Harvesting Compost May 2, 2015

Green plus brown plus heat plus moisture = compost
We start with organic matter such as vegetable and fruit peels, leaves and stems.  We add fallen leaves
and a handful or two of soil. It is turned with a pitchfork about once a week while it transforms and breaks down. This process can take from a few weeks to months or over a year to overwinter, where the cold temperatures help break down the fibers further. In vermicomposting, worms help do a majority of the work. Insects, microorganisms and good bacteria present help  decompose the vegetable matter also. The finished compost is soft, cool to the touch, rich in a pleasant earthy smell and can be sifted through a screen to remove any large sticks etc. It is a natural form of recycling that brings many benefits back to the garden.