Green Calgary Composting Guide
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Green Calgary Composting Guide Green Calgary: #100-301 14th St NW, Calgar y, AB. T2N 2A1 | www.greencalgar y.org | 403.230.1443 ext. 222
PART 1 - BASIC COMPOSTING
Contents
Part 1 - Basic Composting
What is compost?................................................................................................................................................... 3
Why should I compost?............................................................................................................................................ 3
Composting benefits:............................................................................................................................................... 3
The compost heap................................................................................................................................................... 3
What can be composted? ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Do not compost....................................................................................................................................................... 3
A basic approach to composting.............................................................................................................................. 3
How Do You Tell When compost is finished?............................................................................................................. 3
Screening the compost............................................................................................................................................ 4
Part 2 - Detailed Information
What is soil?........................................................................................................................................................... 5
What is good, healthy soil?...................................................................................................................................... 5
How do I test the soil?............................................................................................................................................. 5
How do I interpret the results?................................................................................................................................. 5
Common Organisms in the Compost Heap................................................................................................................ 6
Should I buy or build a composter?........................................................................................................................... 7
How big should the composter be?........................................................................................................................... 7
Bin placement......................................................................................................................................................... 7
How to build a wooden compost bin......................................................................................................................... 7
Compost tea........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Making compost tea................................................................................................................................................ 7
How to build a wooden compost bin (Click for Link).................................................................................................. 7
Leaf mould.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Making leaf mould................................................................................................................................................... 8
Grasscycling........................................................................................................................................................... 8
How to begin........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Common questions about grasscycling..................................................................................................................... 8
Green manure.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
The benefits of green manures................................................................................................................................. 9
Mushroom compost................................................................................................................................................. 9
How is mushroom compost used?............................................................................................................................ 9
Where can I get mushroom compost?...................................................................................................................... 9
Frequently asked questions..................................................................................................................................... 10
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 2
PART 1 - BASIC COMPOSTING
What is compost? environment. Composters can be made A basic approach to
or purchased.
Compost is a rich mix of organic matter composting
such as kitchen waste, plant remains, Whether you use a DIY or a store-bought
leaves and grass clippings and animal What can be composted? compost bin, these basic steps are
manure piled together so that it rots important to ensure that your recipe of
down to a fine, crumbly consistency. Greens (nitrogen-rich)
garden and kitchen wastes decomposes
Compost is a premium soil conditioner, • Fruit and veggie scraps without offensive smells or attracting
replacing what has been stripped from • Banana peels and apple cores unwanted pests.
the soil through cultivation. It provides • Corn cobs (chopped)
vital nutrients, while improving soil 1. Mix greens and browns, around 50
• Coffee grounds
texture and drainage. Organic matter percent of each by volume
• Tea bags
will turn into a dark-coloured humus and 2. Add several handfuls of garden
• Plant debris
eventually stabilize (or not breakdown soil or finished compost (rich with
• Weeds that have not gone to seed
further) after a period of time. microorganisms)
• Tree fruit and evergreen needles
3. Moisten the pile thoroughly with water
• Flowers
4. Aerate by turning the pile once a week
Why should I compost? Browns (carbon-rich) 5. Add moisture and turn as needed.
• Coffee filters Keep the pile moist and aired.
Organic materials are a valuable 6. Cover the pile to keep pests & kids out
resource in the garden as either compost • Dried leaves or grass
or mulch. Mulches and compost improve • Dryer/vacuum lint
For more information, read The
soil texture and plant health, prevent • Cat and dog hair
Composting Process in Part II for
erosion and hold moisture and nutrients. • Human hair
more details.
Their production and use in this way can • Wood chips/shavings
enable a typical household to reduce • Straw
• Newspaper
the amount of garbage they send to the
• Wine corks (non-synthetic)
How Do You Tell When
landfill by one third to one half. Finished
compost made from household wastes • Bird cage cleaning compost is finished?
is free to the householder. • Peanut hulls For home composting purposes, compost
may be assumed to be fully “finished”
Waste diverted to composting or Other materials that can be added in
when a number of indicators are obtained.
mulching saves the City of Calgar y moderation
Stable compost has been described as
(and ultimately the taxpayer) the cost
Algae, blood meal, bone meal, cotton dark brown or greyish black in colour,
of collecting our organic material
rags, feathers, felt waste, granite dust, with a sweet, earthy smell and a loose,
and disposing of it. Landfill space is
hay, hops, leather waste & dust, leaf crumbly texture that feels and looks like
conser ved and climate change inducing
mould, manure, muck, peat moss, rope topsoil. Some large pieces remain but
greenhouse gases are reduced.
