Waste management is always a huge issue because we produce so much material that can harm the environment. Food and green waste are major issues because they create methane gas, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Therefore, finding ways to reduce food and green waste is essential. There’s no better way of doing this than composting.
Composting is breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and leaves, into a nutrient-rich matter that can be used to improve the health of your garden. Composting is a great way to reduce the waste that goes to the landfill and helps your plants grow and thrive. However, few people know how to do it, much less how it works. For this reason, we’ll discuss the details in this article.
More about Composting
Composting is a process that occurs naturally, but it can be accelerated by adding the right ingredients and following some simple steps. Composting is essentially the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. This process is helped by adding air and water, which provide the organisms with the oxygen they need to thrive.
As the microorganisms break down the organic matter, they release nutrients essential for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are then available for plants to uptake through their roots. Compost also contains beneficial microorganisms that help improve the health of the soil, making it more fertile and better able to support plant growth.
What Should Be Included?
It’s worth noting that composting requires carbon and nitrogen-rich components to be effective. Carbon-rich materials are referred to as “browns,” while nitrogen-rich materials are known as “greens.” A good ratio of browns to greens is about 3:1 because it ensures even distribution.
The best carbon-rich materials for composting include:
- Dry leaves
- Straw
- Paper
- Wood chip
- Sawdust
Conversely, the best nitrogen-rich materials for composting include:
- Fresh leaves
- Grass clippings
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
You must also avoid adding materials that might attract pests or potentially harm microorganisms, such as meat, bones, dairy products, or oils.
How to Compost
Composting is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need tools such as a bin, shovel, and gloves. Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to layer them. You can compost in any container you like, as long as it has a lid and holes for aeration. There are even specially made compost bins, or you can simply use a trash can or bucket. If you’re composting in a bucket, you’ll need to turn it every few days to mix the waste and aerate it.
The steps for composting are as follows:
- Step 1: Choose a bin. You can buy a commercial bin or build your own out of wood or wire mesh. The bin should be at least 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep. Place the bin in a shady spot in your yard.
- Step 2: Add a layer of organic material, such as leaves, grass clippings, or fruit and vegetable scraps. After that, add a layer of soil or compost. This will help to aerate the compost and provide nutrients for the microorganisms.
- Step 3: Add another layer of organic material and another layer of soil or compost. Repeat this process until the bin is full.
- Step 4: Water the compost to be moist but not too wet.
- Step 5: Turn the compost regularly with a shovel or pitchfork. This will aerate the compost and help to speed up the decomposition process.
- Step 6: The compost is ready to use when it is dark and crumbly. This usually takes about 3-6 months.
Sometimes, the composting process may require extra steps, such as adding more green materials if the compost pile isn’t decomposing quickly. Conversely, additional brown materials should be added if the pile is too wet or smells bad. Depending on the surrounding temperature, you may also need to turn the compost more frequently.
Composting Tips
To make composting easier, here are some practical tips:
Wrap Food Waste in Newspaper Before Composting
Wrapping fruit and vegetable waste in a newspaper before composting is recommended because it will prevent fruit flies from getting to the compost pile. As such, your compost will be free from pests for better usage.
Start Composting in Spring
It’s recommended to start composting in spring when the temperature is warm enough to encourage the breakdown of organic matter. This will also help you eliminate leftover food waste from the winter season.
Use Chicken Wire to Keep Out Pests
Aside from newspapers, chicken wire is also an effective measure to protect your compost from pets, especially bigger ones such as raccoons.
Put Your Compost Bin in a Position with Decent Sunlight
Sunlight is necessary for composting because it heats the compost, which speeds up the decomposition process. However, it should only be enough because too much sunlight can dry the compost.
Do You Need a Compost Bin?
Most people usually get a proper container for their composting efforts. However, a compost bin is better because it protects your compost from animals and the elements. It also makes it easy to turn the compost, which is necessary for aeration.
When getting a compost bin, the size should be based on the amount of organic waste you generate. If you have a small garden, you can get a small bin. You should get a larger bin if you have a big garden or create a lot of waste.
The type of bin you get will also depend on the amount of space you have. You can get an open bin if you have a lot of space. Conversely, you can get a closed bin if your space is limited.
The material of your bin will also affect its durability and how easy it is to clean. If you want a durable bin that is easy to clean, you should get one made of plastic. If you want a more affordable bin, you can get one made of wood.
Can I Compost Even If I Don’t Have a Garden?
Many believe they shouldn’t bother with composting if they don’t have a garden. However, this isn’t the case because composting also helps the environment. Because you’re not throwing away your food waste, you’re not adding to the amount of waste that goes to the landfill. This is important because when food decomposes in a landfill, it emits methane gas, a greenhouse gas.
You can sell it for a profit if you don’t have a garden. Many gardeners and farm owners will be happy to pay for compost. You can also donate it to a food bank or community garden. Of course, you can also give it to your friends who garden.
Conclusion
Everyone is encouraged to engage in composting because it helps the environment aside from plants. Of course, you must do it properly to ensure it’s effective and does its job. What matters is pouring time and effort into making fertile compost that can benefit the environment.
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