HOW TO COMPOST

Composting is a brilliant way for reduction of food waste and contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting might sound like a very complicated process, but it isn’t so. Composting can be done by anyone and in any location as long as they understand all the basics of the process. In the process of composting, various organic materials which are generally considered as waste products. Food wastes and yard wastes together make up close to thirty percent of what we throw away. These should instead be composted Making compos keeps these waste materials out of landfills where they take up space and releases methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Compost is beneficial for the land in numerous ways. They are rich in nutrients and serves as a soil conditioner, fertilizer, and also as a natural pesticide for the soil. Compost is also useful for erosion control, wetland construction, and as landfill cover.

There are a lot of benefits of composting. It enriches the soil and improves the soil structure. It helps in retaining moisture and curbs plant diseases and pests. It also encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that breaks down organic matter to create humus, which is a rich nutrient filled material. Composting also reduces methane emission, lowers your carbon footprint, and also scales down the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting also provides a balanced source of plant nutrition. Anything that comes from the ground can be used for composting. The wastes that are to be composted can be broken down into three distinct and basic ingredients- browns, greens, and water. Browns consists of materials such as dead leaves, branches and twigs. The greens consists of materials such as vegetable wastes, fruit wastes and grass clippings. Having the right proportion of browns, greens and water is very important for compost development. It is important to have an equal amount of browns and greens. The browns provide carbon for the compost, and the greens provide nitrogen, and the water serves as a medium to provide moisture to help break down the organic matter.

There are a lot of different ways for composting. Composting can be done by collecting the ground wastes either into a pile, a heap or in a bin. You can use tools such as pitchforks, shovels or machetes, and water hoses. You need to regularly mix and turn the compost and water in order to maintain the compost. The procedure of composting also depends on whether the compost is being kept indoors or outdoors.

For outdoor composting, you need to select a dry spot with a shade and near a water source for your compost pile, heap or bin. The browns and greens need to be added as they are collected, while making sure that the larger pieces are chopped or shredded. The dry materials also need to be moistened as they are added. Once the pile of compost is formed, the grass clippings and green wastes needs to be mixed into the pile, and the fruit and vegetable wastes need to be buried under ten inches of the compost material. It is advisable to cover the top of the compost with wood, plastic sheet or carpet scraps in order to retain moisture and heat. Covering the compost also prevents the compost from being over watered by rain. The compost needs to be moist but not soaked and soggy. The compost is considered to be ready for use when the bottom is dark and rich in color.

You can also choose to compost your materials indoors. You can use a compost bin which can be availed from your local hardware store, gardening supplies store, or you can even choose to make it yourself. It is essential that you keep track of what you are throwing into your compost bin and keep tending your pile. Your compost will not give out pungent smells and will also not attract pests or rodents. If you manage the bin properly, your compost should be ready within two to five weeks.