CORVALLIS — As leaves fall and yard debris bins fill up, it’s a great time to consider composting instead of hauling away those valuable resources.
Compost is one of the best ways to build healthy soil. It’s free, nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly. Yard trimmings, grass clippings, leaves, garden refuse — even certain kitchen scraps — can all be turned into compost. Over time, these materials break down and return to the soil, enriching it with organic matter and nutrients.
The one-third method
For beginners, try the easy one-third system of composting:
- One-third carbon material (the “brown” stuff): dried leaves, straw, sawdust, woody prunings
- One-third nitrogen material (the “green” stuff): grass clippings, soft green prunings, animal manure
- One-third soil to introduce beneficial microbes
You can also include items like coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells and certain vegetable kitchen scraps. However, be cautious — these can attract pests such as rats, raccoons and opossums. Avoid adding:
- Meat or dairy
- Fats or oils
- Pet waste
- Diseased or poisonous plants
Moisture and air are key
Compost needs the right balance of air and moisture to decompose efficiently. Too much water and the microbes can’t function; too little and the process stalls. Think of a wrung-out sponge — that’s the ideal moisture level…