By Debra Stinton Othitis
Colorado Master Gardener

Composting is the natural, accelerated decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) into nutrient-rich soil conditioner. It is a relatively simple and rewarding procedure.

Compost-amended soil improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and promotes healthy microbial activity, fostering robust plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Compost, often called “black gold” by gardeners, can be used in potting mixes or mixed in with garden soil. In addition to its many benefits for your plants, it recycles materials that may otherwise be thrown into landfills where it emits harmful greenhouse gasses.

Organic material can easily be composted at home using composting bins, purchased or DIY. Even a simple, small hole/pile can work. Whatever system you choose, the key is to vary the kinds of materials that go into the mix.

There is no precise recipe–just common sense.

There are two basic categories of ingredients:

“Green” nitrogen-rich materials

Kitchen scraps, free of meat, dairy, fats, and oils

Coffee grounds

Grass clippings

Leaves

Garden debris, free of diseases and weed seeds

Weeds, free of seeds

Shrub and tree trimmings smaller than a quarter-inch in diameter

“Brown” carbon-rich materials

Hay

Straw

Dried leaves

For optimum processing, the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in your compost needs to be around 30/1 — typically the combination of two parts green materials with one part brown materials. Compost piles too high in carbon will be slow to process. Those too high in nitrogen develop strong ammonia odors. Layer green and brown materials in your compost bin not more than 2 inches deep for fine materials and 6 inches deep for coarser materials.

The breakdown of organic yard and kitchen waste is a biological process dependent on microorganism activity that requires favorable temperatures (ranging from 70 degrees to 140 degrees), moisture, oxygen, and nutrients. With our limited rainfall in Colorado, it may be necessary to add moisture regularly to your compost, because if it dries out, microorganisms may die. Ideally, the pile should be moist like a damp rag. If too wet, it may not have enough oxygen for the decomposers.

Turning the pile periodically helps create air spaces to provide microorganisms with necessary oxygen and can eliminate any unpleasant odors if the pile is becoming too wet. Although turning your pile will accelerate decomposition, it is not required.

Detailed information on composting can be found online at cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/246.pdf.

If you do not compost at home, consider contacting Food to Power, a local nonprofit offering residential curbside pickup and affordable, pay-what-you-can drop-off composting in Colorado Springs.

Garden trivia: Composting dates to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Romans, who used organic waste to enrich soil.

Submit gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit elpaso.extension.colostate.edu and register for upcoming classes at epcextension.eventbrite.com.