(non-synthetic), sawdust, seaweed, soil, everything’s a relatively uniform dark
straw, string (non-synthetic), wood ash, brown/grey colour. The centre of the pile
wool, rags (non-synthetic). is no longer hot, and if you turn the pile it
Composting benefits: no longer heats up.
• Recycles organic waste
• Reduces pressure on landfill sites Do not compost
• Saves the city (and ultimately the
• Meat, bones, fish scraps: these
taxpayer) money
materials attract dogs, cats, insects
• Creates a free soil conditioner
& rodents and take a long time to
• Saves money on other fertilizers
break down
• Reduces the need for chemical use
• Oil, fatty material, dairy products:
• Reduces the need to use scare
oils and greases take a long time
resources like peat in the garden
to break down and they affect the
• Suppresses plant disease
breakdown of other materials too;
• Makes more nutrients available to
they also attract insects
plants
• Pet litter: may contain disease
• Improves soil structure and texture
organisms harmful to humans
(helps break down heavy clay soil)
• Diseased plants: the heat of a
home compost pile may not kill the
The compost heap diseased organisms or any insects or
eggs infecting a plant
Compost can be made in either a pile
• Dishwater: most dishwashing soaps
or in a bin. Bins or composters help
contain perfumes and greases
keep a compost pile neat, provide
• Barbecue ashes/coals: highly
some weather protection, and will
resistant to decomposition and Finished, screened compost. Ready for
keep out rodents and pests. They
contain excessive amounts of sulphur mulching or digging into the garden.
are recommended for a close urban
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 3
PART 1 - BASIC COMPOSTING
Using finished compost
There are a variety of uses for finished
compost. Its most beneficial use is
as a soil conditioner incorporated into
an ornamental or vegetable garden
or spread on a lawn as a top dressing.
Though low in nutrient value compared to
chemical fertilizers, compost nutrients
are in a slow release form due to their
chemical bonding with organic matter.
Mixed with garden soil, it will help to
improve its water retention properties,
its workability and pH buffering capacity.
Materials in the compost that have
not really broken down, such as woody
twigs, may be screened out and put back
into the compost pile.
Finished compost can also be used as a
potting soil amendment for house plants.
The caution here is that it should be
completely sterilized first through heat
treatment in order not to infect house
This compost is almost finished. Screening will remove sticks, straw and any unfinished material. plants with insects that migrate into
Timing is ever ything. Be war y of using fresh compost too quickly, as is may rob plants the compost pile during its later cooler
of valuable nutrients if it is not fully decomposed. It is better to leave it for several stages. These insects are useful in the
weeks until you are sure the microbial life has died down completely. Alternatively, you further breakdown of organic material
may opt to do a “bag test” as described below. in a compost pile, but are a nuisance
around house plants.
The bag test. Compost readiness can also be tested through a “bag test”. Place a
handful of compost in a zip-lock bag and leave it for a week. At this point open the As previously stated, the volume of
bag and have a sniff. If it smells of ammonia or sourness, then the microbes are finished compost produced is ver y
still at work and the compost still needs time to mature. Test the compost again in small in comparison to the volume of
several weeks. the original waste materials. It can
be used vir tually any place in the
garden. The more usual problem with
Screening the compost experienced home composters is an
insuf ficient quantity of the material
If using compost for mulch, you may want to screen it. People planning to dig their rather than an oversupply.
compost into the soil do not need to be as concerned with screening, although it can
help with removing large materials that haven’t completely decomposed. Screens are
commercially available but it is easy enough to make your own. Simply build a simple
frame and stretch 1/2 inch wire mesh over it. Push finer material through the mesh,
removing larger pieces that can be either dug into the garden or put back into the
compost heap.
Use compost as
mulch that can be
spread on top of
the garden in early
spring and late fall.
This homemade screen was built to fit on a wheelbarrow. With a little pressure, compost falls
between the screen, ready for use.
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 4
PART 2 - DETAILED INFORMATION
What is soil? How do I test the soil? »» Compost is an example of organic
matter because it “contains carbon”
Soil is made up of four main components: Test 1: If you are unsure of the type of that comes from dead plant material.
rock or mineral particles, organic matter, soil you have, a simple jar test will help. Manure, sawdust, or rice hulls are
air and water. Rock and mineral makes Take a wide-mouth jar and fill it half-full also organic matter. These materials,
up roughly 90% of the soil, while the other of the soil you are testing. This is best however, will take longer to breakdown
10% is comprised of organic matter. accomplished by taking a 15 cm (6inch) and could reduce nitrogen availability in
slice of soil from your garden, making the short-term. You may also grow cover
Although only comprising 10% of soil,
sure that you have at least 2 cups of crops and incorporate them into the soil.
