Composting at home is an essential practice for all gardeners. Not only does composting help to break down organic materials which can reduce trash in landfills, but also it provides invaluable nutrients to your soil.
Starting a compost bin or pile at home is relatively easy. Once you determine what materials you would like to compost, you will need to assign a specific spot and begin the composting process.
The most important step is to ensure your compost piles are receiving the right balance of air, water, and organic materials such as food scraps and yard waste. Adjusting these components daily and stirring your compost regularly will help accelerate the composting process. Once your compost is ready, you can spread it on your garden beds or use it to pot up plants.
Choose Your Composting Space
The first step to composting at home is to choose a spot for your compost pile or bin. You can place your compost in a corner of your garden, locate it near a garden bed, or keep it in a special area of your yard. Choose a spot that’s easy to access and relatively level.
Organic Material to Compost
Organic materials that you can add to your compost bin or pile include kitchen scraps like fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells. You can also add yard waste like leaves, grass clippings, and plant trimmings. Avoid adding animal products like meat, dairy, fish, and bones as these materials can attract pests.
You can also add other organic material like shredded paper, sawdust from untreated wood, hair clippings, and even straw. Be sure to avoid adding any synthetic materials like plastic or metal, as these materials will not decompose.
You should also note that the size of your compost materials is important. Large pieces of organic material will take much longer to decompose than small pieces, so be sure to chop any large items. You can use a machete for chopped up material like small logs, or a shovel for chopping large yard waste like tree trimmings.
Temperature and Moisture
The temperature and moisture of your compost pile is very important for ensuring that the composting process is running smoothly. The compost pile should remain slightly moist and have an ideal internal temperature of around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Takeaways
- Composting at home is a great way to recycle your organic materials while also providing nutrients to your soil.
- Choose a spot for your composting bin or pile that is easy to access and level.
- Add appropriate organic materials to your compost such as kitchen scraps, ripped paper, and yard waste. Avoid adding animal products, synthetic materials, or large chunks of material.
- Temperature and moisture should be closely monitored in your compost pile. Aim for an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the pile slightly moist.
Conclusion
Starting a compost bin or pile at home is an easy and rewarding process. Composting helps reduce trash in landfills and provide vital nutrients to your soil. With the right ingredients, temperature, and moisture, you can create valuable compost in no time!