How to Compost in the Desert

Composting using a compost pile is the most efficient way to recycle organic material, including kitchen and garden waste. You can dig organic waste directly into soil, but it will need time to break down efficiently and some organic matter can carry disease. All composting works on the concept that organic waste will break down into a rich, natural fertilizer if conditions encourage the growth of microbes and insects that help break down the waste. Although the concept of composting is the same wherever you live, composting in the desert requires special attention.

Wire mesh

Framing posts or wooden palettes

Green or dried garden waste

Optional kitchen scraps (no meat or meat sources)

Water

Build a porous container to hold your composting material that is large enough to hold at least a cubic yard. Suggested methods include: using a frame with posts and wire mesh walls; building a contained area with wooden palettes set on their sides; punching holes in a large trash can; or buying any of the diverse compost container models on the market.

Set up your composting container close enough to the house where it is convenient, but far enough away that you won’t attract wildlife. In the desert the sun will help heat up your compost pile, so don’t position your compost pile in the shade. The warmer your compost pile gets, the faster the materials will break down into useful compost. A fast-working compost heap will warm to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.

Gather your organic waste and layer moist products such as green garden material with drier additives such as dry, crispy leaves.

Water the compost heap on a regular basis. If a compost pile dries out, the microbes and insects that help decompose the composting materials will flee or die, and your heap will slow its decomposition. Don’t keep the heap wet, but aim for 40 percent to 60 percent moisture retention. With the dry air of desert climates, check your compost pile often to make sure it feels damp.

Turn your compost heap frequently to keep moist and drier materials mixed and to give all of your ingredients a chance to be exposed to the warmest temperatures in the center of the pile. Because desert climates can be hot and dry, turning the materials in your heap is particularly important to keep all the contents decomposing at a similar rate.

Bury food products from the kitchen or garden in the middle of the compost pile where they will attract less attention. Natural desert areas harbor plenty of rodents, but they aren’t welcome in your compost pile.

Add compost to your mulch and soil. Desert gardens usually have soil that is either sandy or rocky. Due to the lack of natural growth, desert soils are hungry for organic matter. Adding compost made from your own compost pile will save you the work of hauling off waste from your kitchen or garden and supply you with the perfect soil amendments to make your garden thrive—for free.

Good air circulation is particularly important in any compost pile to keep it healthy and to reduce odor. It is doubly so in the hot environment of the desert.

Avoid adding waste matter from meat and animal products. These tend to smell badly, attract undesirable wildlife and might contain dangerous organisms.