Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010

By Susan Bish
Master Gardener
Madison Beautification and Tree Board

Compost encourages earthworms and other beneficial organisms whose activities help plants grow strong and healthy.

Compost also improves garden soil by increasing its organic matter. This, in turn, improves soil drainage.

Organic matter is especially beneficial in our heavy Alabama clay. Organic matter reduces soil crusting and helps soil hold water and nutrients. The compost also supplies a small amount of nutrients.

Composting basically takes leftover organic material and over time it will decompose. This decaying organic material turns it into a great soil conditioner. It is the ultimate in recycling.

SELECT A LOCATION
Place your compost pile on level well-drained soil in semi-shade and sheltered from the wind to keep it from drying out, preferably near water because it will need to be watered in dry weather. Some people like to have their compost out of sight (especially from their neighbors, as they may not have the same appreciation you have for composting) and some people like their compost convenient to their garden.

COMPOST BINS OPTIONS
You can create a free standing compost pile on the ground, or enclose it in a bin to keep it tidy. There is a wide range of homemade compost bins made from wooden pallets, wood (do not use chemically treated woods), wire, cinder-blocks, hay bales and railroad ties. There are commercially produced compost tumblers and bins readily available at garden, big box stores and on the Internet, however, they can be pretty pricey. You can even make one using a plastic trash can and drill holes in the sides from top to bottom for air circulation. Plan each bin to be about three to four feet wide.

Begin by layering some chopped leaves, grass clippings and kitchen wastes (egg shells, old lettuce leaves, banana peels, apple peels, tea bags, coffee grounds, etc.). Keep adding until you have about a 6 to 12 inch layer. Then cover it with soil, manure or finished compost. If there isn't rain in the near future, you should water the compost pile. The pile should stay moist, compared to the feel of a wrung out sponge.

Alternate 6 inches of organic layers and 2-3 inches or soil or manure until the pile is 3 feet tall. A pile 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide will generate enough heat during decomposition to sterilize the compost killing seeds and weeds.

For each bushel of organic material, add one cup of complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Moisten each layer. Finish the compost pile by slightly rounding the top to help the pile hold water.

The pile should be turned with a pitch fork every week or month depending on how quickly you want the compost to be ready. The more often you turn your pile, the faster the decomposition. However, you can place plastic over the pile, held down by rocks, concrete blocks or bricks, to speed up the process. Be sure to check it periodically to be sure the pile is still moist

Compost piles are simple to do, but it does take time for the process to work. Depending on how often you turn the pile and the amount of green and brown ingredients you add, the sun and how hot the outside temperatures (should be above 50 degrees), it can take anywhere from 1 to 12 months for your pile to be composted.

Plant materials and products that are easy to compost, and generally decompose most rapidly, include egg shells, coffee grounds, pine needles, fruit peels and rinds, paper, sawdust, straw (not hay, as hay often contains weed seeds), vegetables, tea bags, wood ash, and wood shavings. Materials that are slow to decompose and may take two years to break down include coarse wood chips, branches, corncobs, corn stalks, and nut shells. Breaking these materials into smaller pieces, and adding high nitrogen materials will speed up their composting.

Once you have achieved your finished compost, you can spread it any time of the year. An easy way to apply compost is to use it as mulch by spreading a thick layer on the top of exposed soil and around your plants. This will build good soil structure; retain moisture, nutrients and air.

GARDEN SECRET:

Upcoming March Gardening Events in Madison/Huntsville are listed below. All events listed below are hosted by the Master Gardeners of North Alabama and Madison County Cooperative Extension.

Growing Backyard Tomatoes
Tuesday, March 9 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Huntsville Botanical Garden, Murray Hall.
Cost: $15 which includes lunch, snacks, handouts and entrance into the Garden. For information or to register, call 256-532-1578, Ext. 0.

Home Grown Vegetables
Tuesday, March 30, 8:30 am-3:00 pm
Huntsville Botanical Garden, Murray Hall.
Cost: $15 which includes lunch, snacks, handouts and entrance to the Garden. For information or to register, call 256-532-1578, Ext. 0.

Ask A Master Gardener
Saturday March 13th "Big Spring Event" 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Home Depot Hwy 72 Madison AL. John Deere Tractor Co. and Bonnie Plants (Prize Drawing at 12:30 p.m.) Topics: Soil Testing, Lawn Care, Annuals and Green Salads

Ask A Master Gardener
Saturday March 27th "Garden Center Grand Opening" 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Super Wal-Mart, S Parkway.