Do you often prepare or cook your meals at home? If yes, then maybe you've probably accumulated lots of food wastes now because of certain food parts you can't consume, such as banana peels or pineapple tops. So, how do you usually get rid of those?
If you're concerned about the environment, there's one method that won't involve sending these food wastes to the landfills—and that's composting. Regardless of where you reside, you can always start composting.
Quick Navigation
The Benefits Of Composting
Some households seem to have normalized the method of composting. They either start it by choosing a compost bin like these or simply creating a pile of waste in their backyards. Moreover, many perceive composting as a natural process of breaking down organic wastes. But do you know other benefits you'll gain from composting at home?
Here are the two significant benefits of composting at home:
-
Cuts down the trash in landfills
If you reduce the amounts of wastes sent to landfills, you're making two things happen: you're slowing down the piling up of rubbish, thus, preventing landfills from reaching their maximum capacity, and reducing the harmful emissions of methane gas.
-
Provides nutrient-rich soil
Composting benefits everyone, especially horticulturists. This strategy has dramatically improved the efficiency of their gardening tasks and plant growth. The healthy growing environment also seems beneficial to those who live in places with limited sources of healthy soil. Furthermore, fertilizers and nutrient-rich soil are not cheap; thus, composting will allow you to save more money!
Easy Steps To Start Composting At Home
With the significant benefits you can gain from composting, are you now more motivated to start such an environmentally friendly practice? Without further ado, here's what you need to know when making composts.
1. Assess Your Space
Do you have available space? Think of where you'll put your compost. But regardless of the vastness of the area, there are multiple ways to make compost. Aside from having a large compost pile, you can purchase compost bins or build a bin made of wood.
If you have a vast space in your yard, you can use a shovel to create a pile. But if you're planning to use compost bins, the large ones are said to have a rotating mechanism, which will save you time. Assess your area before making big purchases.
2. Differentiate Browns And Greens
The ‘browns' are carbon sources known to aid in composting and turning the soil into nutrient-rich soil. These ‘browns' consist of dried leaves, used paper, crop residues, pine needles, wood chips, bits of wood, and the like. Items like these seem to regulate the flow of air in the compost.
The ‘greens,' on the other hand, are household wastes such as food and vegetable wastes, yard clippings, teas, ground coffee, etc. These ‘greens' are thought to add nitrogen to your compost, which aids in making the soil fertile.
3. Know The Essential Organisms
Earthworms are well-known organisms that are good for composts. Aside from these, there are still many more essential microbes in the process of composting. They can be found in old composts, compost additives, potting soil, and farm animal wastes. One or more of these may be required for fertile compost.
4. Make Your Compost Layers
Once you know what to compost, where to place your compost, and which compost starter to use, you may start making your compost layers. Layer on the grass, straw, or twigs first. Then, add all of your ‘browns,' followed by your ‘greens.' Finally, include soil or animal manure. Wet it down but too much, since humidity might lead to the formation of molds and larvae.
When the compost is damp enough, start giving it a turn unless you're utilizing rotating bins. But if you aren't, get a shovel and mix them thoroughly.
5. Do Not Put In Harmful Elements
With the current progress of your compost, be sure to know which ones shouldn't be added. Such elements might foster the growth of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and germs.
Although manure from farm animals is suitable for your compost, you must avoid dog, bird, cat, and other pet excretions. Besides that, you must not add meat, oils, and dairy products. Lastly, citrus fruits aren't good for your compost, too. They seem to disrupt the pH levels in the soil, which could impede the process.
6. Learn How To Maintain Your Compost
Assuming that you've successfully set up your compost at home, the next thing you should do is to keep it that way. Here are some things you can do to keep your compost in good condition:
- Compost needs oxygen, so gradually rotate the pile.
- Your pile should also be adequately moistened.
- Make sure the heap has good drainage.
- Continue to add kitchen wastes to nourish the good microbes.
Final Thoughts
Composting requires patience, and you may encounter unpredictable situations. However, if you know which ingredients to include and to avoid, as well as how to properly maintain the compost, things may turn out nicely. Have faith in the process. In the end, you might achieve that plump and earthy mulch, ready to give life to your garden.