What is composting?
Composting is the whole process of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The end product, called compost, can be used to better improve the quality of your garden soil. Composting is an effective way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.
What can be composted?
Practically any organic material can be composted, but having said that, some items certainly break down more swiftly than others. Food scraps such as fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all superb candidates for composting. Yard waste, like for example, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can certainly also be composted.
How to start composting
If you’re interested in getting started composting, here are the steps you can take:
- Find a particular place for your compost bin. This can be the best spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just really make sure it is in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down nicely.
- Resolve to find the correct type of bin. There are highly varied compost bins available, so research to distinguish the one that best suits your needs. Lots of containers are best for indoor use but others are more appropriate for outdoor spaces.
- Gather your compostable materials. Many different kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can additionally add yard waste, for instance, leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
- Add water to the bin when required. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down suitably, so always remember to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
- Turn the contents of the bin many times. This will help oxygenate the materials and hurry up the composting process.
- When the time comes the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then be simply added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.
How to use compost
Compost can be used in several forms. Here are some ideas:
- Find a use for it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to provide drainage and aeration. It can especially help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
- Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help keep out weeds and retain moisture.
- Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Effortlessly mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
- Use it to convert a potting mix. Compost can be easily mixed with other ingredients, for illustration, perlite or vermiculite, to put together a potting mix for your indoor plants.
- Use it to prepare compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be made by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be used freely to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.
Composting is one of the best means to bring down your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants develop. By keeping and applying these manageable tips, you can quite easily compost at home, even if you’re renting.
Are you in the market for a new rental home – maybe one with more outdoor space for composting and taking advantage of your green thumb? Then, don’t hesitate to call and talk to one of our Lusby property managers today or view our listings online.