Composting at Mulberry Field
Location
The garden has four composting bins located at the far end of the garden near the goat yard.
The Composting Process
Four ingredients are required: nitrogen, carbon, air, and water. Together, these items feed microorganisms, which speed up the process of decay. We have two bins available. The one on the left is where we are putting material to compost. When that bin is approximately 3 feet high, we will stop adding material and let it “cook”. We will need to turn it over at least once per week, or twice per week.
We can then use the second bin from the right to place material to be composted. Mostly leaves, straw and grass clippings
When that bin is approximately 3 feet high, we will stop adding material and let it “cook” Then we would use the second bin in the same way.
The compost from the first bin should be ready to use in the garden by the time we get to use the second bin.
What NOT to compost
Anything containing meat, oil, fat, grease or dairy
Diseased plant materials
Weeds that go to seed
Plants with large stalks, tomatoes, peppers etc.
Tough branches, twigs and hedge clippings
What to compost
Dry plant materials; fallen leaves; straw, hay can have seeds
Fresh plant and grass trimmings
Weeds, before they go to seed
Coffee grounds
Egg shells
Fruit and vegetables
Tips for our gardeners
Liability of composting is the unexpected introduction of new weed seeds to the garden. Please be sure not to add weeds that have gone to seed.
Make sure the compost is hot enough. Reach your hand into the compost; it should be almost too hot to touch for faster decomposition.
Mix the pile, move matter from inside to outside and from top to bottom. Break up anything that is clumpy or matted. Use the pitch folk.
Mix the pile once or twice a week. Turning the pile helps to encourage the growth of the right kind of bacteria.
The smaller the items added to the Composting, it will decompose faster.
When is the compost ready?
At some point we need to stop adding to the compost pile to let it finish up. The material will no longer be warm, it is a deep dark color throughout.
It usually takes 2 to 3 months for compost to be made, depending on weather and the contents.