Why should I think about composting?
Did you know, one third of all food produced is lost or wasted –around 1.3 billion tonnes of food worldwide, every year! Composting helps divert this organic waste from landfills which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Composting also improves soil quality by adding nutrients, which in turn supports plant growth.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials, such as food waste, paper and cardboard and leaf litter. Once broken down you’re left with a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will improve your soil quality and plant growth. Composting does occur naturally as different microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, break down the organic materials.
Benefits of composting
There are so many benefits when you start composting. Once you’ve harvested and started using your compost you will see these benefits in your own garden.
Improved soil structure. Compost helps to improve your soils structure by adding organic matter to the soil. This in turn, improves soil aeration, drainage, and it’s water-holding capacity.
Increased soil fertility. Compost is a rich source of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that are essential for plant growth. By adding compost to your soil you will provide a steady supply of nutrients to your plants.
Reduced need for chemical fertilisers. By adding compost to your soil, you can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers. This is because compost provides a natural, slow-release source of nutrients to your plants over time.
Improved plant growth. The nutrients in compost help to promote healthy plant growth, resulting in stronger, healthier plants that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Reduced waste. Composting is a great way to reduce waste and recycle organic materials. Waste such as food scraps and yard clipping would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Reduced water usage. Compost helps to improve soil moisture retention in your garden, which can reduce the need for watering your plants.
Your composting efforts will also help outside of your garden! Composting is a great, sustainable and effective way to improve your garden’s health while also helping our planet.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Composting helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic materials from landfills. In a landfill it would just decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Learning to compost is easy!
Learning to compost is a great way to help reduce waste and do your part in contributing to a healthier environment. Even if you’re not a gardener, composting is a natural way to recycle your food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic waste. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced gardener looking to improve your soil quality, composting is an easy and rewarding practice to learn. In this article, I’ll talk through a simple guide to help beginners get started with composting. Keep reading to learn more.
Composting. Getting Started
1. Choose a location
Choosing the right location for your compost pile or bin is important to ensure the success of your composting efforts. Here are some tips to help you choose a successful location:
Choose a level, well-drained area. Look for an area that is level and has good drainage. This will help to prevent water from pooling and slowing down the composting process.
Consider sunlight. Composting can happen in the shade, but it will be slower than if it’s in the sun. If possible, choose a location that receives at least 4 – 6 hours of sunlight throughout the day.
Accessibility. Choose a location that is easily accessible for adding materials and keeping an eye on the compost pile. Avoid placing it too far from your kitchen or garden as this can discourage you from sticking to your composting journey.
Airflow. Make sure your location allows for good air circulation as this is important for the composting process. Avoid placing your compost against a fence, wall, or other structure that could block airflow.
Consider neighbours. If you live in an area with close neighbours, be considerate of where you place your compost pile. Avoid locations that are too close to their property or windows, as composting can sometimes create odours.
2. Selecting a container
Selecting the right container for composting is an important step to a successful composting system. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your container:
Size. The size of the container will depend on how much waste you generate and how much space you have available. A container that is too small may not hold enough material to generate sufficient heat to speed up the composting process, while a container that is too large may be difficult to manage.Rule of thumb is to have a container double the size of your compost pile.
Material. Compost containers can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and metal. Plastic containers are lightweight and durable, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as wooden bins and plastic isn’t very crunchy. Wooden bins are more attractive, but they can be more expensive, may require more maintenance and could attract termites if not treated. Metal bins are durable and may be more resistant to pests, but they can rust over time. Choose an option to suit your budget when starting. As you continue composting you will find a compost container that is well-suited to your needs.
Access. A good compost container should be easy to access for adding materials and turning the compost. Look for a container that has a large opening or a removable lid for easy access.
Aeration. Proper aeration is important for the composting process. Look for a container that allows for good airflow. Some containers have holes or vents to provide ventilation, while others are designed with an open bottom to allow air to circulate.
Pest resistance. Composting can attract pests such as rodents and flies. Look for a container that is pest-resistant or has features such as a tight-fitting lid or wire mesh to prevent pests from getting in.
3. Gather your materials
By gathering the right materials that will break down quickly, you will create a healthy, productive compost pile. Here are some tips for choosing the right materials that will leave you with high quality compost.
Green materials. Green materials are rich in nitrogen and provide the protein that microorganisms need to break down the compost. Aim for a ratio of about 2 parts green materials to 1 part brown materials.
Green materials include fresh grass clippings, vegetable and fruit scraps, and green leaves.
