Asked November 28, 2023, 12:29 PM EST
I enjoyed viewing your "Compost Can-do: Develop A System That Meets Your Needs" video (2022 MG Level-up Series). I still have a few questions about composting. Now that it is winter, there is no rush for answers. Related to my questions, I will provide some background, then ask the questions.
Background:
I am a newly certified Oregon Master Gardener from Central Oregon and a member of COMGA.
My goal is to start "scientifically" and safely composting my home and backyard "greens and browns."
I recently purchased a Large Dual Chamber Compost Bin Tumbler (2 chambers × 18.5 Gallon (70 liters) each). I bought the tumbler to facilitate easy aeration and to put less stress on my back. The Tumbler will be placed outside near my garden boxes and be subject to Central Oregon weather, (cold winters, sometimes warm summers).
I also have a strong Environmental interest and would like to educate others on the benefits of home composting.
I would welcome your references to vetted publications, accessible via the internet. Although I have advanced degrees, my educational background has been in business and physical therapy. Technical articles in horticulture, agricultural science, botany, etc. are sometimes beyond my understanding.
Questions:
1. I am still confused about the mixture of "Greens" to "Browns". What ratio do you recommend? In mixing the greens and browns, do you use weight as the measurement? Since the "Greens" contain water, how does one figure out how much additional water to add to the mixture? In converting measures like liters or gallons to pounds, do you use "water" (1 liter (l) = 2.204622622 pounds) as the conversion unit ?
2. I would like to use my Tumbler in the winter, though I won't use it this winter (2023-2024). I will start using the Tumbler in spring (2024) and would like to then continue its use through the winter (2024-2025). Do you think this is feasible? I don't wish to mess with adding any protective winterizing insulation to the Tumbler.
3. I am confused about managing the time period for composting when making small additions of raw material to the Tumbler. Are there easy ways to judge when the compost has been properly "cooked" and is ready to be taken out of the Tumbler and mixed in with my vegetable garden beds? How do I factor in outside temperature variations?
For example, over the Central Oregon winter, my additions of household waste "greens" will be about 6.6 L every 2 weeks. Mixing at a ratio of 1:2 (figuratively...I still wish to know the proper ratio), it will take approximately 6 weeks to partially fill one of my tumblers (59.4 L of greens and browns, Calculation: 6.6L x 3 placed in Tumbler every 2 weeks x 3 occurrences). Any suggestions on how long it will take to achieve good compost once the Tumbler is filled, will be most helpful.
4. Lastly, with my interests in combating climate change, I would like to convert people into adopting, when practical and safe, a home composting routine. Have you seen any good articles that provide a "how to" for the busy, small home/apartment dweller that may want to help the environment with home composting; but, may not have the space to use all the compost generated (i.e.may not be a gardener)?
Deschutes County Oregon
