nyc compost project: composting calendar for grounds managers

Here's seasonal information for grounds managers to use when composting at a centralized facility:
fall | fall/winter | spring | summer
FALL
leaves • "Harvest" and set last year's compost aside. Or use it on beds and fall restoration projects.
• Set up collection crews for leaf and yard waste. Determine whether you're picking out garbage now or later during the composting process.
• Are you shredding the leaves? Pick up glass and metal litter first.
• Build new compost piles up to 6 feet high and 10 feet wide, as many feet long as you want.
• If you don't have the time and equipment (such as a front-end loader) for turning compost, then layer in perforated PVC pipes every 3 to 5 feet in your compost piles to help add air to your pile, so that you don't have to turn the compost as often.
• Add water to your compost piles. This is best done when adding leaves or turning the piles. Leaves should be moist, but not dripping wet.
FALL/WINTER
• Once built, compost piles should get hot (100°F to 140°F).
• Turn the compost piles about once a month to let in air and keep the temperature up.
• Add water if the piles seem dry.
• Piles will shrink; combine them if you like.
SPRING
• Turn compost less often (every few months). Piles run slower and cooler in spring.
• Add spring clean-up leaves to your piles—turn these once a month.
• Use finished compost (one year old or older) for spring planting and tree care.
SUMMER
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn!
• Store hedge clippings and brush for chipping. Use as mulch or add to compost piles.
• Don't let weeds grow on the piles and especially do not let them go to seed.
• Keep compost piles moist.
• Turn occasionally until compost is finished; then store until use.

For more information, see:
• how to compost
• compost science

nyc compost project | how to compost | compost science | nyc compost resources
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