the importance of organic matter cannot
mixed soil. Now, fill the jar until it is
by understated. It is organic matter
nearly full. Remove any large pebbles,
– the various stages of decomposing »» Not all organic materials are of high
sticks, or plant parts. Add a teaspoon
plant residues, leaves, animal manure, quality. Compost is generally considered
of salt to aid the clay in settling out and
et cetera – that makes the soil work. a high quality organic matter.
seal the jar. Shake the jar vigorously
Without it, a soil will quickly deteriorate,
until the soil is well mixed in. Watch the
and unhealthy soil creates unhealthy »» When the results show that the soil has
different components settle out and get
plants and people. less than 2% organic matter, add more
ready to mark the different layers with a
The rock and mineral component is marker. Sand is heaviest so it will settle organic matter. When it is between
comprised of silt, sand and clay. All soils 2 and 5%, add high quality organic
out first, usually within 30 seconds.
have var ying proportions, influencing matter. For example, add 50-100 lbs of
Make your mark. Silt will take up to 30
the soils ability to retain water, nutrients compost per 100 sq. ft. of garden.
minutes to settle out and after marking
and air. Any extreme is undesirable. it, leave the jar to settle overnight. After
Sandy soils are prone to rapid drainage 24 hours you will have noticed that the »» The recommended amount to maintain
and nutrient loss, while clay soils suffer final layer has been formed. This is the organic levels is 25-50 lbs per 100
from poor drainage, excluding air, water clay layer. To calculate the percentages sq. ft. Adding small amounts (e.g., 25
and thus, nutrients. of each component, measure the height lbs per 100 sq. ft.) can also promote
of each layer and divide the total height biological activity (growth of beneficial
into the height of one layer; multiply the microorganisms and fungi) in the soil
What is good, healthy soil? result by 100. that can help break organic matter
into humus.
Good soil has equal parts of silt, sand Test 2: You can also test the soil by
and clay, often referred to as loam. In rubbing a sample between your fingers.
an ideal soil, the silt, sand and clay If it feels gritty and crumbles in your
particles are grouped together with hand, there is a lot of sand. If, on the
organic matter to form large particles other hand, the soil smears between your
called aggregates. fingers and feels smooth, the soil has silt
Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants. Healthy and clay. A moist sample will roll into a Food does not
plants are dependent on good soil, ball if there is a high proportion of clay.
decompose into
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (provided
in the form of water and air) and a soil in the landfill.
number of essential major nutrients How do I interpret the results?
and micronutrients. Major nutrients Soil analysis is important if you wish
include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) to manage the nutrients in your soil
and potassium (K), together known as to get the best results for your plants.
N-P-K, as well as calcium, magnesium, The results can help you plan your
and sulfur. garden by helping you choose the pH or the acidity or alkalinity level
These are the macronutrients. Compost type and quantity of fertilizers and soil
»» The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where
raises the level of organic matter and amendments that are best for the plants
7 is neutral (the pH of distilled water).
provides nitrogen, phosphorus and in your garden. The soil analysis may
potassium. Compost increases the emphasize the physical, chemical, or
biological properties of the soil sample »» Below 7 is acidic; lime your soil to
availability of existing soil nutrients while
that you analyze yourself or send to a increase its alkalinity. Above 7 is
also supplying additional amounts already
soil lab. alkaline.
contained in the compost.
Micronutrients are also called trace elements Organic Matter
»» Most crops make maximum use of
because only a small amount is required »» Organic matter is important for the fertilizers and soil amendments when
for healthy plant growth. They include formation of soil structure, reducing pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Most
iron, boron, manganese, copper, zinc and compaction, and retaining plant gardeners aim for 6.5.
molybdenum. Crops that are void or deficient nutrients. The more organic matter in
in micronutrients may fail to provide humans the soil, the better. Hard and/or ver y
with dietary needs, even if the plants don’t »» Learn what plants like highly acidic
light coloured soils usually mean it’s
appear to be suffering Deficiencies can be (such as azaleas) or alkaline soil
low on organic matter.
avoided by routinely adding compost. and match the plants with the soil
or vice versa.
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 5
PART 2 - DETAILED INFORMATION
Phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen are the humus level will increase CEC and
the three major macronutrients required this process may take several years.
by crops.