Brown materials. Brown materials are rich in carbon and provide the energy that microorganisms need to break down the compost. Aim for a ratio of about 2 parts brown materials to 1 part green materials.
Brown materials include dry leaves, small twigs, shredded paper or newspaper, sawdust or even last night’s pizza box.
Avoid meat and dairy. Meat, dairy, and other animal products should be avoided. These types of products will attract unwanted pests and produce odours.
No pet waste. Pet waste should also be avoided, as it can contain pathogens that can be harmful to you and your pets.
Avoid chemicals. Avoid adding chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers, to your compost pile. These can kill beneficial microorganisms and produce harmful chemicals in the finished compost.
Shred your materials. By shredding or chopping up larger materials, such as branches or leaves, can help speed up the composting process. By increasing the surface area this makes it easier for microorganisms to break them down.
Building Your Composting Bin
1. Layer your compost materials
Layering your materials is an important technique when composting. Layering will help to create a balanced mixture of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials green and brown waste), which is essential for the composting process. By layering your materials, you will encourage a healthy, productive compost pile that will break down quickly and give you a high-quality compost at the end.
Start with a layer of coarse materials. Begin by adding a layer of coarse materials, such as twigs or small branches, to the bottom of your compost pile or bin. This will help to create air pockets and improve your drainage.
Add a layer of brown materials. Next, add a layer of brown materials, such as leaves, shredded paper or newspaper, straw or coco coir. This will provide the carbon that microorganisms need to break down the compost.
Add a layer of green materials. Add a layer of green materials, such as vegetable and fruit scraps, grass clippings, or fresh manure. This will provide the nitrogen that microorganisms need to break down the compost.
Add another layer of brown materials. Add another layer of brown materials on top of the green layer. This will help to balance the nitrogen and carbon ratios in the compost pile.
Repeat. Continue layering your materials in this way, alternating between brown and green layers, until your compost pile is the desired size. Make sure you water each layer as you add it to your compost to help activate the microorganisms that will break everything down.
Cover. Once you have finished layering your materials, cover the compost pile or bin with a layer of straw or leaves to help retain moisture and keep pests away.
2. Remember to add water and stir along the way
By maintaining the right moisture level and adding air to your compost pile, you can help promote a healthy, productive compost that is going to break down quickly.
Moisture level. The microorganisms in your compost need moisture to survive and break down your organic matter. If the compost pile is too dry, they won’t be able to function properly and the composting process will slow down or even stop. On the other hand, if your compost pile is too wet, it can become anaerobic (deprived of oxygen), which means unpleasant odours and your composting process slowing down. The ideal moisture level for a compost pile is around 50-60%.
Airflow. Your composts microorganisms also need oxygen to survive and break down the organic matter. If your compost pile becomes compacted or is not turned regularly, it can become anaerobic and slow down the composting process. Adding air to your compost pile by turning it regularly or using a compost aerator can help to prevent anaerobic conditions and keep the composting process moving forward.
Composting Do’s and Don’ts
What you can compost
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Shredded paper or newspaper
- Cardboard
- Sawdust and wood shavings
- Plant trimmings
- Nut shells
- Hay and straw
- Dryer lint and hair (from humans and pets)
- Wood chips
What you can’t compost
- Meat and dairy products
- Bones
- Fats and oils
- Pet waste (including cat litter)
- Diseased plants or weeds that have gone to seed
- Charcoal ash or briquettes
- Coal ash
- Synthetic fibres (such as polyester or nylon)
- Plastic or metal
- Glossy paper or magazines
- Receipts
- Anything treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals
It’s important to note that some of the items on the “What you can’t compost” list can be composted under certain conditions. When beginning composting in a traditional compost its best to stick to these recommendations though.
But if I’m composting, why can’t I throw everything in?
Certain items should not be composted because they will cause problems in your compost pile or in your finished compost. These problems can be disheartening and just plain gross. By avoiding these items when composting, you can create a healthy, productive compost that will nourish your plants and benefit the environment.
If you find your compost is starting to smell here are some troubleshooting tips for common composting problems.
Maintaining Your Compost
Regularly adding new materials to your compost pile is essential for maintaining your compost. It ensures a continual supply of nutrients for the microorganisms, helps to maintain the ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, promotes airflow and prevents compaction, and controls moisture levels. Here’s a few tips for keeping your compost happy.
Continual supply of nutrients. As the microorganisms in your compost pile break down organic matter, they consume and deplete the available nutrients. You will need to keep feeding them by adding new materials to the compost pile. This helps to replenish those nutrients and ensures that there is a continual supply of food for the microorganisms to thrive and do their work.
