What is Composting?
Composting is nature’s way of breaking down organic matter into a rich, nutrient-packed material called “compost.” This process happens naturally with the help of microorganisms, fungi, and insects that decompose the organic material.
Many gardeners use compost as a natural alternative to synthetic fertilizers because it nourishes the soil with essential nutrients that support healthy plant growth. Unlike synthetic fertilizers that quickly release nutrients, compost acts as a slow-release fertilizer, gradually delivering nutrients over time.
You can easily make compost at home from everyday food scraps. Yes, those scraps we usually throw away can be transformed into a powerful fertilizer for your garden or flowers.
Why Compost? The Benefits of Composting
As mentioned by thegoodhuman.com, here’s a staggering statistic: each year, the average American family tosses out around 2,460 pounds of paper, 540 pounds of metals, 480 pounds of glass, and 480 pounds of food scraps. That’s a lot of waste!
In Boulder County, a 2010 study found that nearly 47% of the trash generated by households consisted of organic waste, with around 13-15% being food waste. While these numbers are specific to Boulder, it gives a general idea of the amount of organic waste we could be recycling through composting.
Environmental Benefits
By composting, you can turn a significant portion of that organic waste into valuable fertilizer for your plants, all while helping the environment. In landfills, waste breaks down and releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. However, when organic materials decompose in the presence of oxygen (as they do in composting), they don’t produce methane, making composting an eco-friendly choice.
Improves Soil Water Retention
Compost can also improve soil quality by helping it retain moisture. If you have soil that struggles to hold water, mixing in compost can help. It allows water to reach the plant roots more easily, keeps the soil moist for longer, and gives plants better access to oxygen. This means healthier plants with less effort!
Nutrient-Rich Soil for Healthier Plants
Just as we need vitamins and minerals, plants require nutrients to thrive. Without them, soil can become depleted, leading to unhealthy plants and increased susceptibility to disease. Compost replenishes the soil, restoring vital nutrients so your plants grow healthier and stronger.
Chemical-Free, Healthier Vegetables
Many commercial fertilizers are packed with chemicals that force plants to grow quickly but are harmful to our health when consumed. By using homemade compost, you avoid these harmful chemicals. Your plants will thrive in a natural environment, and your body won’t be exposed to dangerous substances.
Save Money
If you have a garden, you’ve likely bought fertilizer at least once. Composting food scraps provides a constant, cost-free supply of fertilizer, saving you money on store-bought options. It’s a win for both your wallet and the planet!
Types of Composting
There are two main types of composting, depending on how actively you manage your pile:
1. Active Composting (HOT Composting)
This method requires you to actively manage your compost by turning it, watering it, and ensuring proper oxygen flow.
Advantages:
- Your compost will be ready in a shorter time (from several weeks to a few months).
Disadvantages:
- Requires more effort and attention.
2. Passive Composting (COLD Composting)
With passive composting, you simply add materials to a pile and let nature do the work. You don’t need to worry much about it.
Advantages:
- Can be done on a large scale with minimal effort.
- Doesn’t require a compost tumbler or bin.
Disadvantages:
- Takes longer (usually over a year).
- Requires a large space, making it less suitable for small urban gardens.
Composting Techniques
There are several ways to make compost, but the most common methods include:
1. Compost from Food Scraps
You can compost your household food scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. To balance the high carbon content of food scraps, add organic materials like dried leaves, straw, or shredded newspaper. This type of compost is perfect for almost any plant.
2. Manure Compost
Manure compost is made from the waste of herbivores, like cows, horses, and chickens. Manure is rich in nutrients but should never be used fresh because it contains high levels of nitrogen, which can harm plants. It’s best to let the manure decompose before using it. Be cautious when using sheep or other dry manure, as it may contain weed seeds.
3. Vermicompost (Worm Composting)
Vermicomposting uses earthworms (typically red wigglers) to break down organic waste, especially food scraps. This method is a bit more complex, so we’ll stick with the basics of composting food scraps for now.
How to Compost at Home
There are two popular ways to compost at home: a compost pile or a compost bin.
- Compost Pile: If you have a large garden, you can start a compost pile in a corner of your yard. Just make sure it’s far from your neighbor’s property and water sources.
- Compost Bin: For smaller spaces, a compost bin is ideal. You can buy one or easily make your own from old plastic bins or wood pallets. A compost bin helps keep pests away and maintains moisture.
Tip: Compost tumblers are easier to use than static bins because they allow you to rotate the mixture more easily. It’s less strenuous on your back than using a pitchfork to turn a compost pile.
What You Need for Composting
Composting isn’t just about throwing food scraps together; it’s a little bit of chemistry! There are four key elements needed for successful composting:
- Browns (Carbon) – Dried leaves, straw, cardboard, wood chips, and sawdust.
- Greens (Nitrogen) – Food scraps, garden plant stalks, grass clippings, and flowers.
- Oxygen – The compost needs to breathe, so it should be well-ventilated.
- Water – The compost mixture should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist but not dripping wet.
For the best results, aim for a 30:1 ratio of carbon to nitrogen. Don’t worry too much about the exact amounts—if you get it wrong at first, you can always adjust by adding more greens or browns.
What Can and Can’t Be Composting
Things You CAN Compost:
- Greens: Fruits and vegetables (including peels), flowers, grass clippings, plant stalks.
- Browns: Dried leaves, sawdust, wood chips, coffee grounds, cardboard, hay, straw, nutshells.
- Neutrals: Eggshells, wood ash.
Things You CANNOT Compost:
- Meat, cheese, or bones.
- Weeds with seeds.
- Paper treated with chemicals.
- Diseased plants.
- Dog or cat feces.
- Charcoal ash or synthetic fibers.
Composting Steps
- Layer Your Materials: Start with a layer of carbon-rich materials (like dried leaves), then add a layer of greens (like food scraps). Repeat until your pile or bin is full.
- Turn the Pile: If you’re using a compost bin or pile, make sure to turn it regularly to add oxygen. Compost tumblers make this process even easier.
- Keep It Moist: Ensure your compost has enough moisture—like a wrung-out sponge. If it gets too dry, add more greens; if it’s too wet, add more browns.
When is Compost Ready?
After several months of composting, your mixture should look like dark, crumbly soil. It should smell earthy, not rotten. If it still looks like food scraps or yard waste, give it more time to decompose.
And there you have it—a simple, natural way to recycle organic waste and nourish your garden! Happy composting!Tools
Conclusion
Composting at home is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to enrich your soil and promote healthy plant growth. With the right materials, composting can be a simple and rewarding process. Whether you choose hot or cold composting, make sure to balance your greens and browns, provide oxygen and moisture, and be patient while the magic happens!
FAQs
Q: Can I compost meat and dairy products?
👉 No, it’s best to avoid composting meat, dairy, or bones because they attract pests and slow down the composting process.
Q: How do I speed up the composting process?
👉 Turn the pile regularly to add oxygen, and maintain the correct moisture level. Smaller pieces of material decompose faster, so chop large items before adding them.
Q: What should I do if my compost smells bad?
👉 A bad odor usually indicates that the compost is too wet or lacks oxygen. Turn the pile and add more browns (carbon-rich material) to balance it out.
Happy composting, and enjoy the benefits of a thriving, chemical-free garden! 🌱