»» Phosphorus is important for seed The Composting Process Common Organisms in
germination, root development, vegetable »» Composting is a lot like cooking. the Compost Heap
and fruit maturity and quality. It improves If you have the right proportions of
nitrogen absorption by the plant. the right ingredients, you’ll get fairly • Psychrophiles (“cold-loving”):
good results. Carbon and nitrogen are low temperature bacteria that
»» Potassium is important for the essential elements to the compost work during the frosty months
plants’ over-wintering ability. Disease heap and getting the correct balance from late fall to early spring.
resistance, growth, and longevity. It is necessar y for making good
is important especially for legumes compost. The joy, though, comes from • Mesophiles (“medium-
because it helps soil bacteria around using materials you have on hand and temperature-loving”): mid-
the roots to fix nitrogen for the legumes. still getting pretty good results. We temperature bacteria that
don’t need to get hung up about not thrive at temperatures of
»» Nitrogen and Nitrate can be requested have the “per fect” mix because rarely 20-30 degrees Celsius.
in a soil test because they may not be does anyone have the per fect mix.
• Thermophiles (“heat-loving”):
part of the typical test package.
the heat-lovers that work
»» With good mix of carbon and nitrogen
at temperatures of 40-70
Calcium and Magnesium rich materials, along with sufficient
degrees Celsius. They are the
moisture and the beneficial bacteria
»» Calcium is important for cell workhorses of biodegradation.
that thrive in these in environments,
nutrition. Magnesium is important the compost process begins. Aerating
for plant photosynthesis. If tests • Fungi: such as actinomycetes
(stirring, turning, poking) the pile and and streptomycetes, produce
show that calcium is low compared keeping the moisture levels right (see
to magnesium, calcitic lime is added natural antibiotics.
below) will ensure that the compost
to increase the soil pH. If magnesium pile will work, as it should. • Nematodes: as the most
is low, Dolomitic lime is added to
numerous animals on the
increase the soil pH.
»» Moisture makes it happen. Keeping planet, nematodes prey upon
the compost pile moist is essential if bacteria, protozoa and fungal
»» The pH rating will be high when composting is going to happen. Dry piles spores.
calcium is high. The ability of the just sit there, while overly wet piles can
plant to absorb some nutrients will begin to stink. Ideally, the compost pile • Mites: feed on yeasts that are
be impaired and you may have to should be able to “breathe” and this in fermenting material.
add some sulfur – which is found in is best judged when the material feels
gypsum - to remedy the deficiency. like a wrung-out sponge. If dust kicks • Springtails: feed on fungi
up when you stir the pile it is probably
• Wolf spiders: do not build
CEC or Cation Exchange Capacity too dry. If the pile smells sour or like
webs but roam freely, feeding
»» CEC refers to the soil’s ability to ammonia it is too wet.
on arthropods.
hold and release positively charged
nutrients called cation. These are • Cenjtipedes: commonly found
atoms or molecules with a positive in healthy soil communities.
electric charge, such as potassium,
calcium, magnesium, and sodium. • Ground beetles: feed on
various organisms, seeds and
vegetative matter.
»» The soil type, pH levels, and the
amount of organic matter (e.g., • Slugs and snails: aid in the
compost) in the soil determine the decomposition of organic
CEC level. The higher the clay and matter.
organic matter content, the higher
the CEC. Sandy soil has a lower CEC • Worms: consume organic
level. Above: The Wingdigger is an
matter and pass on their
easy to use compost aerator.
A pitchfork, broken hockey worm castings (worm poop)
»» CEC can range from 0 to 100, where stick or any garden implement
100 represent the capacity of pure may be used to stir or turn the
humus to hold and release cations. compost heap.
»» In general, you will want to increase
CEC by adding good quality compost
or planting cover crops. Building up
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 6PART 2 - DETAILED INFORMATION
Should I buy or build a composter? Compost tea
The correct decision as to what composter to build or buy will depend upon a careful Compost tea is sprayed directly onto crop
consideration of a number of factors such as the amount of material to be composted, leaves, restoring beneficial microbes to
the amount of room available, the cost, its appearance and the amount of time and the soil and plant. Beneficial microbes
labour will be devoted to operating it. Home composters can be made of various protect plants from fungal infections and
combinations of wood, plastic, and metal. other disease-causing organisms. Compost
tea also improves nutrient uptake and
retention, soil tilth and root depth.
Starting with rich compost, a compost
tea brewer can grow and multiply the
beneficial microbes by 1,000 times or
more simply by feeding and protecting
them for 72 hours under the right
conditions.
Making compost tea
Step 1: Once you have fully mature,
earthy-smelling compost, it is time to
brew compost tea. You will need:
• A bucket (5-gallon plastic bucket
works well)
• A few aquarium supplies
• A pump large enough to run three
bubblers or air stones
• Several feet of tubing
Garden Gourmet Composter – commercially A homemade bin made from wood from used • A gang valve which distributes the
available compost bin made from 100% wooden pallets. air from the pumps to the tubes that
recycled plastic. These bins are available supply the bubblers
year-round at the Green Calgary Store. • Three bubblers
• A stick to stir the mixture
• Unsulphured molasses (pref. organic)
How big should the composter be? • An old pillow case, tea towel or
stocking to strain the tea.
