Home Composting Guide: Transform Kitchen Scraps and Garden Waste into Nutrient-Rich Soil and Minimize Trash Output
Going Green at Home: A Composting Guide for Beginners
17
JUNE, 2022
By Aileen Richter
Let's talk trash, specifically organic waste, and how it's ruining our environment. Did you know that organic waste accounts for nearly one-third of the trash we generate daily? That's a big chunk! This pollutant can be reduced by 30% with something as simple as composting. And guess what? You don't need a massive garden to get started. In fact, composting can be done indoors, and we'll show you how.
So, what's the deal with composting? And why should you care?
Composting is essentially the process of recycling organic materials, like food scraps and garden waste, into a natural fertilizer. This recycled matter enriches the soil, helping plants thrive, and acts as a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers. It even creates an environment for beneficial organisms, like worms, bugs, and fungi, to flourish.
The result? A rich, nutrient-dense substance often called "black gold." You can use it for both agricultural purposes and to enrich soil in your own garden.
Ready to give composting a try? Follow these four easy steps.
1. Gather the Right Organic Waste
First things first, collect the right organic waste. In general,opt for "greens" and "browns." Greens provide Nitrogen and include food scraps, green lawn clippings, kitchen waste, and green leaves. Browns, on the other hand, add Carbon and include egg shells, coffee grounds, dried leaves or straw. Aim for a 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. The most important thing is that the quantity of browns predominates.
Did you know that eggshells, vegetable peels, and even teabags can contribute to your compost bin?
2. Choose the Right Place and Compost Bin
Contrary to popular belief, composting is not just for those with extensive gardening spaces. Even tiny spaces, like your kitchen or basement, can accommodate a compost bin. A popular method for compact living is vermiculture, which uses worms to convert waste into a nutrient-rich substance.
Indoor composting bins can be plastic storage cans with lids, garbage cans (plastic or metal), or even wooden garbage cans. A 18-gallon bin is suitable for households of two to four people.
Opt for plastic or metal garbage cans to get started with composting.
3. Prepare Your Compost Bin for Vermiculture
For efficient composting, make sure your bin is well-ventilated. Punch a few holes into the lid and sides of the container to allow airflow. Also, ensure that your compost bin has good drainage to prevent water buildup.
Before adding worms, cover the bottom of the container with a few layers of wet paper or cardboard. This provides a home for your wriggly helpers and keeps the moisture levels in check.
Punch a few holes in your compost bin for proper air circulation.
4. Add Your Food Scraps, Wait, and Harvest
Now, let the composting adventure begin! Chop your food scraps into small pieces and bury them in the bedding. This makes it easier for the worms to process the food quickly.
One of the benefits of vermiculture is that you won't have to turn the compost by hand. Instead, the worms naturally aerate the compost as they churn through it.
To harvest the finished compost, separate the fully composted waste from the partially composted waste by moving them to opposite sides of the bin. In a couple of weeks, your wriggly helpers will move to the partially composted waste pile, allowing you to harvest the nutrient-rich fertilizer.
After a few months, you'll have ready-to-use compost to nourish your indoor or garden plants.
So there you have it! Composting is simpler than you might think, and it's a great way to reduce organic waste, contribute to the well-being of your plants, and help save the environment. Happy composting!
Have a question about composting? Need help setting up your compost bin? Reach out to our team of experts for assistance.
- Organic waste, such as food scraps and garden waste, can be recycled into a natural fertilizer through the process of composting, enriching the soil and helping plants thrive.
- Composting can reduce the amount of organic waste that contributes to climate change by up to 30%, making it a simple yet effective solution for reducing pollution.
- Composting doesn't require a large garden, as it can be done indoors if necessary, and vermiculture (using worms) is a popular method for compact living spaces.
- To ensure efficient composting, gather the right organic waste, with a 3:1 ratio of "browns" (such as egg shells and dried leaves) to "greens" (such as food scraps and green lawn clippings).
- Choose a suitable compost bin, such as a plastic storage can or a wooden garbage can, and make sure it is well-ventilated with holes for airflow and good drainage.
- Before adding worms to the compost bin, cover the bottom with a few layers of wet paper or cardboard to provide a home for the worms and maintain moisture levels.
- Chop food scraps into small pieces, bury them in the bedding, and let the worms naturally aerate the compost.
- In a couple of weeks, separate the fully composted waste from the partially composted waste to harvest the nutrient-rich fertilizer.
- The benefits of composting extend beyond the environment, as it also promotes sustainable-living, organic gardening, and can be a part of an eco-conscious lifestyle, even in the home-and-garden setting of Africa.
