In this episode, Chris and Ken delve into the complex world of composting. From their passive piles that simply sit and rot (no judgment!) to active setups that require thermometers, turning, and possibly even a chipper shredder. Learn what compost actually is (hint: it’s not soil), how to build a pile that works, and why moisture matters. Don't feed the landfill. Feed your soil!

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/LWrdiau0aiA 

Skip to what you want to know:
00:37 Hey Ken! Do we compost at home?
02:43 What is and is not compost?
06:51 How do we go about making compost?
07:09 Types of composting.
10:52 Where is a good spot to locate a compost pile?
14:13 How big should a compost pile be?
15:09 Materials to go into a compost pile. Talking about the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio
18:27 Building your compost pile. Measuring materials and layering.
20:21 Tables listing C:N ratios of different compost materials https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6956 
22:13 Different styles of compost bins
23:23 Compost bin plans https://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/search?type=article%2Cpage%2Cproduct&q=G4020-01*  https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/designs_for_composting_systems.pdf 
24:53 Is it allowed to compost in your area, or what rules do you need to follow?
25:23 Reduce the mass of the compost materials.
27:28 Can you compost in the winter?
28:54 Holding compost materials over winter for use in spring.
30:27 Counter-top composter
32:30 How do you know when compost is ready to be used?
35:18 What's happening in the compost pile when decomposition is occurring?
36:50 Tips for and tools for turning compost and measuring interior temperature
41:12 Sifting Compost
42:35 Ways to use your compost
44:37 What moisture level should we keep our compost piles?
45:25 Compost tea
49:04 Compost vs. fertilizer
54:13 Thank you and see you next week!

Illinois Extension’s soil and composting website (includes links to soil testing labs) https://extension.illinois.edu/soil 

Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe

Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk 

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