be hot in the core, where all the action is. Not hot like burn your skin hot but steamy, like a drinkable cup of coffee. When you stir it all up the temperature will go down but soon the heat in the core will go right back up.
There are endless volumes on the subject and all kinds of problems that could arise, I mean I’m taking a big class on this stuff and getting certified. I’m not here to bore you with that stuff. I’m here to motivate you, encourage you, and get you started to a greener lifestyle.
Happy composting!
~Russella
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