Composting is the process in which organic matter such as leaves and food scraps breaks down into soil. It is an excellent method to recycle waste from your yard and kitchen while also enriching the soil in your garden. Apart from this, many eco-friendly options, like bamboo toothbrushes or cork packaging, are fully compostable!
In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of composting and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to start your own compost.
The Benefits of Composting
It reduces waste
Composting allows you to avoid organic materials —such as food scraps and paper products— from ending up in landfills. This helps reduce the amount of waste that produces harmful greenhouse gasses through anaerobic decomposition.
When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting provides an alternative by promoting aerobic decomposition, which produces significantly less methane emissions.
It enriches your soil
Compost is a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil with organic matter, essential nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms, promoting healthy plant growth and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. It improves your soil quality, fortifying its structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content.
It saves money
Composting reduces the need for store-bought fertilizers, soil conditioners, and mulch. Using homemade compost you can save money on gardening supplies and promote a sustainable approach to gardening.
It encourages biodiversity
Compost attracts beneficial organisms such as earthworms, insects, and microbes that improve soil health and enhance biodiversity in your garden. These organisms break down organic matter, aerate the soil, and improve nutrient cycling.
How to start your own compost
Choose a method
Decide between traditional backyard composting or using a composting bin or tumbler. All of these methods are effective, so choose the one that suits your space and needs.
- Backyard composting: A composting pile is a great way to start composting and consists of starting a heap or pile of organic matter that needs to be turned occasionally to aerate it.
- Composting bins: If you don’t have a backyard, composting in your kitchen is possible using different types of indoor compost bins.They include a charcoal filter in the lid that helps with any potential odors.
- Composting tumblers: Compost tumblers are bins that sit on a sorting wheel and can be easily turned for aeration.
BONUS TIP! If for any reason you can’t compost at home, there are many composting services that accept community composting. You can find your closest composting service on this website (US only).
Select a location
Find a suitable spot in your yard that is convenient yet somewhat hidden. Ensure it has good drainage and is easily accessible for adding and turning the compost.
Gather compostable materials
Collect kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels and coffee grounds. Also, include yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and small branches. The pile will break down faster if you add both “browns” (dry ingredients such as dead leaves, newspaper, and cardboard) and “greens” (wet stuff such as food scraps, lawn clippings, and fresh manure).
“Greens” contain plenty of nitrogen while “browns” have more carbon, and your pile needs both. The usual ratio is 2 parts “browns” to 1 part “greens,” but you can vary this ratio somewhat.
Maintain moisture and aeration
Keep your compost moist but not overly wet (by mixing “browns” and “greens” like we previously said). Regularly turn the pile or use a composting bin with aeration features to ensure proper airflow and decomposition.
Use your compost!
Over time, your compost pile will break down into dark, crumbly soil. Once your compost is fully decomposed (usually within 2-12 months), it is ready to use in your garden. Spread it around plants, mix it with potting soil, or use it as a top dressing for your lawn.
Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste, improve soil health, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Embrace the art of composting, and watch your garden flourish while making a positive difference in the world.
At Ntdf.* we have been including more and more compostable items into our catalog. It’s incredibly important for us to minimize the waste we produce, which is why we will always use fully compostable packaging and recycled shipping boxes.