Understanding Compost - Garden Magic

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Compost is amazing. Compost is magic. Compost provides nutrients to plants, improves soil structure, recycles yard waste, creates very beneficial biodiversity, and much more. Understanding how composting works and how to do it is a good way to begin using it. With some science and some how-to, Gardener Scott explains compost and discusses some of its many benefits.
Composting books:
"The Complete Compost Gardening Guide" amzn.to/2lL8WOI
"Let it Rot!: The Gardener's Guide to Composting" amzn.to/2lOxCWD
"The Rodale Book of Composting" amzn.to/2l7dnD6
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Опубликовано:

3 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 326

@tbluemel 3 года назад

I have been composting for several years now and I can say, THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO ON COMPOSTING I HAVE EVER SEEN! Your videos are like fertilizer for my brain. Thank you, Gardener Scott!

@GardenerScott 3 года назад

Wow, thank you!

@nickthegardener.1120 Год назад

@@GardenerScott I second that! Brilliant.👍

@SuperiorNorthwestRailfanning 2 года назад

Amazing view about composting. I get 50Ibs of used Coffe Grounds a week from local coffee places. Plus once every 2 weeks get 20 Ibs on brewery grains. Actually, I do have a free source for carbon every 4 weeks I go to my local recycling plant/bin to grab newspapers. Once every 3-4 weeks get one of our local grocery stores gave me a pallet full of cardboard. Then I shed it in my wood chipper. As well as get 4 yards of wood chips. Feed part of it to my worms and the rest is in heat piles. Coffee Grounds have NPK of N: 2.1 P: 0.3 K: 0.3. People consider coffee grounds, brewery grains, wood chips, and newspapers/cardboard waste. But I consider it black gold with little work. Little money in the pocket considering it was a waste in someone else eyes. This will be my first yard upscaling on the amount of material I'm processing.

@ericverdusco8969 2 года назад

I love the shirt Scott. It's awesome to see that you're advocating for autism. My son has it an he loves to garden with me, and we are learning together while watching your videos. Thank you very much for that.

@erkandogan9960 Год назад

Hi you are wonderful. You teach us like a teacher. Greeting from Turkey. And thank you to speak slowly

@databang 3 года назад

Composting is addictive, and I’ve built mine into the sweet smelling pile that it is, today. Thanks for your guidance, Scott!

@StuckInTheM1ddle 4 года назад

I've just discovered your channel and really enjoying it as I embark on my new composting journey. I salute the editing to include Celsius figures when you're mentioning temps in the video - us non-Americans appreciate that! :)

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you. Enjoy the journey.

@elizabethfisher4536 3 года назад

Halfway through watching this video, I discovered a herd of javelina was going to town in my garden. They even ate my compost--both a fresh and a several-month-old pile. I guess that's confirmation that I made some good stuff!

@jwstanley2645 6 месяцев назад

Thank you, Scott. Enjoying the garden and learning so much from your channel.

@jimthiel5857 3 года назад

In my previous comments I mentioned the free mulch program I'm fortunate in that I have a large area in which I can compost and I always add chicken manure therefore making a hot compost people recommended to turn this every couple days I found that every month is much better it keeps the temperature up it breaks the materials down much faster I probably have right now somewhere around 10 tons of wood chips and that that is probably mixed with around 30% green chicken manure

@marianreddy9848 3 года назад

Best explanation I have ever heard, and I have heard many!

@nycb303 3 года назад

my jaw dropped when you said a month. this is one of your BEST!!!

@garynorcal4269 2 года назад

I live on a small suburban CA lot and only have room for one compost pile/bin. We add materials all year, green..brown..kitchen waste.. cardboard..paper.. Paper bags .. grass.. tree trimmings .. it doesn't have to be perfect, large or get super hot to work.. My cold compost (anaerobic) works very well most of the year. My pile is only big enough generate heat about twice a year.

@tumbleweeddenise Год назад

I love all of your videos. I am a seasoned gardener and learn something new every video. Thank you for wearing your Autism Awareness shirt. As a grandmother of an autistic grandson. Gardening is a great activity for him. Thanks again

@hakrabbe 4 года назад

You are a fantastic teacher sir! Your videos are super helpful. Thank you!

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you very much.

@Arween5 3 года назад

I've discovered your channel a few weeks ago. I love listening to you, it's both soothing and informative. Plus, it makes the winter (cold Canadian winter where I am) past a little faster :)

@waynesell3681 3 месяца назад

Very great teacher! My compost set up is working thanks to your videos . Bought a thermometer , turned the most recent pile and watched the temperature rise to 100 degrees F. , very excited to see this in the winter!