This will depend on the amount of material you have and the amount of room available
• An extra bucket is handy to decant
for your bin(s). With an average Calgar y lot, most of which is given over to lawn, one
the tea
to two holding type bins should be adequate. As decomposition occurs in the compost
bin, material shrinks to a large extent. Finished compost will only occupy from 10% to • If you are using municipal water it is
40% of the original waste volume. important to leave the water sitting
out for several hours to evaporate off
the chlorine. Chlorine will kill off the
Bin placement beneficial organism in the compost,
so make sure the water is not
A composter should be placed on a well-drained site to prevent the material from
straight from the tap.
becoming water logged. A sunny location will help it heat up and speed decomposition.
In an urban setting, a composter should be sited in a yard so that its presence and Step 2: Once you have safe water, start
operation is not a nuisance to the neighbours. by loosely filling the bucket half full
with compost. Cut a length of tubing
Convenience should be the number one consideration when selecting a site. If the
and attach one end to the pump and the
sunniest place in your yard is 100 feet from the door, it might not get used, especially
other to the gang valve. Cut three more
in winter. Tr y to pick the sunniest convenient spot for you bin. This way it will get
lengths of tubing, so that they easily
used, even if decomposition isn’t happening at the fastest rate.
reach from the rim to the bottom of the
bucket. Connect each one to a port on
the gang valve and connect a bubbler to
HowHow
to to
build a wooden compost bin
build a wooden compost bin (Click for Link) each of the ends.
Least expensive wood pallet instructions
> Least Step 3: Hang the gang valve on the lip
Sturdy 3-bin expensive wood pallet instructions
system instructions
>& Sturdy of the bucket and bur y the bubblers at
Wood Wire 3-bin system instructions
bin instructions
the bottom, under the compost. Fill the
Low >impact
Wood wire
& Wire bininstructions
mesh instructions
bucket to within 7.5 cm (3 inches) of
> Lowblock
Concrete impact
binwire mesh instructions
instructions
the rim with water, and start the pump.
> Concrete block bin instructions
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 7PART 2 - DETAILED INFORMATION
Step 4: Once it’s going, add 1 oz. moisture-retaining sur face mulch. Using lawn often enough so that no more than
of molasses, stirring vigorously. The leaf mould can replace the need to use 1/3 of the length of the grass blade is
molasses feeds the bacteria, helping the peat – a resource that takes thousands cut in any one mowing. Frequent mowing
beneficial species get well established. of years to form – or shredded bark to will produce short clippings that will not
After stirring, rearrange the bubblers so condition the soil. Using leaves that fall cover up the grass surface. You may have
they’re on the bottom and well spaced. annually is a sustainable and free option to cut the lawn every 7 days when the
If you can, stir the teas several times for improving soil condition. lawn is growing fast but only every 7 to
each day. Stirring moves more of the 14 days when the lawn is growing slowly.
organisms from the compost and into You can grasscycle with most any
the tea. The bubblers will have to be Making leaf mould mower (push, electric or gas). The
repositioned after each stirring. Piling leaves up in some form of a mower collection bag should be removed
Step 5: After 3 days remove the aerating container and leaving them to rot down to allow clippings to drop on the lawn.
equipment. Let the brew sit for 15 or create leaf mould. The ideal container However, if your mower does not have
20 minutes until most of the compost is at least 1 m X 1 m in size, and this a safety flap covering the opening
is settled out, straining into the second can be done in a wire mesh cage, or where the bag fits into the chute, it is
bucket or into a sprayer. You’ll have 2 even in a plastic garbage bag. Leaves important that you purchase a retrofit
gallons of tea. Use the tea within one are best collected after a rainfall, when kit from your local retailer.
hour if possible. You can put the soils the leaves are well soaked. Stuffing the Most lawnmower manufacturers have
back into the compost pile. moist leaves into the bin or bag and developed “mulching” mowers which cut
Step 6: If your garden is fairly healthy, leaving them for a year, watching to grass blades into small pieces and force
spraying the plants with compost tea make sure they don’t dr y out will yield them into the soil. These types of mowers
a young leaf mould that will help to
in the spring will carr y the benefits are effective in grasscycling and have
throughout the season. If you’ve had improve your soil. become very popular. They are sold at
problems, it may be worth spraying many yard and garden equipment retailers,
monthly to increase the number of nurseries, and home supply stores.
beneficial organisms. To prevent Grasscycling
damping-off, spray the soil with tea as What is grasscycling?
soon as the ground is planted.
