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Composting Publications, Resources, and Plans

A collection of composting publications, ranging from composting methods and techniques to schematics for various composting systems.

Publications

Compost in the backyard

Quick tips for composting your kitchen, yard and garden waste.

Aug 2017 | Article

Choosing a Composting System

Various methods to composting.

Aug 2017 | Fact Sheet

Composting with worms

Information about how to use worms to compost.

Dec 2017 | Article

Do the rot thing - choosing and using a composting system

Covers several methods of composting and when to use each one. Including sheet mulch composting, low-fuss composting, add-as-you-go composting, hot composting, tumbler composting, and food or pet waste digesters.

Aug 2017 | Article

Local Resources

Compost and Worm Bin Resources

A list of local resources for composting materials in Lane County.

Mar 2018 | Fact Sheet

Leaf Collection and Delivery Program

Eugene's program for disposing of fall leaves.

Jul 2018 | Online resource

Videos

Recycling 101- Composting

A short video introduction to composting.

Jul 2012 | Video

Schematics

55 Gallon Worm Bin

Schematics for the construction of a 55 gallon, blue plastic compost barrel.

Ginny Ducale | Aug 2008 | Fact Sheet

3-Bin Compost System

Schematics for a 3 bin composting system.

Ginny Ducale | Apr 2008 | Fact Sheet

Lynn Ketchum photo of hands in worm compost
Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Garden Soil and Compost

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Related Content from OSU Extension

Interpreting Compost Analyses

Compost can return nutrients and organic matter to the soil, a proven practice for soil health enhancement. It can improve crop growth and provide environmental benefits by improving soil tilth and the soil’s capacity to absorb...

Dan M. Sullivan, Linda Brewer | Oct 2018 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How do I collect a soil sample for testing?

Collecting a soil sample for testing is easy. In this video, Dennis Brown, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Portland Metro Area, demonstrates how to take a soil sample in the garden. Video courtesy of Dennis Brown and Dave Meeker.

Dennis Brown, Dave Meeker | Apr 2021 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Getting soil tested in The Dalles

Get your soil tested on Thursdays in The Dalles.

Jul 2018 | Article

Do the rot thing - choosing and using a composting system

Covers several methods of composting and when to use each one. Including sheet mulch composting, low-fuss composting, add-as-you-go composting, hot composting, tumbler composting, and food or pet waste digesters.

Aug 2017 | Article

Three methods for no-turn cold composting

Recycling organic debris for composting and improving soil doesn’t have to be a chore! If hot composting is not for you, try one of these easy cold-composting methods. Each has advantages and disadvantages but the end result is the same: improved garden soil and less organic waste in landfill.

Jul 2017 | Article

Mulch is a key to no-till gardens

The crux of no-till gardening is to pile on enough mulch so that weeds don't germinate and grow up through it.

Tiffany Woods | Sep 6, 2012 | News story

Composting - should I turn, cover or both?

Hello, I am a home gardener that recently set up a simple three-sided compost bin made out of wood pallets. I have been putting in my leaf debris, grass clippings, chicken feathers, and home fruit/vegetable scraps. I was ...

Donald Lauer | Feb 2016 | Featured question

Pig poo probably problematic.

I've been told I shouldn't be using pig poo in my vegetable garden. Is this true? I pen the pigs in an area, let them till it up and mix their poo and hay in, then I move them into a new area and plant the ...

Weston Miller | Apr 2014 | Featured question

Myth vs. reality: What’s the truth behind some common gardening practices?

OSU experts bust some well-established myths

Kym Pokorny | Feb 10, 2017 | News story

How can I turn my garden into compost?

After pulling out plants from summer garden what procedure is necessary for prepping them for my compost pile. Also can I use stems and limbs in the pile. I do not have a shredder yet. Not sure I need to buy one.

Linda Brewer | Nov 2017 | Featured question

Pick a good mulch groundcover for your yard

When choosing mulch, "The coarser the better," according to Al Shay, an instructor in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University.

Aug 2, 2013 | News story

Are all compost tumblers created equal?

Looking to buy one but would like your opinion for easiest use and quality if you have a preference.

Linda Brewer | Jun 2019 | Featured question

Is charcoal a good soil amendment?

Do you have published, current, projected , research in the effects of charcoal amendment to agricultural soils/forest soils?

Chip Bubl | Jan 2018 | Featured question

What is mushroom compost?

Commercial mushroom growers in the Willamette Valley grow tons of mushrooms in an elaborate mixture that gardeners love - mushroom compost.

Carol Savonen | Feb 19, 2003 | News story

Composting with worms

Information about how to use worms to compost.

Dec 2017 | Article

Coffee grounds and composting

Coffee grounds are a great addition to the garden and compost pile. Help to recycle this great organic resource and reduce the amount of organics going to the landfill!

Jun 2018 | Article

Set seeds on the right path with homemade planting medium

Are the catalogs arriving? Get ahead of the game by making homemade seed mix.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 17, 2020 | News story

Create vegetable beds with 'lasagna' mulching

"Lasagna" composting is an easy method to start vegetable gardens.

Mar 20, 2009 | News story

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