![]() ![]() In the desert pile, add an additional layer of dry, bulky material in between each layer of green/brown material, or approximately 4” of bulking on top of each 6” of green/brown. Green materials include grass trimmings, coffee grounds, food waste, and crushed eggshells. Brown materials include leaves, nut shells, paper towels, straw, and shredded paper. (The idea ratio is closer to 20:1 carbon to nitrogen). ![]() Normally you would add at least two parts brown (carbon) to one part green (nitrogen) material. This is in addition to the typical brown/green ratio that a regular compost pile would have. Sticks, pinecones, twigs, corn stalks, and other dry, bulk materials help “fluff” up your pile by introducing air pockets to improve aeration. ![]() Aerate the pile by adding dry bulk material.Try to strike a balance between turning your pile and keeping it moist by minimizing turning and wetting your pile each time you turn it. In the desert, however, frequent turning can result in your pile drying out too quickly, which slows decomposition. Gardeners who live where rain is more frequent benefit from turning their compost often, because turning speeds aerobic decomposition. This will help minimize water loss through evaporation. Higher temperatures speed evaporation, challenging decomposition and the microbes that help it take place.Įnclose your compost pile in a bin with fewer ventilation holes than those designed for moister climates. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the most from your desert compost.Ĭomposts located in direct sunlight will be an average of 10 to 15 degrees hotter than those in the shade. Since evaporation is such a problem in the desert, you’ll need to work harder to achieve this level of moisture. To optimize decomposition, every compost pile needs to maintain at least 50% moisture, which should feel like a damp, wrung-out sponge. ![]()
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