Composting is a natural process that involves the decomposition of organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste. It’s an eco-friendly way to reduce your household waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden. If you’re new to composting, here’s everything you need to know about how to start composting at home:
What Is Composting?
Composting is the process by which organic materials are broken down into smaller pieces through the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. This creates a rich, dark substance called humus that can be used in gardens and landscapes as a soil amendment or mulch.
Why Should You Start Composting At Home?
There are many reasons why starting a compost pile at home makes sense. Here are just a few:
1. Reduce Waste – By composting your kitchen and yard waste, you can significantly reduce the amount of material going into your trash bin.
2. Create Nutritious Soil – Compost is packed with essential nutrients that plants crave, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and more.
3. Save Money – Instead of buying expensive fertilizers and soil amendments, you can make your own using compost.
4. Improve Water Retention – Compost helps improve soil structure, allowing it to retain moisture better during dry spells.
The Basics Of Starting Your Own Compost Pile
To get started with composting, there are three main ingredients you’ll need: carbon, nitrogen, and water. Carbon provides energy for the microbes that break down the organic matter, while nitrogen supplies protein and other important nutrients. The right balance between these two elements will help ensure that your compost pile heats up properly and breaks down quickly.
Here are some tips on what to include in your compost pile:
1. Brown Materials (Carbon) – Include dried leaves, shredded paper, straw, sawdust, wood chips, and other brown materials high in carbon content. These materials provide energy for the microbes and help keep the pile from becoming too wet.
2. Green Materials (Nitrogen) – Add fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other green materials high in nitrogen content. These materials supply protein and other essential nutrients for the microbes.
3. Water – Keep your compost pile slightly moist but not overly soggy. Too much water can slow down the decomposition process, while too little can cause the pile to become compacted and less aerobic.
Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Compost Pile
Once you have your compost pile set up, there are several things you can do to maintain its health and promote efficient decomposition:
1. Turn And Aerate Regularly – Turning your compost pile regularly helps mix in oxygen and distribute moisture evenly throughout the pile. Use a pitchfork or other tool to turn the pile every week or so until it starts to heat up.
2. Monitor Moisture Levels – Make sure your compost pile stays slightly moist but not overly wet. If the pile becomes too dry, add water; if it becomes too wet, add more browns or turn the pile to increase airflow.
3. Control Temperature – Ideally, your compost pile should reach temperatures around 150°F to 160°F to kill off pathogens and weeds. To achieve this temperature, turn the pile frequently and adjust the ratio of greens to browns as needed.
How To Use Your Homemade Compost In The Garden
After several months of patient waiting, your homemade compost is finally ready to use! Here are some ways to incorporate it into your garden:
1. Mix With Potting Soil – Add a handful of compost to each pot when transplanting seedlings or starting new plants.
2. Top Dress Existing Plants – Spread a thin layer of compost around established plants to boost their growth and health.
3. Amend Heavy Clay Soils – Mix compost with heavy clay soils to improve drainage and aeration.
4. Mulch Beds – Apply a thick layer of compost as a mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
