Composting is a great thing to do for many reasons. Reducing the amount of “stuff” one throws away at the curb each week and creating an incredible soil amendment are two of several benefits to composting. I won’t attempt to be exhaustive in this forum.

Although one can get real specific and nerdy about the specifics of composting, it is generally a fairly simple process that can be done in a variety of ways. From open pits to enclosed composting systems, there are many different options for those out there desiring to do more with their organic materials than toss them in the garbage.

ONE:Composting will happen despite  you, but you’re intervention will make the process more efficient and effective.

A 30:1 Carbon/Nitrogen ratio is best for an active compost pile. In simple terms this means that one needs 30 parts Carbon (dead leaves, corrogated cardboard, toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, pine needles, sawdust (hardwoods), etc..) to 1 part Nitrogen (food scraps, fresh grass clippings, coffee grounds, etc…). This ratio will allow the micro-organisms at play to do their job most effectively and therefore give one finished compost in a quick fashion, meaning four to eight weeks – depending on other conditions.

TWO: Other factors necessary for composting

For one’s compost pile to break down effectively, a few factors must be adhered to. Any good compost pile needs 1)moisture, 2)aeration and 3)organic materials for microbes to thrive upon. A compost pile must retain the moisture of a wrung-out sponge, be aerated weekly (at least) and composed of natural materials (food scraps, plants, lawn trimmings as opposed to plastic, gasoline and discarded rollerblades).

Here is how it works for an enclosed compost pile.

from L-R, Envirocycle, composting bucket, Chadly con Queso, trash can, Compost Tumbler

There are many options for container composting. Here we see the Envirocycle, a rigged-up galvanized trash can and the ultra-sweet Compost Tumbler. Folks can start by putting all their table scraps and vegetable matter (everything from garlic paper to apple cores to stale bread) into a small compost bucket which can be placed under the kitchen sink for convenience. Once the bucket is full it should be emptied into the larger composting bin outdoors. Achieving the 30:1 Carbon:Nitrogen ratio is the goal for the conscientious composter and can be achieved by paying attention to the pile. If one has too much Carbon (dead leaves, paper scraps), the compost will take a LONG time to break down. On the other hand, if one has too much Nitrogen (vegetable scraps, coffee grounds) the pile will smell terrible – like sewage.

Pouring the compost on the ground once a week, shoveling it back in - in order to properly aerate the pile.

Once a decent amount of organic materials have been assimilated, you’ll want to aerate the pile once a week or so… If you’ve got a fancy Envirocylce or CompostTumbler this simply involves spinning the container as it is designed. For the simple trashcan it is easy to dump out the entire contents on the ground – then replace them to the container with a pitchfork. This is enough to aerate the compost, giving the microbes life and the ability to break down the solids quickly.

Partially decomposed compost on the ground, ready to be returned to the trashcan

While I’m emptying out my can for aeration I usually find it necessary to add a bunch of carbon to even out the ratio. In the photo below I’m adding shredded newspaper (125:1) and a toilet paper tube (500:1) to the gob of stuff in the above picture. Since that gob stank a bit, and was too moist – this step should provide balance and make for a better finished compost.

Aiming for a 30:1 Carbon:Nitrogen ratio

After adding dry, carbon-rich materials to the pile I scoop up the dumped materials and put it back into the can.

Putting the partially decomposed compost back in the pile

Finished compost should be fairly uniform. One shouldn’t be able to tell the difference between an eggshell and a banana peel – as pictured below.

After 4-8 weeks in a bin, finished compost should be uniform in appearance, pleasant in odor

Finished compost can be added to garden beds of any type to reinvigorate the soil with oodles of beneficial microbes and nutrients hellbent on improving the overall condition for any living thing. Compost will help break up clay-like soils and replenish depleted areas organically.

Adding finished compost to the garden bed will reinvigorate the soil

Okkervil River ACL handout 6/18/2009

Hannah and I were lucky enough to attend Okkervil River’s taping for the Austin City Limits television program. It was a lovely set which reminded me that Will Sheff is an incredible lyricist and is backed by a very talented band. Great stuff. If you aren’t familiar with this band, get their last two records (The Stand Ins, The Stage Names) - they are both brilliant.

I enjoyed this video by Michael Shermer and thought I’d share it with y’all. It demonstrates what kind of hoops and hurdles creationists must jump when they claim the creation story in Genesis is anything other than a mythic saga.

All Leather – I Don’t Hate Fags, God Does from Dim Mak on Vimeo.

I’m back, y’all! This A-W-E-S-O-M-E new video from All Leather (featuring dudes from Maniqui Lazer, Some Girls and the Locust) inspired me to get off my ass and back on WithCheesePlease. I need the outlet. This vid for “I Don’t Hate Fags, God Does” is from the forthcoming Hung Like a Horse EP and geez-oh-pete am I excited. I’ve been fortunate enough to stream the record a few times, and it does rock – indeed. I love me some All Leather.

Otis y chadly con q

Thumbs Up: Jack-o-lanterns, costumes and Satan!

Thumbs Down: Folks who think it is OK to vote for McCain/Palin. Holy shit!

Jack-O by yours truly..

]]> http://withcheeseplease.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/brains/feed/ 0 Chadly con Queso Otis http://withcheeseplease.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/showin-the-orange-thing-whos-boss/ http://withcheeseplease.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/showin-the-orange-thing-whos-boss/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:34:26 +0000 Chadly con Queso http://withcheeseplease.wordpress.com/?p=235 ]]>

Thumbs UP: Destroying pumpkins and mocking their existence by carving them up to resemble humans.

Thumbs Up: The furious storm of sound known as Racebannon visited our fair city Sunday night, smashing all present with a smattering of Acid or Blood and their forthcoming Six Sick Sisters‘ records. As usual, this Indiana quartet melted brains in the audience with an extremely high dose of pummel, punch and riffs. Unlike many active heavy bands, Racebannon shoot for the jugular with precision and force – rather than speed and flash. It was enough to leave me reeling in delight, happy just to see one more show from these unlikely Hoosiers. Buy the new record, out now on Southern Records.

Queso & Will Sheff

Thumbs Up: Okkervil River’s latest, the Stand Ins. As a consummate fan of the Locust and all things fiery, one may find my affinity for Okkervil a bit odd. Truth is, I’m a lover of genuine art and the genius behind it. Will Sheff is a one-of-a-kind among a pantheon of wannabes. If you can’t enjoy the Stand Ins for it’s lyrical wit, melodic teasing or dramatic resilience, then, well…screw you.

Bonus: the cool YouTube channel devoted to the Stand Ins.