COMPOSTING 101Ellen Book,

Master GardenerMiami-Dade County Cooperative Extension

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCKXb267GnMgCFYsmHgodd7EKhQ&url=http://www.garden.bsewall.com/topics/hardiness/maps.htm&psig=AFQjCNE_1WBxPDITTdZ6Bw-V3gVMrKu0BQ&ust=1443626469552495

Was NOT me

A Tumbler Bin Composter

GREENs = nitroGen BROWNs

= carBon

CarBon = EnergyNitroGen = Protein

Compost Tips for the Home Gardenerhttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep323

Carbon – Browns Nitrogen – Greens

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCPbk2YLmpsgCFYhWHgodOg8IZg&url=http://www.riverparkfarm.com/_blog/Riverpark_Farm&psig=AFQjCNEialDWgK_DoDqW4hJoerlr0ypLvw&ust=1443978689991065

http://metrecycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Compost_Process-web.jpg

AS PILE TEMPERATURES & TIME IS NEEDED FOR VARIOUS

MICROORGANISMS TO COLONIZE

Left: (1 year old) Last year’s material all garden stuff, grass & leaves, kitchen: banana peels veg. trimmings from the pile’s top.

Middle: (2 years old) bottom of this year’s pile put into bags

Right: (3 years old) Finished product from the bags to be used in the garden & greenhouse this year

GUESS WHERE THIS COMPOST WAS MADE?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCOzM89zmpsgCFQbYHgodDZoJng&url=http://www.reclaimgrowsustain.com/content/how-do-i-compost-guide&psig=AFQjCNEialDWgK_DoDqW4hJoerlr0ypLvw&ust=1443978689991065

Smaller surface areas decompose faster

Compost bin cutaway

Aerationkeeps microbes alive.

ANEROBICmicrobesSTINK!

The free compost bins have trapdoors at the

bottom to access the compost.

Check for moisture when turning the compost.

The consistence should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

Unfinished compost may stress plants, causing

yellowing or stalling growth

Heat cooks most weeds

LANDFILL SITES

http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/compost-info/

COMPOSTING 101

QUESTIONS?

Upcoming Master Gardener Programs:

Saturday, October 8, 2016

10am – 12pmEDIBLE GARDENINGMiami Beach Botanical

Garden2000 Convention Center Dr,

Miami Beach, FL 33139No registration needed.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

11am – 12pmCOMPOSTING 101

Pinecrest Branch Library, 5835 SW 111th Street,

Pinecrest, FL Please register online.

http://tinyurl.com/miamicomposting