How to Make Perfect Compost

Banner Batch compost is fast and relatively easy to make.

There are several ways to make compost, some of which require ample time and very little labor, and others of which are labor-intensive but ready in 3 to 4 weeks. One such fast type of compost is called Banner Batch. It's a hot compost, meaning it is actually hot inside and will steam when turned. This composting style kills any weeds or diseases that might be found in the organic material, and the resulting compost is perfect for container gardens and flower beds.

Things You'll Need

• Large cylindrical lidded plastic garbage can
• Hammer
• Large nail (4 to 6 penny size)
• Large bucket
• 3 parts fresh grass clippings
• 1 part kitchen scraps (chopped)
• 1 part moist, shredded paper
• 3 bucketfuls active compost
• Bungee cord (twice diameter of garbage can in length)
• Duct tape (optional)
• Garden hoe

Instructions

1. Hammer eight holes, evenly spaced, on the bottom of the garbage can using a large nail to make each hole. Hammer 12 more holes, also evenly spaced, around the sides of the can. The holes will allow air to enter the can.

2. Turn the can upright where it will be kept and agitated; once full of moist composting materials, the can will become very heavy.

3. Use the bucket to add compost material in layers. Add 3 bucketfuls of fresh grass clippings. The clipping should be moist--don't use dried out grass. Dump 1 bucketful of kitchen scraps on top of the grass. Kitchen scraps include any uneaten food items, even inedible items like melon rinds. All kitchen scraps should be cut into small- to medium-sized pieces, because smaller pieces decompose and enrich the compost mix more quickly. Add 1 bucketful of moist, shredded paper on top of the food scraps. Any dry ingredients, like the paper, should be moistened before adding. Add ½ bucketful of active compost, a product purchased at gardening stores that speeds up the process.

4. Continue to layer the compost using the proper ingredient proportions. The total amount of active compost isn't proportional to the other ingredients. Rather, it's about three bucketfuls, total, per garbage can. Fill the can until it is three-fourths full.

5. Secure the lid to the can. Use the bungee cord to keep the lid secure. Hook one end of the bungee cord on the left side of one of the handles. Stretch the cord diagonally across the lid to the other handle. Pass it underneath that handle and back up and diagonally across the lid to the original side, securing the remaining bungee hook on the right side of the handle. The bungee cord should be in the shape of an X across the lid of the can. If it doesn't seem secure enough, use a few pieces of duct tape to ensure that the lid doesn't come off.

6. Tip the garbage can on its side. Use your foot to roll the can over several times, mixing the compost ingredients.

7. Continue to roll the can every day for two weeks. Each agitation session should involve at least three full revolutions, but four or five will help the compost mix more thoroughly. After rolling the can, stand it upright and feel the sides for warmth.

8. Remove the lid from the can every three days to check the mix for moisture. If it seems dry, add some water. The contents shouldn't appear watery, but like a moist (not dripping) sponge. Split apart bigger lumps of compost with a garden hoe. Replace the lid.

9. Roll the can for one more week, every other day. The heat the compost generates will be less and less each time. Once the outside of the can is the same temperature as the outside air to the touch, the compost is ready to sit.

10. Let the compost rest in the lidded garbage can for two weeks undisturbed. This process is called curing. After the compost is cured, mix it with the hoe so it's ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• If the kitchen scraps are not moist, or if there's a mix of moist and dry foods in the bucket, add water until it's completely moistened, but not souplike.

References

• "The Rodale Book of Composting"; Deborah L. Martin and Grace Gershuny, editors; 1992
• "The Complete Compost Gardening Guide"; Barbara Pleasant and Deborah L. Martin; 2008