Grasscycling is the simple practice
Common questions about
Note: aeration equipment is important to of leaving grass clippings on the lawn grasscycling
avoid the organisms from using up all of when mowing. Once cut, grass clippings
the oxygen and creating an anaerobic soup. Does Grasscycling Cause Thatch? No!
first dehydrate, and then decompose,
Anaerobic tea may harm your plants. The tea Research has shown that grass roots are
quickly disappearing from view.
must brew for two or three days and then the primar y cause of thatch, not grass
used immediately. Rainwater is also best for Grasscycling: clippings. Thatch is composed primarily
the compost tea process.
»» Encourages a healthier lawn by of roots, stems, rhizomes, and other
returning nutrients to the soil beneath plant materials. These plant materials
the lawn. contain large amounts of lignin (fibrous
material) and decompose slowly. Grass
»» Reduces work because you don’t clippings are approximately 80-85
have to bag or rake and dispose of percent water with only small amounts
your clippings. of lignin, and decompose rapidly.
Does Grasscycling Spread Lawn
»» Saves you money because you don’t Disease? No!
have to pay for disposal of your clippings. Improper watering and fertilizing have
a much greater impact on disease
»» Benefits the environment by naturally spread than grasscycling. If a desirable
recycling the clippings. environment for tur f grass disease is
present, infestation will occur whether
»» Simply put, grasscycling is good for clippings are collected or not!
your lawn and can help you reduce Will Grasscycling Make My Lawn Look
waste. Learn how easy it is for you to Bad? No!
The compost tea set up.
begin grasscycling.
If a lawn is properly mowed, watered,
and fertilized, grasscycling can actually
Leaf mould produce a healthier looking lawn. It is
Leaf mould is one of the longest lasting How to begin important to cut the lawn frequently
to produce small clippings that will
organic materials. It improves the Proper mowing is required for successful decompose quickly. If a lawn is not cut
physical structure of the soil, helping grasscycling. Cut grass when the frequently and clippings are left on the
to improve soil fertility. Leaf mould surface is dry, and keep mower blades lawn, it will produce a “hay-like” look,
can be dug into the garden or used as sharp. Follow the “1/3 Rule”: mow your which can be unsightly.
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 8PART 2 - DETAILED INFORMATION
Green manure weeds. Structure is improved when mushroom compost into the top 10-cn
organic material is added. Some green layer of the garden soil.
»» Green manures differ from compost manures take up nitrogen from the air,
in that they are plants, such as r ye, improving the soil characteristics. Many
buckwheat or clover. Their regular use »» It may be applied early spring and
have extensive root systems, improving again in late fall before putting the
can have a transformative effect on drainage and bringing up minerals that
soil and the plants that grow in it. The garden to bed.
other plants can’t reach.
process is straightfor ward – seeds
are sown, plants are allowed to grow
for a certain amount of time, and then Where can I get mushroom
Mushroom compost
they are dug into the soil. As they compost?
decompose, nutrients are added to What is mushroom compost?
»» All Seasons Mushroom Inc. (formerly
the soil. »» Also called Spent Mushroom Substrate, Rol-land Mushroom Farm), on the east
mushroom compost is a by-product side of the QEW (Hwy 2), half a miles
»» Green manures are particularly useful of the mushroom growing process. south of the Crossfield overpass.
when sown in late summer or early It is not compost made with rotted
autumn. The ground is still warm mushrooms. Rather, it is made from a
»» For more information, call 403-946-
and if it lays bare, nutrients may be combination of some of the following
4395. May is usually the month of its
simply washed away if nothing is materials: hay, straw, straw horse Customer Appreciation Week, when
there to take them up. Hardy plants bedding, poultry litter, cottonseed
mushroom substrate is given away
like clovers, tares, and grazing r ye are meal, cocoa shells, gypsum, and free if you load your own vehicle. It is
left to grow over winter, digging them sphagnum peat moss.
available in bulk, in bags or you can
into the soil the following year. If you bring your own containers.
have extra room in the garden, you »» After mushrooms are har vested, the
may want to plant a crop in the spring mushroom compost is removed and
and let it grow for an entire year. The piled in large heaps outdoors where Over 50% of household
soil that receives the nutrients will be it continues to decompose for one or
much improved. more years. It may be steam treated waste could be composted!
by the farmer prior to removal to
»» Green manures are also useful when eliminate any pest, pathogens and
reclaiming poor land, or when creating weed seeds as is the case in some
a new garden. Depending on the seed American states (e.g., Pennsylvania)
type, they can either be planted in that require this procedure if the
rows (larger seeds) or broadcast compost will be used in farms as a
sowed (smaller seeds) – where seeds soil amendment.
are broadcast over the ground and
raked in. »» Like other composts, mushroom
compost is an organic soil amendment
»» When plants are young, the plant rich in nutrients, has high water and
matter will decompose quickly. Plants nutrient holding capacity, and exhibits
should be dug in before they get no nitrogen draw down problems.
slightly woody and tough. Digging
in is best done with a sharp spade. »» Mushroom compost is considered to
Plant material should be dug in 5 to have a high root-burning potential.
