How to Compost in Mohave County, Arizona

Compost is made when organic waste is gathered together to decompose into nutrients and soil conditioners that can be used for gardening and farming. Mohave Country, Ariz.. with average temperatures ranging from the mid-90s F in summer to lows above freezing in winter, has an ideal climate for producing compost quickly and continuously. The combination of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and water produces heat that encourages bacteria, worms and fungi to break up the material into natural fertilizers and mulch, while creating natural pesticides. If the compost pile is watered and turned regularly, the relatively hot Mohave County climate will produce compost in weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Compost bin
• Garden fork or shovel
• Cardboard or clean paper
• Egg shells
• Leaves and yard trimmings
• Fruit and vegetables scraps
• Coffee and tea
• Nitrate fertilizer
• Soil, sand or clay

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Dig a hole 4 inches to 6 inches deep that is slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the compost bin. Place the compost bin in the hole and pile the dirt, sand or clay around the outsides, keeping a small amount aside.

   • 2

     Remove the compost bin lid and add materials to be composted, beginning with easily decayed items such as kitchen waste (do not use meat), followed by leaves and grass clippings, shredded or torn paper and cardboard.

     Sprinkle a tablespoon of nitrate fertilizer on the pile to encourage decomposition. Cover with a shovelful of dirt, sand or clay dug from the hole.

     Water lightly and evenly. Turn the materials lightly with a fork and replace the compost bin lid tightly.

   • 3

     Turn the compost pile every few days, or each time you add new material. The compost will steam if decomposing properly - this is a result of the heat generated by all the microorganisms working to break down the organic material. When the compost at the bottom of the compost bin is dark, fragmented and no longer wet to the touch, it is ready to add to gardens or planters.