Omari Gates
Making compost in Australia is a simple process that can be done in a variety of ways, from a simple compost heap to a tumbler bin. The key to successful composting is getting the right balance of ingredients, with nitrogen-rich 'green' materials and carbon-rich 'brown' materials. Green materials include kitchen scraps and garden waste, while brown materials include paper, cardboard, and dried leaves. It is important to layer the compost correctly, starting with a base layer of twigs for airflow and drainage, and to keep the compost moist but not too wet. With the right ingredients and care, anyone can create rich compost to enhance their garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | A compost bin should be placed in a shaded area with good drainage and easy access. |
| Container | Compost bins come in various shapes and sizes, but plastic enclosed bins are recommended to keep out rodents. Tumbler bins are also popular as they produce compost faster and look neat. |
| Ingredients | Carbon-rich ("brown") materials include twigs, paper, cardboard, straw, dried leaves, branches, and wood shavings. Nitrogen-rich ("green") materials include kitchen waste, garden clippings, coffee grounds, manure, and fresh lawn clippings. |
| Ratio | A ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 of brown to green materials is recommended. |
| Water | The compost should be moist but not too wet. Water should be added after each layer. |
| Maintenance | The compost should be aerated regularly with a fork or by rotating the bin. |
| Completion | Compost is ready to use when it resembles soil and has an earthy smell. |
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What You'll Learn
Getting the right ingredients
The key to making good compost is to get the carbon/nitrogen ratio of the contents correct. This is often referred to as having the right mix of "brown" and "green" materials. Brown materials are carbon-rich and include dried leaves, branches, hedge clippings, straw, wood shavings (untreated), cardboard, sawdust (from untreated timber only), shredded newspaper, and old potting mix. Green materials are nitrogen-rich and include kitchen scraps, fresh lawn clippings, soft leafy prunings, weeds, and coffee grounds.
Every compost pile needs green ingredients, but if you only have green material, your pile can become smelly and wet. Aim for a ratio of two parts brown material to one part green. You can also add some soil to your compost, which will introduce microbes and speed up the composting process.
Other things to include are water, to keep the pile moist but not wet, and air, which can be achieved by layering the pile with twigs at the bottom and poking garden stakes or plastic pipes through the heap.
There are some things you should not include in your compost. Meat scraps, dairy products, and fish bones will decompose but will smell bad and attract pests, so avoid them unless you are using a well-functioning, closed-bottom compost bin. Pet waste, such as dog and cat droppings, can be composted separately in a special unit or worm farm. Avoid adding glossy or bleached office paper, old tyres, and diseased plants. Weeds are fine to add as long as they don't have seed heads.
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Achieving the correct carbon/nitrogen ratio
The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio for compost is somewhere between 25:1 and 35:1. A ratio of 25:1 results in the minimum loss of nitrogen, while a ratio of 30:1 to 35:1 is the optimum range for speed.
Maintaining the correct C:N ratio is crucial for sustaining active microbial activity. If the ratio is too low (excess nitrogen), nitrogen will be lost in the form of ammonia, which will also lead to an unpleasant smell. If the ratio is too high (excess carbon), the composting process will slow down.
To achieve the correct ratio, you can mix "brown" and "green" materials. Brown materials, such as paper, cardboard, dry leaves, wood chips, sawdust, and straw, are high in carbon. Green materials, such as grass, manure, and plant cuttings, are high in nitrogen.
You can use a compost calculator to determine the C:N ratio of your compost mixture. However, it's important to note that the C:N ratio is not the only factor that affects the composting process. The speed at which high-carbon materials break down, for example, will also impact the process.
In addition, it can be difficult to find the exact C:N ratios, and even when you do find them, sources may disagree. C:N ratios also depend on many other factors, such as the amount of soil clinging to the roots of weeds or the bedding material used when cleaning out animal droppings.
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Layering your compost
Next, add layers of green and brown materials. Green materials are nitrogen-rich and often wet, such as kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and plant material. Brown materials are carbon-rich and often dry and woody, including autumn leaves, branches, cardboard, and straw. The ideal ratio is two parts brown material to one part green. However, during the summer, there may be more browns than greens due to the faster drying of materials.
Sprinkle water after each layer to keep the compost pile moist but not too wet. The moisture and heat are essential for the composting process, with temperatures of around 60-70°C helping to kill weed seeds, plant pests, and diseases.
Finally, finish with a layer of soil or finished compost to help reduce odours and activate' the pile with microorganisms, speeding up the composting process. Activating materials include comfrey leaves, coffee grounds, garden soil, manure, or worm juice. Remember to keep the compost bin in a shaded area to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
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Where to put your compost bin
When deciding where to put your compost bin, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it should be in a shady spot with good drainage to prevent the compost from drying out too quickly. It is also important to place your bin somewhere that is easily accessible, preferably near your plants or garden, and close to your kitchen for convenience. A flat, semi-shaded position is ideal, and if you are keeping your compost bin on a balcony or in a courtyard, be sure to keep it out of the midday sun.
If you have a smaller yard, raised or tumbling compost bins are a good option as they are off the ground, keeping out rodents, and tend to be more compact in design. Grounded compost bins are also an option for smaller spaces, but it is recommended to add wire mesh underneath to prevent burrowing animals from getting in. If you have more space, you can create compost heaps or bays to accommodate different composting stages.
For those without a yard or who live in an apartment, a worm farm or bokashi fermentation system is a more suitable choice. Worm farms can be stored almost anywhere and are a rich source of organic fertiliser for your garden, but they do require more care as worms need to be kept at a cooler temperature and in a moist environment.
Lastly, while a well-maintained compost bin shouldn't smell, there is a chance it might at times, so it is important to consider how close your bin will be to your house or entertainment spots, as the odour can be off-putting.
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How to know when compost is ready
Composting is a great way to turn your kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser for your plants, lawn, and garden. The time it takes for compost to be ready depends on the size of the materials in the compost system, the degree of management, and its intended use. It can take anywhere from one to twelve months. Here are some ways to know when your compost is ready:
Appearance
Finished compost will be dark brown or black in colour and will have a crumbly texture. It will not have any recognisable pieces of the original organic material.
Smell
Compost is ready when it has a sweet, earthy smell, similar to that of soil or black earth. If it smells stinky or anaerobic, it is not ready yet.
Temperature
If you are using a hot composting method, the compost will be ready when it is no longer generating a significant amount of heat.
Seed Test
Place some compost in a pot, add a few seeds (radish seeds work well), and water them. If the seeds germinate and grow, your compost is ready.
Usage
Even if your compost is not 100% finished, it is probably still fine to use in most cases. It will continue to break down in the ground. However, compost that will be used for growing plants in containers must be thoroughly composted.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal ratio is 2 parts brown to 1 part green. Brown waste is high in carbon and includes things like paper, cardboard, and straw, while green waste is high in nitrogen and includes things like coffee grounds, manure, and kitchen waste.
Compost bins come in various shapes and sizes. The best type of bin depends on the amount of space you have available. For smaller spaces, raised or tumbling compost bins work well as they keep out rodents. Grounded compost bins are also effective, but it is recommended to add wire mesh underneath to keep out burrowing animals.
Avoid meat products, dairy, and pet waste such as dog or cat faeces. These items can decompose but will smell bad and attract pests. Diseased plant material should also be avoided as it may contain harmful pathogens.
The compost bin should be placed in a shaded area that is well-drained. A good balance of sun and shade is ideal, but if you have to choose one, opt for shade. The shade will prevent the compost from drying out too quickly. Ensure there is a nearby tap or hose for watering.