@johnbeck2390 4 года назад

I have been devouring your gardening videos. I taught for 8 years and am very impressed with how well you research and explain gardening. Thanks so much! I can't seem to find a video of yours about cover crops. Do you have any opinion on them?

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you very much, John. Your question is quite prescient. My video on Friday will be about cover crops. I think they are an easy and effective way to reduce weed growth, build soil, and improve biodiversity... among other things.

@regaloma5486 3 года назад

I could listen to you for hours... You're such a great teacher! The way you explain everything is so useful. 😁

@walternielsen8486 2 года назад

Love composting. Nice tutorial and love your t-shirt sopporting Autism Awareness

@jjf64 4 года назад

Your knowledge is appreciated. It helps us new gardeners build on it.

@newwomen37 4 года назад

I love how you break it all down. You are a great teacher, now I'm feeling confident in my journey of composting... Thank you 🥰

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

You can definitely do it.

@serrielu8025 4 года назад

“break it all down”. I see what you did there.

@zigzag2370 3 года назад

Almost like hes a compost heap of information bc he breaks it down so easily😅

@chrisclyde4490 3 года назад

@@zigzag2370 😂

@chrisclyde4490 3 года назад

@@serrielu8025 haha 😂

@668ib72 2 года назад

Love it.

@lulumccaffrey489 Год назад

Thanks!

@hudson8865 2 года назад

Thank you very much.

@rogerboeve4658 2 года назад

Excellent video

@charliemcgriff7643 2 года назад

Good information

@michelleguelfi3460 3 года назад

You are an amazing teacher! Thank you!!

@GottabKD777 4 года назад

Thanks for including the temps in Celsius!

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

You are very welcome.

@joanbrown5823 4 года назад

I love the way you teach.......thanking you.

@kuredumas7164 3 года назад

Great video! Composting has changed many things in my daily life and has definitely made a huge positive impact in my garden.

@rebeccaorozco8222 4 года назад

Thank you for all your advice!

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

You're very welcome, Rebecca.

@danielly9468 3 года назад

Many Core value for me ... Thank You so much.

@kaush882 Год назад

Thank You Very Much for your valuable information. 🙏🙏🙏

@chrisclyde4490 3 года назад

Great videos!! You make it very easy to soak in, and understand. Rock on 🤙

@dystopiagear6999 4 года назад

My neighbor uses a bagging lawn mower anyway, and he's kind enough to drop off the bags of grass clippings on my yard for use in my compost pile. In the fall he blows his leaves over onto my yard. It all adds to my efforts at no extra cost to anyone and keeps the city from having to pick it up, too. So... ask around your neighborhood. :)

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Great idea! Thanks.

@justmejo9008 4 года назад

Dystopia Gear omgoodness! How do you keep up. I can hardly compost my own grass and leaves let alone my neighbors. Leaves are easier if I break them down with the leaf sucker on my blower. How are you able to do all that? Any tips

@svetlanikolova7673 3 года назад

@@justmejo9008 Leave it in bags and build as you have the time. 20 min a day is plenty. Litte at a time goes a long way. or put it all in layers in your garden as they come. Preferably in the fall.

@justmejo9008 3 года назад

Svetla Nikolova I will give that a go. Thanks

@lydiasandoval9926 4 года назад

Excellent explanations! You've made it so easy to understand and feel confident about my composting endeavor! You are a fantastic teacher! Thank you so much!

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you, Lydia.

@svetlanikolova7673 3 года назад

Try lasagna gardening so you dont pile compost piles . Do it in the fall! Layer green and brown like nature does. green brown green brown The last layer should be brown( dry leaves). Do it before it rains instead of wasting water

@brianswiger3374 Год назад

Great video, love the shirt!

@bigmane2342 4 года назад

great video scott this helped me a lot

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks.

@goldfish02rex 2 года назад

You’re an excellent teacher. I have been watching your videos constantly lately. Thank you.

@tonygcan 3 года назад

Thank you. I hope to be a big gardener soon enough. :)

@jagannathmukherji 4 года назад

Great work, nice knowledge sharing

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thanks.

@nolanmanderson 5 лет назад

Thank you for your videos Scott. Ive learned a lot!

@GardenerScott 5 лет назад

You're welcome, Nolan. I'm glad they've been helpful.

@kcbeyer3467 4 года назад

Thank you for the info, Gardener Scott. I love your shirt.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you.

