BACKYARD COMPOSTING IT’S EASY! IT’S WORTH IT!

Non-profit hub for practical solutions to greener/better living. Educate Manitobans about ecological sustainability. What is Green Action Centre?

We are also supported by a membership Membership is important and it is free! Stay informed and help us extend our outreach! Outreach

Promotes composting for all Manitobans Provides information, resources, and support Works to increase participation and reduce waste Compost Help Line: or We also offer a Master Composter Training Program I n-depth training and volunteer program Extends our reach into the community What is Green Action Centre’s Composting Program?

We are located in the EcoCentre, 3 rd floor Mountain Equipment Coop

Composting is a natural process by which organic material decomposes to form a rich natural fertilizer. Recycle your organic materials to make a free fertilizer! What is Composting?

Save money! Compost helps retain soil moisture = less watering Compost is a free fertilizer Reduce civic costs for waste collection Reduce air and water pollution Transportation related pollution Organics in landfills produce Methane (anaerobic) React with metals and produce toxic leachate Chemical fertilizers leach into lakes and streams Why Compost?

40 to 70% of household waste is compostable! How Much? Average household = over 200 kg per year Just 100 homes composting = 13 tonnes less GHG’s/year (methane)

More Than A Fertilizer! Everything grows better in living soil. Microbial activity Like a multivitamin for your soil: Not just nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium Variety of feedstock = micronutrients like sulphur, iron, cobalt, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, iodine. Increased organics Improves soil structure (soil breaths and retains water) Mild/slow release – will not burn plant. Does not wash away with rainfall

Completes the Circle

All you really need is the willingness! Compost bins help to keep materials confined. Can protect from the elements Can help to keep out pests Things to consider: Volume of organics you create Available space in your yard Well drained easily accessible Size approximately 1 cubic meter How Do I Get Started?

Check out our website at for bin options. They come in all shapes and sizes From molded plastic simple, easy, pest resistant To wood/wire easy to build, can use old pallets To rotating batch bins Quick but limited capacity To multi-bin systems larger volume, easier to harvest What Kind of Bin is Best?

“GREENS” and “BROWNS” What Can I Compost? Wet materials high in Nitrogen Dry Materials high in Carbon Vegetables, fruit, coffee grounds, tea leaves/bags, garden waste, fresh weeds (no seeds), fresh grass clippings Leaves, straw, hay, sawdust, Woodchips, dried grass, dried weeds (no seeds), shredded napkins, tissue paper

You can also compost eggshells, wood ash (in small amounts), plain rice, plain pasta, bread, hair, wool, and cotton but, Other Foods/Items? DO NOT COMPOST: Meat Fish Eggs Dairy products Oily foods Bones Pet waste (pathogens) Diseased plants Plastic products Metals Synthetic material = odours and pests

“BROWNS” vs “GREENS” How Much of Each? Approximately 2 to 3 times as much browns Shredded leaves etc use less. Too much = too dry = slow activity Always cover greens with browns. Essential to create heat Too much = odour = possible pests Keeping them balanced is a key to success!

Layering Your Pile Typical Layering Start with browns Cover your greens with browns Store leaves or other browns Smaller material will break down faster Realistic Layering

Is That It? Yes and No! Bacteria, insects, worms, and micro-organisms need water and oxygen to live. Happy critters = increased population/activity = increased heat. (up to 60 C or 140 F) The hotter the pile, the quicker the compost!

Water and Air Water Ideal moisture 50% (wrung out sponge) Greens add moisture Too wet = Drowned micro-organisms Air Aerate every 2 to 3 weeks Turn the pile or poke holes Can turn anaerobic and smell Too often = loss of heat = slow decomposition

Do I need an Accelerator? Accelerators are not necessary, just a little work! Use natural accelerator by adding soil = more insects, worms and micro-organisms! Other examples of natural accelerators Urine Bone or blood meal Comfrey leaves (Perennial herb) Grass clippings (balance with browns)

Trouble Shooting Odours? Pests? Insects? Not working? There are solutions to these composting myths!

When is it Ready? Can take a few months to years. Depends on management Finished? Dark brown/earthy smell. No recognizable food matter. Check the heat! Unfinished compost can rob plants of nitrogen/oxygen Harvesting in fall will avoid this problem

Harvesting Depends on bin or system Usually have to remove top layer Screen the finished compost More than 1 bin makes it easier

How Can I Use It? Use it outdoors Top dressing (screened) Mix in for planting Dig into your garden Use it Indoors Use for potting/planting (25%) Fertilize your plants Bugs? Heat it in the oven!

Tea Anyone? Compost Tea nutrient rich liquid fertilizer. great for all plants help suppress leaf disease too Fill old sock or nylon with compost and “steep” until it has an earthy smell. Aeration method Introduce oxygen for better end product.

How Good Is It? WithWithout

Full Bin? Harvest Remove finished compost Save your leaves Don’t fill it up in the fall Grasscycle Mulch Spread around plants or between garden rows Direct soil incorporation

Can I Compost in Winter? Decomposition might stop Freeze-thaw actually helps break down materials Don’t have to cover with browns - add in the spring Reduce trips by storing greens in a pail Stockpile till spring

Composting – It’s Worth It! Little time or energy required! Free rich fertilizer! Less watering! Reduces waste! Reduces GHG’s! Reduces leaching! A win for you and a win for the environment!

Thank You!

Membership is free Stay informed and make a difference in your community