Composting is one of the best ways to recycle organic waste and create nutrient-rich material for your garden. Whether you’re new to gardening or experienced, starting and maintaining a compost bin is easy. Here’s a guide to get you started:
- Choose the Right Location: Find a spot for your compost bin that’s convenient but not too close to your house. It should have good air circulation and partial shade to prevent it from getting too hot. Bins can be purchased, or you can build one using wooden pallets or wire mesh.
- What to Compost: Compost is made up of two main ingredients: “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials). Greens include fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds, while browns include leaves, straw, and cardboard. Aim for a balance of roughly 50% greens and 50% browns.
- What Not to Compost: Avoid adding meat, dairy, oils, and pet waste to your compost, as these can attract pests and create unpleasant odors. Also, don’t compost diseased plants or weeds that have gone to seed.
- Maintaining the Pile: Turn your compost pile every few weeks to provide oxygen and speed up the decomposition process. If your pile smells bad, it’s likely too wet—add more browns to balance it out. If it’s too dry, add water or greens.
- Harvesting Compost: After a few months, your compost will break down into dark, crumbly material. This finished compost can be mixed into your garden beds to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient levels.
Composting reduces waste, enriches your garden, and helps you garden more sustainably.
