This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a composting workshop hosted for free by the City of LA. And whodathunk, I learned a little something...
Los Angeles has reduced its total waste production by 71% since 1989.
The benefits of composting include: saving money for the city; reduces water consumption in gardens/lawns; promotes soil fertility; and reduces the need for landfills.
Compost piles should be 50% green material, 50% brown material.
Compost should be moist like a damp sponge to prevent mildew growth.
Compost bins should be placed on dirt and not cement to help retain moisture and encourage worm activity.
Ingredients should be cut/shredded to the size of your pinky to ensure quick decomposition.
Compost can be used as mulch, soil conditioner, or potting mix.
| Slow composting | Fast composting | Vermicomposting |
|---|
| Fresh compost in 4-6 months | Fresh compost in 4-6 weeks | Fresh compost in 1-3 months |
| Reaches a max of 100 degrees | Reaches a max of 140 degreees | Keep in a cool place to not burn worms |
| Mix once every 2 weeks | Mix once a week | Add new bedded every month as needed |
| Add ingredients as needed | Batch composting; all ingredients added at once | Add ingredients/bedding every month as needed |
| What to compost | What NOT to compost |
|---|
| Greens (wet) | Browns |
| Yard clippings | Dried leaves | Meat |
| Raw vegetable trimmings | Paper towels | Oil/grease |
| Egg shells | Shredded cardboard | Dog/cat feces |
| Tea bags | Straw | Diseased plants |
| Coffee grounds | Sawdust | Treated wood |
Can't wait to get started!
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