Compost Equation

Mother nature creates compost constantly without people being involved. but gardeners need compost fast. They can therefpre create theiir own compost faster than mother nature by paying close attentin to the compost equation.

Carbon + Nitrogen + Water + Oxygen = Compost

These ingredients optimize the path of decomposition so that the process takes less time.

  • Carbon
    The microscopic organisms in a good compost heap break down organic matter using carbon as an energy source. If you want to find good carbon rich materials (browns), look for dry yellow or brown plant matter like autumn leaves straw, or corn stalks.
  • Nitrogen
    The same microscopic organisms also need nitrogen. The proteins that make up their cells use nitrogen as building blocks. To get a nice nitrogen content for your compost heap, use materials like fresh leave, grass trimmings, manure, or raw vegan kitchen scraps. These are called the greens.
  • Water
    The compost making micro-organisms also need a good balance of moisture. If too much moisture gets into the compost, it reduces the air flow resulting in temperature drops and unpleasant smelling compost. If you end up with a compost heap that does not have enough moisture, it decomposes less efficiently and never gets up to temperature. The composting process takes long enough as it is, you don't need to add another year on because you couldn't take the time to mist your compost. If your cooking heap feels like a dish towel that has been wet and wrung out really well, you should be in the correct moisture range for good compost decomposition.
  • Oxygen
    The micro-organisms that make up your compost pile ecosystem need air like nearly every living thing. Turning your compost will help introduce oxygen into the inner parts of the heap. Having good porosity will let air flow through your composting matter better. If your compost heap is not 'light' or 'fluffy', oxygen is not getting to the inside of the compost pile and the microbes will not develop quickly. Aerate or turn your pile if it compacts or starts out matted. You'll get much better results.