As a teen, I frequently got quite stressy-depressy-lemon-zesty whenever I thought about the fact that all of my family's compostable trash and food scraps still end in a landfill and never decompose due to the lack of oxygen in trash piles.
Once I moved out, I picked up my first tumbling composter as soon as I had an apartment with a large enough balcony to accomodate it. Although I didn't have a garden yet and thus couldn't benefit from the incredibly valuable soil product myself, I was just stoked to drastically cut down on my trash. So I'm super excited to talk about composting today, as I have a really deep passion for the absolute win-win that is turning your waste into garden gold!
What is Composting?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter (like your kitchen scraps and garden clippings) into nutrient-rich soil. It’s a natural process where microorganisms, worms, and more break down your waste into compost, which is like a superfood for your plants. Plus, it reduces the amount of garbage sent to landfills – a win-win for you and the environment.
What Can Be Composted?
Understanding what goes into your compost is crucial. Think of ‘greens’ and ‘browns’ – greens are nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and coffee grounds. Browns are carbon-rich and include items like dried leaves, cardboard, and straw. A good mix of these two types of materials keeps your compost healthy and happy! The greens provide moisture and nitrogen, while the browns add carbon and help create air pockets for better aeration. Here are some examples of what can and cannot be composted.
✔ Can Be Composted - Greens (Nitrogen-rich materials):
Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: Apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops, etc.
Coffee Grounds and Filters: Coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen.
Tea Bags: Ensure they are not made of synthetic fibers.
Garden Waste: Fresh grass clippings and green plant trimmings.
Eggshells: Although slow to break down, they add calcium.
Hair and Fur: In small quantities.
Cooked Pasta and Rice: In moderation, as they can attract pests.
✔ Can Be Composted - Browns (Carbon-rich materials):
Cardboard and Paper: Non-glossy, shredded paper, and cardboard egg cartons.
Dryer and Vacuum Cleaner Lint: If composed of natural fibers.
Nut Shells: Except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to some plants.
Sawdust: From untreated wood.
Leaves: Dried leaves provide essential carbon.
✖ Cannot Be Composted:
Meat, Fish, and Dairy Products: Can create odor problems and attract pests.
Fats, Grease, and Oils: Can attract pests and are difficult to break down.
Diseased or Insect-Ridden Plants: Can spread diseases or pests to your compost.
Pet Waste: Can contain parasites and germs.
Weeds That Go to Seed: Seeds might survive and sprout later.
Coal or Charcoal Ash: Can contain harmful substances.
Glossy or Coated Paper: Contains chemicals and inks that are harmful.
Plastic, Glass, Metals: Non-biodegradable materials.
Treated Wood Products: Can contain toxic chemicals.
Synthetic Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
Setting Up Your Compost System
Starting your compost journey isn’t as daunting as it seems. The basics you’ll need include a compost container, a location for your compost, whether indoors, on a balcony, or in your yard, and a mix of green and brown materials as discussed above.
Choosing the Right Compost Bin: Your choice of compost bin can vary based on your space and needs. For smaller spaces like balconies or patios, a compact tumbler or a countertop composter works well. For larger gardens, you might opt for an open bin or a larger tumbler. Some popular options include:
Tumblers: These are great for speeding up the composting process as they can be easily turned to aerate the pile. My first compost was a dual tumbler that let me add to one side while letting the other side rest. I loved it!
Worm Composters: Perfect for indoor composting, worm composters (vermicomposting systems) are efficient and odor-free.
Open Bins: These will definitely have a bit of a compost-scent-radius, but are really easy and low-maintenance. You can also create your own compost bin using materials like wood pallets or a simple wire mesh.
Location Matters: Place your compost bin in a spot that's easily accessible yet out of direct sunlight. Too much sun can dry out your compost. If you're composting indoors, choose a well-ventilated area to avoid any odor issues.
Daily and Weekly Composting Routines
Daily Routine:
Adding to Your Compost: Keep a small container in your kitchen for daily compostable waste. This makes it easy to collect fruit peels, coffee grounds, and other kitchen scraps. Empty this into your compost bin at the end of the day.
Monitor Moisture Levels: Your compost should have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add some water or more greens. If too wet, add more browns.
Weekly Routine:
Turning Your Compost: If you have a tumbler, give it a few spins once a week. For static bins, use a garden fork or a compost aerator to turn the materials. This helps aerate the pile and speeds up the decomposition process.
Check the Temperature: A healthy compost pile will generate heat. You can use a compost thermometer to check if it’s in the ideal range (between 135°F and 160°F).
Monitor for Pests: Regularly check for signs of pests like rodents. A well-maintained balance and a secure bin usually keep pests at bay.
Troubleshooting Common Composting Issues
Odor: If your compost starts to smell, it might be too wet or lack aeration. Add more browns and turn it more frequently.
Slow Decomposition: This could be due to lack of moisture, nitrogen, or aeration. Adjust your green-to-brown ratio, add water if it’s dry, and ensure regular turning.
Harvesting Your Compost
The moment of truth – when is your compost ready? Well, it looks and smells like rich, dark soil and should be ready in a few months, depending on your method and maintenance. Sieve it out and use it to give your plants a boost of nutrition!
Advanced Composting Tips
Feeling adventurous? Why not try out worm composting or explore the Japanese method of Bokashi. These methods can be more efficient and faster at breaking down your scraps.
For those of you that are in the mood to dig deeper (no pun intended) into the world of composting, there are heaps of resources out there. From local workshops to online forums and gardening clubs, the composting community is vast and always willing to help out a fellow composter. I will be starting a completely new compost system as soon as spring starts here, so I am excited to share my new findings, tips, and tricks!
Conclusion
Composting might seem a little intimidating at first, but it is 1000% worth the effort. I personally get so much satisfaction from turning what would have been waste into something beneficial! So if you have the space and resources available, why not give it a try? Your garden (and the planet) will thank you! 😊