Ready to take the next step in living a sustainable lifestyle? Then let’s get all of those smelly food scraps out of your trashcan and put them to good use. The first thing you are going to want to do is choose a bucket or bowl to collect your food scraps in to keep in your kitchen. (If you have a designated place to keep your food scraps inside it will make it easier when you transfer them to your compost pile) Personally, I have a small bucket that I pull out and place on my kitchen table so that as I am preparing dinner I can just toss my scraps into it. You may also choose to purchase a small bucket that is designed for holding compost. These buckets feature a charcoal filter in the lid which prevents it from releasing any odors, like this one here. I lucked up and found mine at a thrift store!
What is composting?
Simply put, composting is the process of converting organic matter into nutrient rich soil and mulch. Every garden can benefit from the addition of compost because it contains so many nutrients needed for plants growth. The output is a dark, rich, and granular material. Microorganisms consume the matter added to the compost pile and break it down. If your compost is just right, you may even attract some worms. Or you may choose to add your own worms to help with the composting process.
What can be composted?
If you are new to composting, I suggest saving the photo above to your device for a quick and simple reference. There are two categories of matter that you will want to collect for your composting.
Nitrogen rich material is your “green matter” (Grass clippings, food scraps, eggshells, tea bags, and coffee grains are all examples of materials that fall under this category).
Carbon rich material is your “brown matter” (Twigs, Dry leaves, shredded cardboard or paper, and wood chips from untreated wood are all examples of materials that fall under this category).
Some things that you want to make sure NOT to compost include:
- Fish, Meat, Bones
- Dairy Products
- Dog or Cat Waste (Including Cat litter)
- Produce Stickers
- Oil and Grease
- Paper that has a waxy, glossy, or colored coating.
- Wood that has been treated or painted
- Weeds
- Disease ridden plants
- Plants Infested with Pests
- Plants that have been sprayed with pesticides
- Dryer lint
How to set up a compost pile
First you will want to choose an area of your yard for your pile. You want to make sure not to place it on top of concrete or wood. The biggest thing you should consider is distance from your garden and a water source. You will need to be able to water your compost pile to keep it moist, so keep it within reach of a water hose. You will also want it to be rather close to your garden. This way, when your compost is done, you do not need to transfer it far.
The second thing to consider is if you want to build or purchase your compost set up. There are several companies out there that offer worm bins or composting bins that turn to allow you to mix your compost with ease. You can also DIY your own with tubs or other materials. But the easiest way in my opinion is to just build a simple area like the one pictured at the top of this post. One side will be dedicated to your compost that you are currently working. The other side will be where you store your completed compost.
Now, you will want to layer your green matter and brown matter. I always start my compost pile by putting down a small layer of soil and then covering it with dry leaves as they are the easiest brown matter for me to get my hands on. Then I place my kitchen scraps on top and cover it with more dry leaves. Then just drench it with your water hose. Compost should never have an odor, if it does you are lacking in brown matter. Composting is all about balance.
The length of time it takes for your compost to break down can vary. I start my compost at the end of fall when the leaves are falling and then add to it all winter long. By the time spring comes, I have beautiful soil ready to add to my garden beds. During the summer, I still compost but divide up some of my kitchen scraps to give to my chickens.
Troubleshooting Common Composting Problems
Succesfully creating your own compost can be a rewarding experience but even gardeners who have been composting for years may still encounter issues along the way. So let’s talk through some common problems and how to address them.
How to Manage Unpleasant Odors in Compost
A properly managed compost pile should have a mild earthy scent. If it has an unpleasant odor, this is a sign that you may have an imbalance in your green to brown ratio.
Try adding more brown materials to your compost. Materials such as dried leaves, straw, tree bark, or dead plants are all examples of brown matter. This will help balance the ratio and improve airflow to your pile. Make sure you are turning your pile regularly as this will also help reduce odor causing anaerobic conditions.
What Can I Do if I have a Pest Infestation in my Pile?
This is probably the most frustrating issue to have in my opinion. Common pests include flies, maggots, ants, and even rodents.
The best way to minimize these pests is to bury food scraps deep within your pile or use a secure compost bin that has a lid. Ensure that you are not adding any meat, dairy, or fatty food waste to your pile as this will attract unwanted guests.
Regularly turning your pile can help deter pests as well.
How Can I Speed Up the Decomposition Process?
This is a common problem for many who are starting out composting and can be frustrating, especially if you are eager to put your compost to use. There are several factors that contribute to the speed in which your compost will break down. Moisture and nitrogen are the two main factors in this process.
By adding nitrogen rich materials to your pile you can boost microbial activity thus resulting in a faster decomposition. Nitrogen rich materials (our green matter) include things such as food scraps or, grass clippings, plant trimmings, manure, and even used potting soil.
A lack of moisture can also contribute to a slow decomposition so make sure to water your pile regularly.
Composting is an incredibly rewarding practice that is also beneficial to our environment. By breaking down your waste into organic nutrient rich compost you’re not only reducing landfill contributions but also improving your soils health, leading to a healthy thriving garden. Now that you are equipped with all the knowledge you need to successfully start and maintain a thriving compost pile, I hope you will get your hands dirty and enjoy the magic of turning waste into nourishment for your plants.
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