Discover the ideal organic waste for creating quality fertilizer, understand when to compost in piles versus using a composter, learn the essential conditions for forming high-quality compost, and determine the time needed for organic waste to transform into compost.
Related Posts:
MINI GUIDE TO PLANTING AND GROWING HERBS
NATURAL WAYS TO GET RID OF WEEDS IN YOUR GARDEN
Many eagerly anticipate the gardening season, finding solace in nature. For those avoiding chemicals, composting offers a sustainable solution. Creating your own compost from kitchen and garden waste not only enriches your soil but also reduces landfill waste.
Choosing the Right Waste:
- Garden Waste: Grass clippings, fallen leaves, small branches, and shredded wood.
- Kitchen Waste: Fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, and unbleached cardboard/paper.
Piles or Composter: Which One?
- Piles: Suitable for larger yards, placed in a shady spot directly on the ground for natural moisture absorption and airflow.
- Composter: Ideal for smaller spaces, available in stores or DIY versions made from wooden crates or barrels.
Essential Conditions for Compost Formation:
- Temperature: Natural decay initiates at around 60°C (140°F). Place the composter in a shaded area to prevent overheating.
- Moisture: Optimal moisture levels resemble damp soil. Excessive water leads to odor, while dryness slows decomposition.
- Airflow: Regularly turning the compost or having built-in ventilation ensures oxygen circulation.
Knowing When Compost is Ready:
- Appearance: Finished compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, resembling store-bought compost.
- Timeframe: Composting duration varies from three months to a year based on waste type, temperature, and other factors.
Dos and Don’ts of Composting:
- Do Include: Fresh fruit/vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, leaves, shredded wood, and flower waste.
- Don’t Include: Meat, bones, dairy, pet waste, treated wood, plastic, glass, metal, charcoal ash, and vacuum contents.
By following these guidelines, you can turn kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, benefiting your garden and reducing environmental impact.
Foto: Freepik