Kayas Composting Guide

Compost is one of the best soil builders you can make or buy. It improves fertility, water retention, microbial activity, and structure. Most organic material can be composted under the right conditions. The nutrient profile of compost depends on what organic material was used, but composted manure, food scraps, and lawn clippings are all beneficial.

What Makes Good Compost?

• Green (Nitrogen-rich) Materials

• Food scraps (veggie/fruit peels)

• Fresh grass clippings

• Coffee grounds

• Manure (herbivore only)

• Brown (Carbon-rich) Materials

• Dry leaves

• Straw or shredded newspaper

• Cardboard

• Sawdust (untreated wood only)

·       Basic Ratio: 2–3 parts brown : 1 part green

How to Compost

• Build a compost bin: Untreated wood is the best material, try to make sure whatever you use doesn’t have hazardous chemicals. Ensure it is well contained on all sides to prevent dogs and other animals from getting into it.

• Pile size: At least 3x3x3 feet to retain heat

• Layer browns and greens, mix periodically,

• Keep moist, like a wrung-out sponge

• Turn with a pitchfork every 1–2 weeks to add air and speed up decomposition

What Not to Compost

• Meat, dairy, oily foods (attract pests)

• Food scraps that could attract dogs or other animals

• Pet waste (pathogen risk)

• Glossy paper or colored ink

• Diseased plant material or invasive weeds, plant material that could be contaminated

How to Use Finished Compost

• Top dressing: Add 1–2 inches on garden beds each season

• Soil mix: Blend into potting soil or seed-starting mix

• Compost tea: Brew to water plants and boost microbes. Compost tea can be brewed by steeping compost in water for a few days. Dilute to a 1:4 water to compost tea ratio and use to water plants.

Compost Quality Test

• Looks dark and crumbly

• Smells earthy, not sour or rotten

• No visible food chunks

• Feels like moist soil