Find Out How To Compost Successfully In Utah’s Arid Climate

Is Desert Composting Possible?

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I was having breakfast with a family member in northern Utah. We were making omelets in a bag—which were extremely delicious—and if you want to try this idea, there are plenty of online sources. Here’s one. After cracking the eggs and chopping the vegetables, he scooped up the scraps, opened the kitchen door, and disappeared outside. He came back empty-handed, which made me ask where he had placed the scraps. That’s when he told me about his composting project.

Hot and Humid Composting is Easy

We used to live in Houston Texas and I tried my hand at composting there. It was easy as things seemed to compost without any help at all in the hot, humid climate. I think some of the food waste was breaking down in the time it took me to walk back into the house after making a deposit. but I had heard that composting in the desert is impossible.

Tips for Desert Composting

It turns out you can compost in southern Utah, but there are some considerations that you should consider for composting in the hot, dry desert.

Read More: Is Composting a Body Legal in Utah?

First, our heat is great for composting, but it can be too intense. Look for shady areas to compost so the punishing heat doesn't overwhelm the organisms that break down the waste. The second big issue is the dry heat. You need to add water and often. Your compost will want to dry out, so keep adding moisture and keep it enclosed so the desert doesn't mummify all of your hard work.