Composting

Compost is the organic material left over when microorganisms break down organic waste. Finished compost looks and feels like rich, black, soil and has no strong smell. It looks rich because it is rich - rich in the nutrients that plants need to thrive. Sitka gardeners have an endless need for compost!

Learn about
Worm Composting.

Composting will help Sitka save the most money of any waste reduction strategy. Instead of paying to ship our organic wastes thousands of miles to the Lower 48, we will be finding a beneficial use for them right here in Sitka! Mixing compost into (amending) soil adds food for many organisms and an enormous diversity of organisms to your garden.

The simplest kind of compost pile is comprised only of leafy or woody matter, such as yard waste or uncooked vegetable trimmings. Most Sitkans will want to limit their composting to these items. Sitkans wishing to compost more complex materials, such as cooked leftovers or fish protein should consider starting a worm bin, (see vermiculture) or developing a more advanced (hotter) compost pile.

No! Your compost pile can be as simple as a pile on the ground. The only tool necessary is a pitchfork to turn the pile. You can however, buy or make all different kinds of compost bins, to make the process more efficient or to keep from attracting vermin.