Composting

Composting 

Composting gives a boost of vitality and rejuvenation to the garden, adding to its health and beauty. With multiple benefits, it is quite a common and cost-effective way to enrichen the yard. Easy and effective, it makes use of garden waste to make macro-nutrients that bring depleted soil to life. You can achieve this with organic compost, and other means. 

The Benefits of Composting 

Organic compost is a great soil conditioner that helps to retain soil moisture. Compost reduces waste by about 30%. It is an easier, cost-effective, and environment-friendly way to revitalize the garden. Using vermicompost and mushroom compost, for example, is a great way to get nutrient-rich manure for the soil.

The process introduces microbes to the soil helping it to aerate. It breaks down beneficial organics and keeps all types of plant disease at bay. A great alternative to fertilizers, it is a great way to save the environment from harmful chemicals. 

Compost Methods

• The “No Turn” Method

Repeatedly turning over compost can be frustrating. The no turn method is a great alternative to the chore and provides even higher nitrogen levels than with turned compost. For home composts, mix an adequate amount of the coarse material when building the pile. This will help to develop the compost faster.  

• Compost Bins

The garden compost bins offer small-scale outdoor practicality for homes. These come in a large variety that depends on the setting as well as how soon you need the compost. For instance, garden compost bins can easily be made at home, digesters are great for urban composts and the tumblers are efficient to compost all year-round. 

Worm Farming

Vermicompost

It is derived from when earthworms are used to extract fertilizer from organic waste. Special breeds are required for worm composting that thrive in the decomposing matter. It is a great way to get rid of all the food scraps without any waste.

Tiger Worms

Tiger Worms have a great appetite and can devour any organic material. Food scraps are put in the worm farm as and when required and tiger worms in the farm eat their way through it, giving free compost for the garden.

They take up very little space, don’t smell, and are efficient food processors. All types of food such as eggshells, vegetable peels, and tea bags are easily devoured. Worm composting is an excellent method to get nutrient-dense compost in a faster and efficient way.

Urban Composting

People living in apartments or city settings can also reduce their organic waste through urban composting. They can easily produce their own compost for potted plants, balcony planters, or the plot in the local community garden. 

What to Compost 

The raw materials that can be included in the compost should come from organic waste. There is a large variety of content that can be processed to make compost and the more waste is used the more it is kept away from landfills, making this process fruitful for both the garden and the environment. 

Grass trimmings are the quintessential compost ingredient. This is due to the high carbon content. Generally, the following ingredients can be used:

• Leaves

• Grass clippings

• Brush trimmings

• Organic Manure 

• Any and all non-animal food scraps: peelings, fruits, vegetables

• Bread, cereal, coffee grounds and filters, tea leaves, and tea bags (preferably minus the staples)

• Old wine

• Pet bedding from herbivores

• Dry cat or dog food

• Dust from sweeping and vacuuming

• Dryer lint

• Old herbs and spices

What not to Compost

There should be a balance of green waste with watery materials and other brown waste for perfect processing. While some ingredients are vital and contribute to a great compost, others simply do not work. 

It is important to stay away from certain materials because they either do not help with the process, slow it down, create a foul odor, or lure pests. Some of the materials can also be harmful to plants as well. Therefore, experts suggest keeping away from:

• Meat, fish, egg, or poultry scraps
• Dairy products 
• Fats, grease, lard, or oils 
• Coal or charcoal ash 
• Diseased or insect-ridden plants 
• Pet waste like cat or dog feces
• Yard trimmings treated with pesticides
• Black walnut tree leaves or twigs 

Tips for a Successful Compost

Compost should be triggered with the right activators. Some of these are comfrey leaves, grass clippings, young weeds, and well-rotted chicken manure. To keep flies away, sprinkle enough grass clippings to cover the pile where food is exposed. Sprinkling lime and calcium also helps get rid of the flies and keeps the odour in control. 

A steamy pile of compost is an indication that everything is going well and the microbes are busy creating compost. To avoid the materials from sticking together, regularly pitchfork the pile. It helps keep items separate. The addition of grass clippings and leaves also achieves good results.