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How to make compost manure?

Published in Compost Making 5 mins read

Making compost manure, often simply called compost, involves layering organic materials — including food waste and a bit of soil — to create something that will turn into humus. This rich, dark, and crumbly substance is an excellent soil amendment, improving fertility and structure for healthier plants. Composting is entirely doable, and making your own in the backyard is incredibly convenient and rewarding.

What is Compost Manure?

Compost is the result of controlled decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms. While not technically "manure" (which comes from animal waste), it serves a similar purpose, enriching soil with vital nutrients and organic matter, earning it the nickname "black gold." The goal is to transform various organic wastes into humus, a stable form of organic matter that significantly benefits soil health.

Essential Ingredients for Successful Composting

To create effective compost, you need a balanced mix of "brown" (carbon-rich) and "green" (nitrogen-rich) materials, along with moisture, air, and microbial activity.

"Brown" Materials (Carbon-Rich)

These provide the energy source for microorganisms and give the compost pile its bulk. They are typically dry and slow to decompose.

  • Dried leaves
  • Straw and hay
  • Wood chips and sawdust (untreated)
  • Shredded newspaper and cardboard (non-glossy)
  • Twigs and small branches

"Green" Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)

These supply the nitrogen needed by microorganisms to break down the carbon. They are usually moist and decompose quickly.

  • Grass clippings
  • Food waste (fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags)
  • Plant trimmings (non-diseased)
  • Fresh manure (cow, horse, chicken – if you are specifically aiming for "compost manure" in the traditional sense, but typically, compost focuses on plant-based materials and food waste)

Soil (The Starter)

As mentioned, including a bit of soil in your compost layers is crucial. It acts as an inoculant, introducing beneficial microorganisms that kickstart the decomposition process. A shovelful of garden soil or finished compost provides the necessary microbial community.

Water

Moisture is essential for microbial activity. The compost pile should be consistently damp, like a wrung-out sponge, but never soggy.

Air

Aerobic decomposition, which requires oxygen, is key to preventing odors and promoting efficient breakdown. Regular turning or aeration ensures a good supply of air.

Compost Ingredients at a Glance

To achieve a healthy compost pile, aim for a ratio of approximately two-thirds brown materials to one-third green materials by volume.

Material Type Description Examples
Browns Carbon-rich, dry, bulky Dried leaves, straw, wood chips, shredded paper
Greens Nitrogen-rich, moist, fresh Grass clippings, food scraps, coffee grounds

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Compost

Making compost is a straightforward process that yields incredible benefits for your garden.

1. Choose Your Composting Method

You can choose from various methods depending on your space and needs:

  • Compost Bins: Enclosed structures (store-bought or DIY) that contain the pile.
  • Compost Piles: Simply a mound of materials in a dedicated spot in your yard.
  • Compost Tumblers: Rotating drums that make turning easier and speed up decomposition.

2. Layer Your Materials

The foundation of successful composting is proper layering:

  • Start with a Base Layer: Begin with a 4-6 inch layer of coarse brown materials (e.g., small twigs, straw) at the bottom to ensure good drainage and aeration.
  • Alternate Layers: Add a layer of green materials (2-4 inches), followed by a layer of brown materials (4-6 inches).
  • Add Soil: Sprinkle a bit of soil or finished compost between these layers every now and then to introduce helpful microbes.
  • Repeat: Continue alternating layers until your pile reaches a desired size (at least 3x3x3 feet is ideal for effective heating).

3. Moisten Each Layer

As you build your pile, lightly moisten each layer with water. The entire pile should feel damp, not waterlogged. Too much water will create anaerobic (oxygen-lacking) conditions, leading to foul odors.

4. Turn and Aerate Regularly

Regular turning is crucial for providing oxygen to the microorganisms and ensuring even decomposition.

  • Aim to turn your compost pile every 1-2 weeks, especially when it's actively heating up.
  • Use a pitchfork or compost aerator to mix the layers from the outside to the inside.

5. Be Patient

Compost can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to mature, depending on the materials, temperature, and how often you turn it. You'll know it's ready when it is:

  • Dark brown or black
  • Crumbly in texture
  • Smells earthy and pleasant (like rich soil)
  • No longer recognizable as its original components

Do's and Don'ts of Composting

Following these guidelines will help you create healthy, odor-free compost.

Do Include:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags
  • Grass clippings, leaves, garden trimmings
  • Shredded newspaper, cardboard, paper towels
  • A bit of soil or finished compost

Don't Include:

  • Meat, bones, fish, dairy products, oils, or greasy foods (attract pests, create odors, decompose slowly)
  • Diseased plants (can spread pathogens)
  • Weeds that have gone to seed (seeds can survive and sprout in your garden)
  • Pet waste (dog or cat feces can contain harmful pathogens)
  • Chemically treated wood or plants treated with pesticides (can contaminate your compost)

Why Make Your Own Compost?

Beyond being an effective way to manage organic waste, making your own compost offers numerous benefits:

  • Soil Improvement: Enriches soil with nutrients, improves drainage in clay soils, and increases water retention in sandy soils.
  • Waste Reduction: Significantly reduces household waste sent to landfills.
  • Cost Savings: Less need to purchase soil amendments and fertilizers.
  • Environmental Benefits: Reduces methane emissions from landfills and promotes healthy ecosystems.
  • Convenience: As highlighted, backyard composting is even more convenient and allows you to create a valuable resource right at home.