When most people hear the word ‘compost’, they automatically think of a smelly pile of moldy food. However, when done correctly, composting does not smell bad and is a sanitary way to dispose of organic waste. There are many excellent reasons to compost and the greater Cincinnati area has numerous resources available to assist you on your composting journey. Composting yard, garden, and food waste at home saves transportation and disposal cost, and provides an environmentally sound way to manage waste. In addition, composting can provide excellent fertilizer for gardens, yards, and other plants. Adding compost to your garden will increase drainage and provide a continuous source of nutrients required for plant health.
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Compost needs green material, brown material, oxygen, and water. If turned every few days, you can produce quality compost in 3-4 weeks. Strive to maintain a 3:1 ratio of brown to green materials in the pile. A pile that doesn’t heat up within 24 hours (you can see steam rising from the pile) needs more green material and a pile that develops an ammonia smell needs more brown material. The pile should only be damp, it should not be soaking wet. Animals will typically stay away if there are no meat or dairy products in the pile.
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Backyard Compost Seminar
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DIY Compost Bin
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One Bin Compost Bin
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Resources
For more detailed information about composting, visit our partner websites:
Clermont Office of Environmental Quality Composting Tips
Composting - Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District
Composting - Butler Soil & Water Conservation District
Home Composting: A Guide to Managing Your Yard Waste - University of Kentucky
Composting - Hamilton County R3source
Clermont Office of Environmental Quality Composting Tips
Composting - Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District
Composting - Butler Soil & Water Conservation District
Home Composting: A Guide to Managing Your Yard Waste - University of Kentucky
Composting - Hamilton County R3source