10 inches. Once a green manure has Why? Because of its high salt content
been dug in, some time must elapse and acidity that can be harmful to
before planting the desired crop. young and tender plants as well as
This can take several weeks but it to some seeds. It should be used
depends on the maturity of plants, sparingly to avoid burning the plant
how much they have been shredded, roots to the point where they cannot
and the temperature of the soil. A absorb water easily.
tender mustard crop in the height of
summer can have a turn around time
of one to two weeks. How is mushroom compost
used?
The benefits of green manures »» According to the Calgar y Horticultural
Society, “let the mushroom compost
Green manures protect and enhance the
sit for a few months to let it mellow.”
soil. They protect the soil from nutrient
loss by taking up nutrients that are
other wise carried away by rain. A bushy »» Jim Hole recommends blending no
green layer is also great at suppressing more than a 2 cm layer of spent
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 9FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions and pet waste is added until the hole composter fills up, kitchen wastes may
is full. The unit is designed to compost be stored outside in sealed containers
Can I compost weeds or diseased the waste anaerobically, releasing the or plastic bags and left to freeze. Odour
plants? nutrients into the surrounding soil. Once is not a problem with these materials in
Broad leaf weeds that have not gone to the bin is full, it is moved to another a frozen state. In the spring, the wastes
seed may be safely composted at home. place in the yard to start the cycle over may undergo a number of freeze thaw
Care must be taken with those that again. Note: this unit is NOT to be used cycles that will aid in the breakdown of
have. Weeds that spread by rhizomes in vegetable gardens! their cell structure once they are placed
(runners), such as crab grass, should Pet wastes from certain herbivores such in the compost pile.
not be placed into a compost pile fresh, as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, A compost pile will become active again
even if shredded. They will be acceptable however, are not pathogenic and may be as ambient temperatures warm up. The
if they are first dried out thoroughly. composted in the usual manner. kitchen wastes that were stared aver
Spreading them out in the sun can do the winter and added to the pile should
this. Placing them on pavement is an What is the ideal size of the materials
put into the compost pile? be mixed with drier materials such as
effective method for quick dr ying. leaves or straw to absorb the excess
Finally, diseased plants should not Materials should be broken into water generated from freezing.
be added to a home compost pile small pieces and well mixed to evenly
distribute the organic materials and How do I prevent or solve an odour
because of the possibility of the disease problem?
organisms sur viving the composting create air voids. If materials are left too
process and propagating further as the large, they will take an extremely long A compost heap that’s too wet can
finished material is used throughout the time to decompose. cause some problems, such as foul
garden. Do I need a bin or container to smell. Aerating (stirring) the pile and
compost? allowing it to dr y out will help with thi
Can I compost plant material treated problems. Adding dried leaves, small
with herbicides & pesticides? No. The composting process is a natural quantities or sawdust or shredded
This is not recommended, as these one and will take place in an open paper will help to reduce moisture. Dr y
compounds may persist in the compost pile as well as a compost bin. Bins or topsoil sprinkled on top of a compost
pile, spreading to the soil and affecting composters help keep a compost pile pile will also act as an absorbent for
the beneficial organisms. neat, provide some weather protection, offensive odours.
and will keep out rodents and pests.
Can I compost paper? They are recommended for a close urban Another possible reason for odours from
environment. Composters can be made a home compost pile is the addition
Small amounts of certain types of paper,
or purchased. of improper materials such as meat,
such as shredded newsprint pulp, coffee
grease and dair y products. In addition
filters and tea bags How long does it take to produce to being slow to break down, they also
are acceptable in a compost pile. Paper finished compost? quickly turn rancid. The solution in this
has no structural strength when wet and Under typical Calgar y conditions, with a case is to not compost these materials
will reduce the overall percentage of air moderate amount of care and attention, or to remove them from the pile if
voids in the composting mixture. Due it will take a growing season to produce already present.
to its cellulose content, it also takes stable, humus like, and “finished” What can be done with the ammonia
longer to break down than other organic compost. For people not overly diligent smell?
materials. Glossy magazines should not with their pile, compost can take up to
be composted because the clay coating two years to be produced. The may be too many greens (too much
on the stock inhibits decomposition and nitrogen). Add more browns.
some of the printing inks used are toxic. How do I deal with sod?