Maintain the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Composting requires a balance of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich materials. As the composting process progresses, the ratio of carbon-to-nitrogen can become imbalanced. Keep adding new materials, especially green materials like kitchen scraps or fresh grass clippings. This will help to maintain the ideal ratio and keep the composting process moving forward.
Promote airflow and prevent compaction. Adding new materials to the compost pile also helps to prevent the pile from becoming compacted and encourages airflow. This allows oxygen to reach the microorganisms, which helps them break down the organic matter more efficiently.
Control moisture levels. Adding new materials to the compost pile also helps with controlling moisture levels. If your compost pile becomes too dry, add new materials that are moist to help bring the moisture level back up. Similarly, if your compost pile becomes too wet, adding dry materials such as shredded leaves or straw can help to absorb excess moisture and prevent the pile from becoming waterlogged.
Reaping the rewards of your composting journey
The time it takes for your compost to be ready really depends on a few factors. The materials you use, the size of your compost pile, and the conditions in which it is kept all play a part. In general, however, compost can take anywhere from several months to a year to fully decompose and be ready to use.
You can tell when your compost is ready by its appearance and smell. When it’s ready, the compost should look dark and crumbly, with a pleasant earthy smell. The original materials you added to the compost should no longer be recognisable, and any large pieces of material should be broken down into small fragments.
To check if your compost is ready, take a sample from the bottom or middle of the pile and examine it. If the compost is not yet fully decomposed, you may want to continue adding new materials and turning the pile to promote further decomposition.
Once your compost is ready, you can use it in your garden as a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Simply spread the compost over your garden beds or mix it into the soil before planting. The compost will help to improve your soil structure, retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients to your plants, helping them to grow strong and healthy.
How to harvest your compost
Harvesting your compost is the process of removing the finished compost from your compost pile or bin so that you can use it in your garden. Here are the steps to harvesting your compost:
Stop adding new materials. About 2-4 weeks before you plan to harvest your compost, stop adding new materials. This will give the remaining materials time to finish decomposing.
Determine if your compost is ready. Check to see if your compost is ready by examining it. Finished compost should look dark, crumbly, and smell earthy. If it still looks like the original materials you added or has a strong odor, it is not yet ready.
Remove any large or uncomposted materials. Before harvesting your compost, remove any large or uncomposted materials from the pile. This can include sticks, leaves, or any material that is still recognisable.
Harvest your compost. One method is to simply remove the finished compost from the top of the pile or bin and set it aside while you work your way down. Another method is to use a screen to sift the compost and separate any remaining uncomposted materials. Depending on whether you have a pile or a bin will determine the best way to harvest your compost.
Remember to continue adding new materials to your compost after harvesting to keep the composting process going to produce more nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Using Your Composting efforts
Once you have harvested your compost, you can use it in your garden as a soil amendment. Spreading your compost over your garden beds or mixing it into yout soil before planting will help to improve your soils structure, retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients to your plants, helping them to grow strong and healthy.
When using your compost, it’s important to remember that it is a slow-release fertiliser, meaning that it releases nutrients slowly over time. Therefore, it’s best to use compost as a long-term soil amendment rather than a quick fix for plant problems. Also, be sure to use mature, fully decomposed compost, as fresh compost may contain phytotoxic compounds that can harm your plants.
Here are some ways you can use your compost in your garden.
Mulch. Spreading a layer of your compost around your plants can act as a mulch. This will help to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
Topdressing. You can add a layer of compost on top of your garden beds in the fall or early spring as a top dressing. This will help to improve soil structure, add nutrients, and promote healthy plant growth.
Potting soil: Mixing compost in to your potting soil can increase fertility by adding organic matter and nutrients for your plants. The general rule of thumb is to mix one part compost with two parts potting soil.
Compost tea. Make a compost tea by steeping compost in water and then using the resulting liquid to water your plants. This helps to provide a concentrated dose of nutrients to your plants.
Start composting today!
Composting is a simple and rewarding way to reduce waste, improve soil health, and grow healthy plants. By diverting organic materials from landfills and turning them into a valuable resource, you’re also helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.
Starting a compost is easier than you might think, and with a little effort, you can create something that will benefit your garden and the environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, composting is a great way to connect with nature and give back to the earth.
So why not give it a try? Gather your materials, choose a location, and start composting today! You’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is to turn your food scraps and yard waste into a valuable resource for your garden. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste and protect the planet. Happy composting!