@ourlifeinguanajuatomexico3403 Год назад

We are starting our compost bin. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏🏽

@ILikeGrapefruit 4 года назад

this was an awesome video! best one on composting ive seen yet :)

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thanks, Joanna!

@doncook3584 2 года назад

First time the 3 bacteria were explained. As always well prepared well presented and thorough. Love this channel

@lindapooh1970 3 года назад

Thankyou so much for your channel. Love all your videos. Greatly appreciate the wealth of knowledge you give us beginners like myself. Blessings to you!!🙏❤🌞☀

@micheleyates3625 4 года назад

Love learning the science behind gardening. Thanks!

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

You're welcome, Michele.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

You're welcome, Michele.

@benzhangdeng9450 4 года назад

I love this video very much and really enjoying it . so, I can doing better than last year for my gardening.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you very much.

@magicfordummiez3382 4 года назад

Alchemy for abundance.

@charliemcgriff7643 3 года назад

Hey freind thanks for the information

@jg2923 4 года назад

Ok, you convinced me, I'm starting a compost pile! Thank you!

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Good for you! 👍

@SA-wb1jb 4 года назад

I've become a subscriber recently. I am devouring your wonderful and very handy advice. Thanks so much for sharing all your valuable knowledge.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

You're very welcome. Welcome to the channel.

@creativeline03 2 года назад

Nice👍

@ricardocalderon9823 4 года назад

Love the shirt.

@AnonymoStranger 2 года назад

I just moved in to an apartment in the city with an amazing fenced in backyard, that nobody but me wants to play with! I'm so excited to begin working on it & I've been spending a lot of time on your channel getting ready!

@BestyetJourney 3 года назад

This was very helpful. I was doing good with my compost but I don't like that trash can muthy that much. We have a lot of waste. I want to put it on the ground and I didn't know how. You made it easy.

@EATPLATSSAVETHEPLANET 4 года назад

Fantastic video. Subscribed.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Awesome, thank you!

@dinavoutour7796 2 года назад

Thank you for this video! I did finally make compost this year. It took me three years to do it though. Sometimes I got it toooo hot ….there were ashes in the middle of it. Only once did I get it yucky an anaerobic. But I still don’t know it all and I know I have a lot to learn! I have save this for future reference

@ericverdusco8969 Год назад

I love the autism awareness shirt Scott, my son has autism and I am currently making a sensory/ mini food forest for us thanks in large part to your wonderfully informative videos. Thank you I truly appreciate you and your efforts.

@florinnegru8104 4 года назад

Like I said before, YOU SIR are the best gardener teacher for me and my wife ! God bless you and your family ! Greetings from Romania !

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you, Florin.

@shadyman6346 4 года назад

Everything is connected...

@nikospapson9412 3 года назад

The most scientific approach i have ever seen on gardenning channels regarding composting . Well done !

@walternielsen8486 4 года назад

Great tutorial! I make my own compost in a simple pile and it works, only takes more time Just a bit more lazy. Love your t-shirt of autism awareness. Regards from San Luis, Argentina

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thank you, Walter. I often like the lazy way too.

@TimelordsAndAngels 4 года назад

Hey! I work in the Springs and was talking with a customer about composting, and he recommended your vids! I used to go to Galileo too!! Must be a sign.. haha 😇

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

That's great! It's a small world.

@haileynorris4928 4 года назад

Great t-shirt 👍

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thanks!

@tomjones4318 4 года назад

Thanks, I guess I should wait till after the heat has finished to mix piles together. I should probly keep finished compost damp for storage till spring.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Keeping the compost damp will keep many of the microorganisms alive. Good idea.

@WhatWeDoChannel 5 лет назад

I love composting and have been doing it for decades, but there is nothing wrong with a good review once in a while! Great video. The only thing I can’t understand is that I only recently found your channel! Klaus

@GardenerScott 5 лет назад

Thanks, Klaus. I'm glad you've discovered my channel. Welcome aboard.

@fishnlady 5 лет назад

Excellent explanation of composting. Thank you.

@GardenerScott 5 лет назад

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

@justmejo9008 4 года назад

One year I had a ton of compost so I spread it all over my front yard and it softened up that top layer so nicely that weeds just pulled up like they were in sand.

@egsuperduty 4 года назад

Oh ok thanks.

@isoldedeig3546 5 лет назад

Explained in a simple way but without omitting the important details which facilitate the understanding of the whole process. Thank you for this great tutorial!

@GardenerScott 5 лет назад

You're welcome, Isolde. Thanks.

