Composting Urban Roots Cohort

Most of the content that we have provided has focused on how to create compost, but what are you supposed to do with it once you are done? We have you covered. Below are several ways that you can use your finished compost to grow strong and healthy plants.

Incorporate compost into your new gardens.

Add and incorporate 1-2 inches of mature compost in the top 6-8 inches of soil.

Use compost to improve your seedling starts.

Screened compost reduces soil crusting and allows easier seed emergence. Microbes in compost also act to reduce pathogen activity and develop stronger seedlings.

Use compost to “refresh” your potted plants.

Adding 1/4 to 1/3 compost to your potting mix will aid in moisture retention, avoid crusting and improve aeration.

How are you planning on using your compost? Please comment below.

Having trouble finding browns or running out of browns quickly?

Here are some back up items and tricks to having a constant pile of browns for your compost bin!

First off, what are browns? Browns are any dry, plant, or woody material, they are usually brown or will turn brown naturally. Not all browns are natural or nature based.

Here are examples of some common browns used for composting:

• Fall leaves
• Pine needles
• Straw or Hay
• Paper (newspaper, coffee filters, napkins)
• Lawn clippings (dried out)

Alternatives for natural brown materials:

• Cardboard (egg cartons)
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper

Accidently recycle all your cardboard? Have no more leaves? Just used the last of your browns? Don't worry, you always have something laying around somewhere in your house. Here are some alternatives that you probably don't even know can be use in your compost bin:

• Dryer lint
• Coffee filters
• Junk mail
• Toilet paper rolls
• Paper (shredded)

See any that aren't on the list? Post on the forum and we'll get to you as soon as we can!

We are so excited as your own compost bin comes together! Here are some tips and tricks we have for you as the weeks go by!

Tip #1: Make sure you balance your greens and browns!

Having too many greens in your mixture can slow down the decomposition process along with effect the texture of your compost! Remember the 3:1 ratio!

Tip #2: Keep your compost moist!

If your compost is too dry, it will take longer to decompose. Remember to water your compost and keep it moist like a wrung-out sponge!

Tip #3: Keep it small!

Sometimes having big chucks of greens and browns can cause the decomposition process to slow down. It can help by cutting your food scraps into smaller pieces, breaking down your plants/weeds, and shredding paper before adding it into your cedar/tumbler.

For more tips and tricks on composting, check out this news article about more efficient and fun ways to get familiar with your compost bin?

Click Here for more tips and tricks!

Looking for more resources on backyard composting? We love the work the U of MN has done on this topic

Composting in home gardens | UMN Extension