Backyard Bliss: Creating a Simple, Sustainable Compost System This Fall

The air is crisp, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke. The squirrels are busy burying their treasures, and the pumpkins are ripening on the vine. Autumn has arrived, painting our world in shades of gold, crimson, and brown. It's a time of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and a sense of preparing for the quieter months ahead. As we harvest the last of our garden's bounty, it's also the perfect time to think about nourishing the soil that will feed us next year. And what better way to do that than by creating a simple, sustainable compost system right in our own backyards? Grab your favorite mug of herbal tea, come sit on the porch with me, and let's talk dirt.

Why Compost? The Gardener's Secret Weapon

Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Composting, in its simplest form, is nature's way of recycling. It's the process of breaking down organic matter – kitchen scraps, yard waste, even paper – into a rich, nutrient-filled soil amendment that we call compost, or "black gold." This black gold is a fantastic addition to any garden. It improves soil structure, helps retain moisture, and provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth, drastically reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.

I remember my grandfather, a lifelong gardener, always preaching the importance of "feeding the soil, not just the plants." He understood that healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. He always had the most amazing vegetable garden. His secret was his incredible compost he carefully tended all year long.

Choosing Your Compost System: From Simple to Sophisticated

There are many ways to compost, from simple piles to elaborate tumblers. The best system for you will depend on your space, budget, and commitment level.

• The Compost Pile: This is the simplest and most cost-effective method. It requires minimal effort to start. Simply designate an area in your yard and start piling up your organic waste. Turn it regularly to speed up the decomposition process. Be mindful of neighborhood animals; fencing it in can help deter them.
• The Compost Bin: A step up from the pile, a compost bin contains the mess and can be more aesthetically pleasing. You can purchase pre-made bins, find plans online for building your own, or even repurpose old trash cans. (Ensure any repurposed container has good ventilation.)
• The Compost Tumbler: Tumblers are enclosed containers that you can rotate to aerate the compost. This speeds up the decomposition process and makes turning the compost much easier. They tend to be more expensive than piles or bins.
• Vermicomposting (Worm Composting): Worms eat food scraps, processing the waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer. It's clean, efficient, and odorless.

For our purposes today, we'll focus on building a simple, three-bin compost system - a slightly more advanced version of the compost pile. This system allows for continuous composting, with one bin for fresh waste, one for decomposing material, and one for finished compost.

Building a Three-Bin Compost System

This system allows for continuous composting, as one bin for fresh waste, one for decomposing material, and one for finished compost. Here’s how to build a simple compost bin from recycled materials. You can easily modify this plan to fit your needs and space:

Materials:

• Twelve 4-foot wooden pallets (or equivalent reclaimed lumber)
• Heavy-duty wire or zip ties
• Optional: Chicken wire (to line the inside of the bins and deter rodents)
• Optional: Hinges and latches (to create doors on the front of the bins)

Instructions:

1. Choose a Location: Select a level, well-drained area in your yard that's easily accessible. Ideally, it should be near your garden.
2. Arrange the Pallets: Arrange four pallets to form the back and sides of the first bin. Secure them together using wire or zip ties. Repeat this process to create two more bins, side by side. This will create a long rectangle split into three sections. If you're adding chicken wire, attach it to the inside of the pallets before securing them together.
3. Create Front Access (Optional): For easier access to your compost, you can create doors on the front of each bin. Use additional pallets or lumber to build simple frames. Attach hinges to the bottom of the frames and the pallets to create swinging doors. Install latches to keep the doors closed.
4. Start Composting: Now that your compost system is built, it's time to start composting!

What to Compost (and What to Avoid)

The key to good compost is a balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials). A good rule of thumb is to aim for a 1:1 ratio.

Greens:

• Vegetable scraps
• Fruit scraps
• Coffee grounds (and paper filters)
• Tea bags (remove the staple)
• Grass clippings
• Fresh garden waste

Browns:

• Dried leaves
• Straw
• Shredded paper (non-glossy)
• Cardboard (shredded)
• Wood chips
• Sawdust (untreated)

Avoid:

• Meat and dairy products (attract pests and create odors)
• Oily foods
• Pet waste (potential pathogens)
• Diseased plants (can spread disease)
• Coal ash
• Treated lumber

The Composting Process: Tips and Tricks

• Chop it Up: The smaller the pieces, the faster they'll decompose.
• Layer It: Alternate layers of greens and browns.
• Moisten It: Keep the compost pile moist, like a wrung-out sponge. If it's too dry, add water. If it's too wet, add more browns.
• Aerate It: Turn the compost pile regularly (every week or two) to provide oxygen for the microbes that break down the organic matter. This also helps regulate temperature. Use a pitchfork or shovel to turn the pile, moving material from the outside to the inside.
• Be Patient: Composting takes time. Depending on the materials and conditions, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year to produce finished compost.
• Troubleshooting: If your compost smells bad, it's likely too wet and lacks oxygen. Add more browns and turn it more frequently. If it's not decomposing, it may be too dry or lacking in nitrogen. Add water or more greens.

Using Your Compost: Enriching Your Garden

Once your compost is finished, it will be dark brown and crumbly with a rich, earthy smell. It's now ready to use in your garden! You can mix it into your garden beds before planting, use it as a top dressing around existing plants, or add it to potting mixes. Your plants will thank you for it!

Building a compost system is a fantastic way to embrace the autumn season and prepare your garden for the future. It's a sustainable practice that benefits both your garden and the environment, reducing waste and enriching the soil. So, gather your materials, find a sunny spot in your backyard, and get composting! You'll be amazed at the "black gold" you can create from simple kitchen and yard scraps.

Share your own composting adventures with us on social media using the hashtag #BetterHomesAndHarvests. And stay tuned for our next post, where we'll be sharing tips for planting garlic this fall for a bountiful harvest next summer!