Comments on: A simple compost how-to guide where science reigns supreme

By: Wayne

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:56:20 +0000

For me, the turning is just to mix the ingredients as they decompose. To get oxygen in, I use an aquarium air pump and inject it at the bottom. This makes trash cans effective.

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By: Angela Hoy

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 19:54:05 +0000

In reply to Jake.

Hi Jake, three bins is the ideal combination if you have room, each a cubic metre. Fill bin one to capacity, cover and leave to break down. Turn bin 1 into bin 2 after it has decreased by half and leave it until most of the ingredients are unrecognisable except some twigs. Then turn it into bin 3 and leave to mature for a couple of months before putting back on the garden. In the meantime start again with bin 1 (adding a bit of finished compost as suggested in the article) and repeat the process.

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By: Susan

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 17:50:49 +0000

I have to totally agree with you JC. I have read so many articles from the seasoned gardener to the professor who has been studying composting for years. Jessica Walliser has no doubt simplified this concept to where I finally understand the ratio and I know now why my piles take so long to finally compost. Cannot thank Jessica enough for the K.I.S.S. formula! (Keep it simple stupid):):)
Susan, Richmond, VA

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By: Susan

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:08:34 +0000

Thank you so much for simplifying this process to where I finally get it on the ratio. For years all I gathered from these compost articles was; just throw the browns and greens on your pile and keep turning it. That does not work and now I know why. I have been using way too many browns and not enough greens but I will start tomorrow fixing that problem immediately. Many thanks my friend…..

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By: Kim

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 08:16:16 +0000

Great tips I use a fork to twist all the soil around in my compost bin

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By: JC

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 23:04:01 +0000

This is by far the best article on composting I’ve ever read, and I’ve read dozens!

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By: Jessica Walliser

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 22:19:28 +0000

In reply to Diane.

Over time, tilling destroys the soil’s natural structure. I recommend learning about no-till gardening techniques and using them if possible. I’ve been no-till in my vegetable garden for the past 12 years and love it.

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By: Diane

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:59:04 +0000

My garden soil is so good after tilling but as the growing season continues my soil becomes hard as a rock van I put 4 year old grass clippings on it add manure and peat moss will this be enough to keep my soil from becoming rock hard

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By: Jessica Walliser

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 14:24:44 +0000

In reply to Ali Etsinger.

Hi Ali. It’s important to remember that the volume (parts) of any material is not a direct correlation to its carbon or nitrogen content. In other words, 1 cup of leaves doesn’t equal 1 measure of carbon. You’re thinking in terms of volume but what matters is the carbon or nitrogen content of the material itself, not its volume. A 3:1 ratio of brown to green ingredients results in a C:N ratio of 30:1 essentially because there is generally more carbon in brown materials than there is nitrogen in green materials.

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By: Jessica Walliser

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 21:31:17 +0000

In reply to David Hakenewerth.

The only way to confirm the C:N ratio of a finished pile is to have it tested at a lab. If you’re going to be using it on flower beds and the lawn, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. If you’re going to use it in a vegetable garden and can’t test the compost itself, make sure you test your garden’s soil every 3 to 4 years to check it pH and overall nutrient levels.

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