@janicelarue1760 Год назад

The light bulb just went on for what to do with the bits of thread and trimmed seams from my quilting projects

@phylvalen9991 3 года назад

I'm loving each and every one of your videos sir, thanks so much for making things easily understood. I hope to start my compost pile tomorrow and have listened to quite a few citing Bokashi as an additive ingredient to be watered in between the layers. Is it necessary to include this to help generate microorganisms ? I really want to get it as good as I am able and would really appreciate your advice. Thank you so much, best regards from a bedrock and orange clay environment.

@GardenerScott 3 года назад

Adding bokashi won't benefit the compost other than adding some decomposed material. Bokashi is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria and a garden compost pile uses aerobic bacteria. The bokashi bacteria will die in a typical outdoor compost.

@movietigdave2 4 года назад

When I had my allotment I had the space to make my own compost and leaf mould . Now I only can grow at home I do not have the space to make the large quantities of compost I would like to make. It is very important for the ground as it feeds the soil which then feeds the plants.I can make some for myself but not enough. Excellent stuff Scott keep it up.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

It's hard to make enough compost. I know I'm behind what I need, but every little bit makes a difference.

@movietigdave2 4 года назад

@@GardenerScott I reckon you are glad when people comment on your videos , same here it's nice to hear back from you and know that you make time to do so.👍😃

@raminsatyahadi4642 4 года назад

Amazing understanding about compost!👍 Would you please make a video example of the whole process of your composting from start to finish?🙏

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

I will.

@raminsatyahadi4642 4 года назад

Thank you, looking forward to it🙏

@lareemcra347 2 года назад

One of the RU-vid gardener guys always grows something in a batch of compost he has bought to see how it does before spreading it. A tomato plant is a good choice. His concern is aminopyralid herbicide which can spoil your garden.

@maggiemcbane5295 4 года назад

Gardener Scott, around the 4 minute mark you said you would do another video going into more depth on what are Greens and Browns. Have you made and posted that video yet? I've done a quick search and can't seem to find it. Your videos are turning into a great resource for my husband and I. Keep 'em coming!!

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

That video is not up yet. I'll be adding footage to it over the season as I add garden material.

@maggiemcbane5295 4 года назад

@@GardenerScott Great! We'll be watching and waiting :)

@jvcyt298 4 года назад

I just throw everything in the pile and keep turning it over. Spring and summer are mostly pulled weeds and grass clippings and the fall I get the fallen leaves. It's ready usually by late spring and I run it through a sieve. It is a wonder to behold.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

It is a wonder. Enjoy it.

@andrebeauchamp5242 2 года назад

👍

@mirandacouche802 4 года назад

Carbon (Browns), Hydrogen (Water), Oxygen (Air), and Nitrogen (Greens), reminds me of chemistry 101. "CHON", the four main organic elements that form the building blocks that make life possible.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

You're right. Compost makes life better for plants. Thanks.

@abidbhatti4168 4 года назад

Thanks for great video. My city has a huge compost pile for the residents use. Is it advisable to use that in my vegetable garden.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

I would suggest caution. Often they accept plant waste contributions from residents and you don't know if any of that contains herbicides, which could harm plants in your garden if you use it. Ask about the source.

@shanepasha6501 4 года назад

Thank you for your methodical approach of the subject matter. I never complained about worms until this summer. I believe that my compost, that is several bins piled atop the soil, have no worms right now. Temperature reaches 100-115 then starts cooling down. I am planning on turning one bin tomorrow and giving it enough moisture and see what happens. I understand that I am not creating the environment for the worms to visit it and thrive. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

To encourage worms don't turn the pile. By adding oxygen you increase the number of bacteria that generate heat. That is what quickens the decomposition. If you want compost fast, the trade-off is a reduction in worms.

@TheRPBishop 3 года назад

Really enjoying your videos.. thank you. My question is that if I have too many greens at this time of the year for the compost bin, and I am unable to increase my composting capacity, do you agree that I add them into my soil, when I turn it over, since they will decompose in any case? Or is there another idea? Thanks again.

@GardenerScott 3 года назад

Thanks! Adding to soil is a good option. More often I use them as mulch mixed with leaves and grass. And I'll bag greens to add to the pile later.

@sammychung4156 4 года назад

The Gardener abides.

