Projects: Composting

CCUA has identified composting as a critical component to sustaining urban agriculture efforts. Compost adds organic matter to the soil and helps to maintain healthy productive growing conditions. CCUA has built compost bins in several community gardens and private residences in Columbia. If you would like for us to help you install a new or improve an existing composting system please contact us to set up a time to tour your site.

Managing your Compost File

You are now the proud parent of billions and billions of microbes! These microbes are very easy to take care of and will yield as much finished compost as you have food to feed them. If you maintain a good balance of green (food scraps, fresh lawn clippings, fresh manure) and brown (straw, old animal bedding, leaves, etc.) they will flourish. Do not place much emphasis on exact ratios.

1. Place food scraps on top of pile.
2. Add some brown material (horse bedding) to cover the food scraps.
3. Cover the whole thing with a thin layer (1/2 inch) of straw. Keeping a good cover of straw or other clean cover material on the pile will keep down any potential smells, and keep out flies and other unwanted pests.

Potential Problems

• Smell: Add more horse bedding and straw. Make sure straw layer is 3-4 inches thick.
• Flies: Add more straw on top.
• Too dry: Water.

For more information or questions, please contact bobby@columbiaurbanag.org.