Educational Programs

Backyard Composting

Compost Guide

Want to learn more about composting? Come to one of our seminars and learn how to compost like a pro! Click here to view the Composting Seminar schedule.

Backyard Composting Is Easy

Composting harnesses the natural processes of decomposition to turn lawn clippings, fruit and vegetable trimmings, and other organic material into a useful product for your garden. A well-managed compost pile helps these natural processes along by creating ideal conditions for the growth of beneficial microorganisms. When well-managed, a compost pile does not produce offensive odors and won't attract pests.

What is Compost?

Compost (also called humus) is the black, crumbly, earthy-smelling material that a well-managed compost pile produces. It is an excellent soil amendment. It improves the soil's fertility, texture, moisture and nutrient-holding capacity. Compost can be used for vegetable gardens, flowerbeds, potted plants, fruit trees and as a lawn additive.

What do I need?

Compost bins can be constructed from a variety of materials from wood to chicken wire. The City of Sacramento, Solid Waste Division offers Biostack compost containers to city residents for $65.00. They retail for $110.00 - $130.00.

photo of compost bin

Recipe for Successful Composting

Essential ingredients are:

Composition: Your compost pile must be made from the right blend of materials to provide the best food for the microorganisms. They prefer a blend of plant matter, such as dry leaves, hay, straw, sawdust, woody materials and nitrogen-rich material which is fresh plant material such as green weeds or grass clippings and kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable trimmings. Do not put meat, bones or dairy products in your compost pile because they may attract pests.

Size: It is best to chop or grind materials, but not too finely. When the size of the materials is smaller, there is a greater surface area on which the microorganisms will feed.

Volume: For successful composting, your pile should be at least three feet wide, three feet deep and three feet tall. This size provides enough food and insulation for the microorganisms to live. You may have to collect and store materials until you have enough to start composting.

Moisture: Your compost pile should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Microorganisms are living things that need water to survive. During dry weather you'll have to add water to your compost pile regularly.

Air: Turn your pile at least once a week. The microorganisms in your compost pile needs air to breathe. When your pile is too wet, too dense, or too compacted, your beneficial microorganisms will die; decomposition will slow down and your compost pile will begin to smell.

How long will it take? Depending on how well you build and maintain the pile, it could take from several weeks to a few months.

Trouble Shooting Guide For Backyard Composting

1.	Symptom:	The pile smells bad.
	Problem:	Not enough air. Too much moisture.
	Solution:	Turn the pile.

2.	Symptom:	The pile will not heat up.
	Problem:	Not enough water. Pile size is too small. Lack of nitrogen-rich material. Particle size too big.
	Solution:	Add water. Collect more materials and rebuild the pile to at least 3' x '3 x 3'. Mix in fresh grass clippings or kitchen waste. Chop or grind materials.

3.	Symptom:	The pile attracts flies, rodents and pets.
	Problem:	Pile contains bones, meat, fatty or starchy foods.
	Solution:	Alter materials added to pile; bury food waste in the middle of the pile.