Compost & Mulch

Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used in gardens and landscaping. This practice dates back centuries, and it has been utilized by farmers and gardeners to improve soil fertility and reduce waste.

Origins of Composting:

The earliest records of composting date back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. These civilizations recognized the benefits of using compost in agriculture and horticulture, and they developed various methods for creating and utilizing it. In the 16th century, Sir Francis Bacon introduced the idea of using compost to improve soil fertility, and this practice gained popularity in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century, composting became more mainstream as people became more aware of the environmental benefits of reducing waste and using organic methods to grow plants.

Backyard Composting:

This is the most common type of composting, and it is suitable for home gardeners who want to reduce waste and create a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Backyard composting requires a compost bin or pile, and it involves layering organic matter, such as food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings, and allowing it to decompose over time. The result is a rich, dark soil amendment that can be used to improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.

Vermicomposting:

Vermicomposting involves using worms to break down organic matter. This method is suitable for small-scale composting and can be done indoors or outdoors. Vermicomposting requires a special container, such as a worm bin, and a supply of red worms. The worms feed on organic matter, such as food scraps and paper, and produce a nutrient-rich soil amendment called vermicompost.

Bokashi Composting:

Bokashi composting is a Japanese method of composting that involves fermenting organic matter with a special mixture of microbes. This method is suitable for indoor or outdoor composting and can be done in a small container. Bokashi composting requires a special bokashi bran that is mixed with food scraps and other organic matter. The result is a pre-compost that can be buried in the soil or added to a backyard compost pile.

Trench Composting:

Trench composting involves burying organic matter directly in the soil. This method is suitable for gardeners who want to improve soil fertility in a specific area. Trench composting requires digging a trench and filling it with organic matter, such as food scraps and leaves. The trench is then covered with soil and left to decompose over time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for each Type of Composting:

Backyard Composting:

Here are the step-by-step instructions for backyard composting:

Step 1: Choose a location for your compost bin or pile. The ideal location is a level, well-drained area that is convenient to access.

Step 2: Choose a compost bin or build a compost pile. A compost bin can be purchased from a garden center or made from materials such as wood or wire mesh. If you choose to build a compost pile, make sure it is at least three feet high and three feet wide.

Step 3: Add organic matter to your compost bin or pile. You can add a variety of materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, leaves, and grass clippings. Avoid adding meat, dairy, and fatty foods, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.

Step 4: Mix the organic matter in your compost bin or pile. This will help to aerate the compost and speed up the decomposition process.

Step 5: Keep the compost moist. Your compost should be damp, but not too wet. Add water if necessary, but avoid overwatering.

Step 6: Turn the compost. Every few weeks, use a pitchfork or compost turner to mix the compost and add air to the pile. This will help to speed up the decomposition process.

Step 7: Wait for the compost to decompose. Depending on the materials you add and the conditions in your compost bin or pile, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year for your compost to be ready to use.

Vermicomposting:

Here are the step-by-step instructions for vermicomposting:

Step 1: Choose a container for your worm bin. You can purchase a worm bin from a garden center or make your own using a plastic storage bin.

Step 2: Add bedding material to your worm bin. This can include shredded newspaper, coconut coir, or other types of biodegradable material.

Step 3: Add red worms to your worm bin. You can purchase red worms from a garden center or online.

Step 4: Add food scraps to your worm bin. Avoid adding meat, dairy, and fatty foods, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.

Step 5: Keep your worm bin moist. Your bedding material should be damp, but not too wet. Add water if necessary, but avoid overwatering.

Step 6: Wait for the worms to break down the organic matter. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Step 7: Harvest the vermicompost. Once the worms have broken down the organic matter, you can harvest the vermicompost and use it in your garden.

Bokashi Composting:

Here are the step-by-step instructions for bokashi composting:

Step 1: Choose a container for your bokashi compost. You can use a special bokashi bucket or any airtight container with a lid.

Step 2: Add bokashi bran to your container. Bokashi bran is a mixture of microorganisms that help to ferment the organic matter.

Step 3: Add food scraps and other organic matter to your container. You can add a variety of materials, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

Step 4: Seal the container and let it ferment for a few weeks. During this time, the microorganisms will break down the organic matter.

Step 5: Bury the pre-compost in the soil or add it to a backyard compost pile. The pre-compost can be added directly to the soil or added to a backyard compost pile to finish decomposing.

Trench Composting:

Here are the step-by-step instructions for trench composting:

Step 1: Choose a location for your trench. The ideal location is an area of your garden that needs soil improvement.

Step 2: Dig a trench that is at least six inches deep.

Step 3: Add organic matter to the trench. You can add a variety of materials, such as food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings.

Step 4: Cover the organic matter with soil.

Step 5: Wait for the organic matter to decompose. This can take several months

Step 6: Plant in the enriched soil. Once the organic matter has decomposed, the soil in the trench will be enriched with nutrients and ready for planting.

Free Yard and Waste Resources in Waldorf, Maryland:

Charles County Government Recycling Program:

The Charles County Government Recycling Program offers free yard waste drop-off for county residents. The yard waste is turned into mulch, which is available for purchase. For more information, visit their website: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/LCS/recycling

Location: 10430 Audie Lane, La Plata, MD 20646

Phone Number: 301-932-3599

Waldorf Composting Facility:

The Waldorf Composting Facility accepts yard waste from residents and turns it into compost. The compost is available for purchase. For more information, visit their website: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/LCS/composting

Location: 6755 Old Crain Highway, La Plata, MD 20646

Phone Number: 301-932-5656

Mattawoman Waste Management Facility:

The Mattawoman Waste Management Facility accepts household hazardous waste, including paints, pesticides, and electronics, for proper disposal. They also accept yard waste for composting. For more information, visit their website: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/LCS/hazardous-waste

Location: 12450 Mattawoman Drive, Waldorf, MD 20601

Phone Number: 301-932-3599

Charles County Landfill:

The Charles County Landfill accepts yard waste from residents for composting. They also accept household hazardous waste and other materials for proper disposal. For more information, visit their website: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/LCS/solid-waste

Location: 12305 Billingsley Road, Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone Number: 301-932-5656

By composting, you are not only reducing waste and helping the environment, but also creating a valuable resource for your garden. Whether you choose traditional composting, vermicomposting, bokashi composting, or trench composting, following these step-by-step instructions will help you create rich, nutrient-dense compost for your plants to thrive in. And with the free yard and waste resources available in Waldorf, Maryland, composting has never been easier or more accessible.