How does composting work?

Composting speeds up the natural decay of organic matter by providing the ideal conditions for decomposition. Composting can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the conditions. The key to effective composting is to create an environment of warm temperatures, nutrients, moisture, and oxygen. A balance of “greens” (nitrogen rich material, typically food waste) and “browns” (carbon rich material, typically yard waste) are also important. When all these aspects come together, the organic matter breaks down and in 6-12 weeks it turns to nutrient-rich compost for soil!