@l.dschick-inn-palacecrafts6174 2 года назад

Hello again. Hope you don't get overwhelmed with all my questions. I started composting my chickens manure last year. Added as much browns as I could get. That was rough lol. Hens poo a lot lol. I managed to get it right. Was so proud of myself. It smelled like the best earthy smell possible. I added it to my garden beds. This year I did it differently. I couldn't get much browns so my arborist in town dropped of mulched tree limbs to me. That's what I have used. It does have an earthy smell but it still needs a couple more weeks I believe. Due to neglect. Not turning nor watering as I should. My question is this type mulch a great source??

@GardenerScott 2 года назад

Yes, it can be. It provides different minerals and nutrients than a typical compost pile and that can be a good thing.

@elberthardy961 4 года назад

I always learn best practices in gardening with your teaching. Can I use links to your Videos in my gardening class? I will gladly give you attribution and if you are willing, I'd love to show them in class. Do you sell DVD's?

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thanks, Elbert. Feel free to share the videos with your class; I appreciate the information being disseminated. I don't sell DVDs, but thank you for asking.

@Mary-had-a-lil-farm 4 года назад

Thanks Gardner Scott! Very helpful explanation of the “Greens” and “browns”. Does conventional fertilizers ruin compost that has been put around a plant? Does it ruin your soil? Can you use conventional fertilizer at all? Thanks.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Hi, Mary. Conventional fertilizers can be okay for plants until compost can boost the levels of organic matter in soil. It won't ruin compost or soil if used in moderation and only as needed.

@scottaloha8543 3 года назад

Grest video. Love how you explain WHY you recommend certain things. My compost is almost all broken down but the leaf ribbings and sticks are nit moving. There is not much heat now but there was a lot before. i turn it everyday and it's moist . Any suggestions? It's very therapeutic digging into that sweet black mess.

@GardenerScott 3 года назад

Thanks! It sounds like it's mostly decomposed. You can sift out the larger pieces and use the compost now or bag it for later use. Or you can use it as a mulch with the larger pieces too; I do that a lot when plants are actively growing.

@scottaloha8543 3 года назад

Thanks, gardener Scott! I really appreciate that you take the time to reply. Is it better to use the compost or make one of those rea concoctions? BTW i watch the commercials on your videos because you said that it helps support you. I've been gardening actively for 6 months, starting with 2 tomato plants and 2 cucumbers and a dying rosemary and lavender plant. Now i have over 2 dozen plants in containers and I'm starting my second 4x6 foot raised garden bed and 2 papaya trees planted from seed. I also have a thriving worm bin. Thank you so much for being a dedicated teacher. I'm learning so much from you!

@GardenerScott 3 года назад

Thanks, Scott! I'm not a fan of most teas. I think compost as an amendment or mulch is better. Every time you water or it rains it creates compost tea in place. I'm glad to hear you're having such great success!

@scottaloha8543 3 года назад

Success...it's measured by learning from others who go ahead of me, my victories and failures. I am grateful to God for the work he does in my garden and for teachers like you.

@timgehlbach5877 Год назад

Hello Gardner Scott, I would like to dance and thank you so much for all the amazing information that you give to everyone out here in this country and in this world. I hope this message gets to you I know this video is couple years old at least that’s what it says on RU-vid. My question is I have a pine tree in my backyard and I receive a lot of pine needles from the tree what do use this in composting but I hear people say that the Pineneedles are very acidic and that I should be careful and using this in composting. Please clarify or let me know if the Pineneedles would be a good compost material. Thank you so much have a blessed day

@GardenerScott Год назад

Time, pine needles on the tree are acidic but once they dry and fall they are not acidic. They are okay to use in compost and as mulch in the garden.

@timgehlbach5877 Год назад

@@GardenerScott Thank you so much Scott I hope you have a very blessed day

@Veronica-nq9kr 4 года назад

I have a really good start on my compost pile, thanks to your information! I have a good supply now of garden and kitchen waste. I know I should not continuosly add to the same pile or the scraps will not break down quickly or thoroughly. What can I do with the never ending supply of kitchen and garden waste?

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

As you see in the video I have two bins and will eventually add a third as I get more waste. Just keep piling everything into one pile until it gets more than three feet high and wide. Then start a new pile if you have the space. If you're active with turning the first pile and keeping it moist, it can decompose pretty quickly and be ready to use in the garden when the second pile has enough volume. Then just keep the cycle going.

@Veronica-nq9kr 4 года назад

@@GardenerScott okay, will do!

@brokecuzofcomics 4 года назад

We are making the journey into gardening this year. 2 part question. We have a plastic compost bin that spins. Is that ok to use? 2nd, what materials do we use for our first composting adventure?

