AboutGreg Expertise As a Master Gardener: taken classes in All Phases of Gardening...I Specialize in Lawns... Pererennials... Compost... Organic Gardening.
Question Hello, my names Ian and I'm a sixth grader that goes to a magnet school and I'm doing a science project on composting. If you would please answer my questions it would be a big help.
1. What are some of the best ingredients for composting?
2. What is a good size form a compost that will be used for 10 plants?
3. According to the size compost that you just answered, how long do you think it would take?
Thank you for your time this is a great help
Answer Hello Ian
Question #1
Grass Clippings and Fall Leaves are 2 good things to have in a Compost Pile, it needs a Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio of 25-1 to 30-1 to Compost as quick as possible. Regular Garden Soil is a good thing to sprinkle on the pile as well, it works as the Activator to get things going. Proper watering of matter, is essential, not too wet, about the consistency of a damp Mop. Good Air circulation is a must, buy turning the Composting matter, you add Oxygen, and it will Decompose faster.
Question #2
It depends on what the Plants are Ian, if you chop up the plants as small as possible, before it is Composted, it will Decompose faster.
Question #3
There are so many factors in speed of Composting, that it would take Hours to explain them all. Proper Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio's are the Key though, if you adhere to that, things will Decompose faster. Heat, and keeping the mater wet, but not soggy. You can sense when the matter is working, because the inside of a working Compost Pile can reach Temps of 150 degrees. You can measure this with a Thermometer if you like. When you sense no more heat, the Compost is ready.
I hope this helps, if I have missed something here don't be afraid to ask another question.
Rodale makes a complete line of Composting Books, and this could answer many questions that you have.