Are pets, rodents or other animals
Paper stock from newspapers (pulp) and Stack the sod upside down in a pile and attracted to a compost pile?
magazines are best dealt with through cover with a tarp for several years.
the recycling depots. Animals are typically attracted to a
Can I compost in winter? compost pile for two reasons: food and
Can I compost pet wastes? warmth. Cats, dogs and rodents will
Bacterial activity slows down drastically
Care must be taken when dealing with pet under typical Calgar y winter conditions. not be attracted if meat, bones, fish
wastes. Wastes from dogs, cats and other Some heat may be generated in a home and other food products eaten by these
carnivores may contain human pathogens composting operation as quantities of animals are not placed in the compost
that survive the home composting fresh household waste are added to the pile. Maintaining a ver y hot compost pile
process. These materials should therefore pile. Any rise in pile temperature is ver y will also aid in keeping animals away.
not be used in food gardens. short lived however, and conditions will In the winter, small rodents, such as
A digester may be used to deal with soon revert to ambient. mice and voles, will be attracted by the
pet waste though. This is a separate Materials may continue to be added to insulating qualities of the pile. Keeping
container from the compost bin and the pile over the winter. As the pile is the pile moist (with a wrung out sponge)
when used according to the directions, is in an essentially dormant state, there will deter small rodents from getting too
ver y effective in dealing with pet waste. will be ver y little volume reduction comfortable. Turning the pile often will
A hole is dug beneath the digester unit associated with the new materials. If the also help.
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 10FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I prevent attracting flies and other insects?
Flying insects are attracted to kitchen wastes with high sugar content such as fruit
and vegetable peelings. These materials should be buried immediately and covered
inside a compost pile. The maintenance of a hot compost pile will also destroy insects
Further reading
at the lar val stage. Compost
Clare Foster, Cassell
How can I get rid of ants in the compost pile?
Illustrated, Great Britain, 2002
Ants are attracted to compost piles that are too dr y. Add water and some fresh
Compost This Book! The Art Of
cucumber peels.
Composting For Your Yard, Your
How can I get rid of pale green mold in the compost pile? Community, And The Planet
The pile needs more oxygen. Turning it will help get rid of pale green mould. Tom Christopher and Marty
Asher, Sierra Club. 1994
How can I control the temperature of my compost pile?
Easy Compost: The Secret To
If it is cold, the pile may be too small; make the piles bigger. It may need more Great Soil And Spectacular
moisture; add water and cover the top. It may be poorly aerated; turn the pile. It may Plants
lack greens; mix in greens. If the pile is too hot, reduce the pile size. Beth Hanson, Brooklyn Botanic
Do I need to use a commercial compost starter or an accelerator? Garden Publications. 1997
No. Commercial compost starters or accelerators sold as such typically contain a Let it Rot! the gardener’s guide
source of nitrogen or protein or dehydrated bacteria. No commercial nutrient activator to composting
is required if care is taken to ensure that the composting mixture contains the proper Stu Campbell, Storey
C:N ratio. If an additional nitrogen source is required, high nitrogen “green” materials Communications, Inc. 1990.
such as grass clippings may be added or a natural activator such as bloodmeal Rodale Book of Composting
or bonemeal sprinkled in. On a weight basis, the latter are more economical than Deborah L. Martin and Grace
commercial nutrient starters. Gershuny, editors, St. Martin’s
It is also unlikely that any commercial bacterial based activator is any better adapted Press, New York, NY, 1992
to decompose the waste materials than those already present. If required, garden The Real Dirt: the complete
topsoil or finished compost may be added to the composting mixture to introduce guide to backyard, balcony and
more of the composting microorganisms to the waste materials. apartment composting
Mark Cullen and Lorraine Johnson,
Penguin Books USA Inc., New
York, NY, 1992
Organic Gardener’s Composting
Steve Solomon. Available
as a free download from the
Soil and Health Librar y, at
soilandhealth.org.
The Intelligent Gardener:
Growing nutrient-dense food
Steve Solomon with Erica
Reinheimer, New Society
Publisher, Gabriola Island, BC,
Canada, 2013
Compost: The natural way to
make food for your garden
Ken Thompson, DK Publishing,
New York, NY, 2007
For info on Compost Workshops and a helpdesk to answer
your composting questions call: 403.230.1443 ext 222.
greencalgary.org
GREEN CALGARY COMPOSTING GUIDE | 11Sponsored By:
For more information or to sign up for workshops, or host your own presentation, contact Green
Calgar y’s Help Desk. greencalgar y.org or call us M-F from 9 am – 5 pm at 403.230.1443 ext. 222.
This guide was developed by the Green Calgar y Association. Copyright 2015.
Green Calgary: #100-301 14th St NW, Calgar y, AB. T2N 2A1 | www.greencalgar y.org | 403.230.1443 ext. 222You can also read