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

It's okay to use, but I prefer an open bin. You want a mix of greens and browns, fresh and dried ingredients. For the bin you have, it all needs to be put in at once when you begin.

@EuroB0B1 4 года назад

UK bro here. I got x6 woodbins roughly 1m square. I find no gaps work best for me. Re used plastic sheets and bubble wrap for insulating. Temps never go above 80c tho which i guess is wood bins but man that black gold. Roughly created compost to the amount costs of the timber bins in under two years. Everything goes in weeds the lot. Even asking elderly neighbours for garden waste saves em lumping it down the tip and i need to burn. Also with x6 bins birds are your friends when turning / emptying im guessing they think its food but they seem to pick out tiny bits of plastic for me to pick out. Surely they not helpin me? Also not a bad work out.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

I'm impressed by your efforts. Reaching 80C in compost is quite an accomplishment. I will probably move to adding plastic when I get caught up with my garden build. Thanks for sharing.

@malcolmsplace 3 года назад

Hi there. A very informative video. I’ve been composting for several years now. I do still have one nagging question though. Can I compost thorns? Ie Rose and Bougainvillea trimmings etc. I do use a mulcher so most things are small before I add them to my bins. Should I be worried about the thorns not breaking down and sticking into me later when the pile is finished. My compost is a typical home brew, sometimes hot and sometimes not so hot. Please guide me on this. Regards Malcolm

@GardenerScott 3 года назад

Yes you can. I compost rose cuttings. The thorns tend to take longer to break down than other plant material so there might still be a few with points when the compost is mostly decomposed. But I've never poked myself using the compost.

@KayWessel 4 года назад

I've made a 9x9foot pile and got it up to 70 degrees Celsius 10 weeks ago. I flip it every weekend and add water. After 10 weeks it is still very hot, around 50 degrees Celsius. I was hoping for finished compost in 4-5 weeks, but this is still hot after 10 weeks. Should I stop flipping it and adding water, or just continue until it is getting colder? Outside temperature started around 6 degrees Celsius and climbed to around 25 at maximum. I'm using mostly plant based food waste and grassclippings along with dry leaves and dry woodmaterial from my schredder. I also mixed in some soil and old compost, in small amounts. Thanks for your superb video's.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

That's a nice hot pile. Turning the pile is adding the oxygen the bacteria need. If you stop turning you can expect it to cool.

@krussell9995 3 года назад

Which video is the one you went in depth with the greens and browns?

@GardenerScott 3 года назад

I don't have a dedicated green/brown video yet. I plan to release it in a few months.

@timgude1982 4 года назад

How do we handle our compost piles over the winter should we cover them

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

My winter's are very cold so I usually let my pile go dormant through the winter. Activity starts again when it warms in spring. If you do hot composting, covering the pile will help retain the heat and allow decomposition to continue even when it's cold out.

@stephenluna7932 4 года назад

Are grass clippings still considered "green" when they are dried out before you add them to compost or add them as layers between wood chips when filling a raised bed.

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

No. When they dry out they become browns.

@breadncircuses 4 года назад

Hi Scott - I enjoy your videos and find them educational. Sorry about the instant gratification comment trolls. I'm confused because so many different "master gardeners" make so many different recommendations on N to C ratio. I've seen 20 N: 1 C and 30 N: 1 C so to do more greens to browns (2/3 greens to 1/3 browns). But here you say to do 3/4 brown and 1/4 green. I'm frustrated because all seem very knowledgeable, yourself included. What gives? Does the ratio differ based on altitude or latitude or climate or something?

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Thanks, Josh. Great questions that highlight how composting is as much art as science. My suggestion is for a new gardener who is just trying to get a basic start with materials at hand. I've found that few gardeners take the time to find out the carbon or nitrogen content in the material they compost and general guidelines of green vs. brown is close enough. I was taught to use a green/brown mix of 50/50, but because green materials tend to be denser it becomes nitrogen rich, so 3/4 to 1/4 works better for me. For serious composters, using a hot compost method, the ratio becomes more important. I've also seen recommendations for 25:1. There are many factors, including the type of bacteria, mass of the pile, moisture levels, oxygen content, and more. Climate certainly plays a factor. Ultimately, each composter should determine a preferred method, because there is such a lack of specific guidance.

@aymanmshmoud6058 4 года назад

what about adding the manure with the compost?

@GardenerScott 4 года назад

Most manure is a good addition to a compost pile. Just check ahead of time to see if the animals were fed salt or chemicals, which could affect the soil when using the finished compost.