Composting Basics
Over the last few years my family has been making small changes to live in a more natural/sustainable way. In an attempt to create less waste we started home composting in order to help recycle food scraps. In case you are wondering “What is compost?”; it’s decaying organic material. Just as worms and insects help decompose leaves on the forest floor, you can create your own nutrient-rich soil and fertilize your garden in a natural way.
To begin, you will need a bin to hold kitchen scraps. This is the countertop bucket I currently use; the stainless steel style works well with my home decor and doesn’t look out of place sitting on my countertop.
What can you compost? You’d be surprised to know that many everyday items can be tossed into the compost pile. To break it down, there are nitrogen materials (or commonly called “green”) and carbon materials (sometimes called “brown”). Refer to the list below when you begin composting.
Green materials:
Eggshells
Coffee grounds
Loose tea or tea bags
Veggie & fruit scraps
Garden/Grass clippings and green leaves
Stale food (bread)
Brown materials:
Dry leaves
Saw dust
Straw
Paper (not glossy)
Egg cartons (non plastic)
Newspapers
Dryer lint (from natural fibers)
Cardboard
What NOT to compost:
Meat of any kind
Dairy products
Grease/oils/fats
Charcoal ash
Diseased plants
Pet waste
*These items make your compost pile smell and attract animals or may contain germs.
Our outdoor compost bin was made by my husband and is open to the elements. We have a fence around our yard so large animals can’t access it. The squirrels have been know to munch on an avocado or two though. Haha! If you don’t want to build or purchase a bin, you can always designate an open spot in your yard to store your compost pile. Make sure the area is flat and drains well so it’s easier to maintain. Over time, all the materials you add will decompose, but to help speed the process, it’s always a good idea to toss the pile once a week or each time you dump more materials in using a shovel or pitch fork. The mixture should be moist, but not overly saturated. Add more “browns” if the mixture is super soggy and additional “greens” if too dry (or give it a quick spray with the hose).
You may use a paper bag or metal trash can to store your carbon materials in a garage or shed while collecting for the compost. This keeps the objects organized and tidy for use later. Most of my nitrogen matter gets stored in the kitchen bin and emptied about twice a week.
It can take anywhere from a few months, up to a year for your pile to produce actual compost. It’s ready when its dark, crumbly and has an earthy odor. (Surprise! It will look like soil!) Use it as potting soil for your garden or houseplants. I find it kinda magical that we can look to nature for inspiration and with a bit of patience turn nothing into something.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
-Lao Tzu
Do you have any composting tips to share? I love hearing from my readers.
Take care. xo